Iowa · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

Child custody and support in Iowa

For divorcing parents in Iowa: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator and the child support agency.

In short

Iowa law uses the term “custody (legal custody and physical care) and visitation” for custody. Parenting class: Yes. Parents in a case involving custody or visitation must take a court-approved course (often called 'Children in the Middle') within 45 days of service, and the final decree waits until certificates are filed unless the court waives it (Iowa Code 598.15). Iowa publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody (legal custody and physical care) and visitation
Parenting class
Required (with conditions)
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Iowa Health and Human Services, Child Support Services

Custody terms in Iowa

Custody (legal custody and physical care) and visitation

Parenting class in Iowa

Yes. Parents in a case involving custody or visitation must take a court-approved course (often called 'Children in the Middle') within 45 days of service, and the final decree waits until certificates are filed unless the court waives it (Iowa Code 598.15).

Child support in Iowa

Good to know

Parents must finish a court-approved children's course within 45 days of service (Iowa Code 598.15).

Children in a Iowa divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Iowa's term for custody: custody (legal custody and physical care) and visitation.

  2. Parenting class

    Yes. Parents in a case involving custody or visitation must take a court-approved course (often called 'Children in the Middle') within 45 days of service, and the final decree waits until certificates are filed unless the court waives it (Iowa Code 598.15).

  3. Child support

    The official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines

  4. The child support agency

    Iowa's child support agency: Iowa Health and Human Services, Child Support Services

Questions about custody and child support in Iowa

What is child custody called in Iowa?

Iowa uses the term “custody (legal custody and physical care) and visitation”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Iowa divorce?

Yes. Parents in a case involving custody or visitation must take a court-approved course (often called 'Children in the Middle') within 45 days of service, and the final decree waits until certificates are filed unless the court waives it (Iowa Code 598.15).

Is there an official child support calculator for Iowa?

Yes. Iowa's official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines

Which agency handles child support in Iowa?

Iowa Health and Human Services, Child Support Services.

More about divorce in Iowa

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.