Alimony in Iowa
State-specific overview · Family Law
Iowa courts award alimony based on statutory factors with no fixed formula or income limit.
How Iowa treats Alimony
Iowa law (Iowa Code § 598.21) requires courts to consider the standard of living, length of marriage, earning capacity, age, health, and property division. Alimony may be temporary or permanent, though permanent awards are less common in shorter marriages. The recipient's remarriage or cohabitation typically terminates alimony, and either spouse may request modification based on material changes in income or circumstances.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.