Litigating Child Support Pro Se

**asil8170** · 05-31-2011, 12:11 PM

My question involves child support in the State of: Iowa
I'm sorry if this should have been posted under the "Legal System" forum but I wasn't sure so here goes...
I can no longer afford the services of an attorney but desperately need to go back to court to increase child support. I was just wondering if anyone could help me with the step-by-step procedures. I know a "bit" about Iowa family law but very little about the actual hearing or trial process. How do I start...what do I do?
Thanks in advance for any help!

**distressedmom** · 05-31-2011, 03:35 PM

If you already have a child support order already and it needs to be modified then you can request services from your State Office of Child Support.

**asil8170** · 06-01-2011, 07:45 AM

Thanks for answering, distressedmom.
Does the State Office of Child Support charge for its' services? I'm really broke right now and can't afford a thing.
Since the original post, I found a website that has, what seems to be, all the appropriate paperwork for a modification so that's not the problem. I was hoping to find some information on how to represent myself during a hearing or trial. I know that my children's father won't agree to what I'm asking and that this WILL go before a Judge. Any hints or suggestions on what information is crucial OR not exceptable in court would be most helpful.
Thanks again.

**Lawrence084** · 06-01-2011, 09:54 AM

You do realize that a "Change" has had to happen since the initial or last modification in order to get more money. Not a "Need" or "Want". For example, the NCP has to have a raise by approximately 10% or if your pay was a factor and it dropped approximately 10%. If you seek a modification and the NCP pay dropped and/or yours increased since the initial order you may end up getting less than what you are getting now.

Either way it usually comes down to income determining if a modification is awarded or not. Not a need or want. Also time. Some states have a minimum wait time before a modification can be reviewed. If the initial order was recently created or modified chances are you will not be granted a modification.

**asil8170** · 06-01-2011, 12:03 PM

Thanks Lawrene 084. I do realize that a significant change has to occur in order for a modification to even be considered. It has been 7+ years since the divorce and CS has never been revisited. Also, the NCP's income has increased AT LEAST 50%. I was going to try to "survive" the whole 10 years that the CS was awarded without getting it adjusted but the NCP has caused a lot of extra expense for me by NOT taking his visitation time and caused a lot more loss of income by cancelling his parenting time at the last minute, leading me to cancel free-lance photo jobs I had lined up. It's not fair to my kids anymore. He has the ability to increase CS and I would hope that he would understand our situation. His income is over the Iowa $200,000 cap so it will be at the Judge's discretion as to the amount of CS he thinks is fair.
Again, if anyone can help with the original question pertaining to going to trial by myself, I would surely appreciate it. Thanks again for the help so far.

**distressedmom** · 06-03-2011, 07:44 AM

The state does not charge for its services. They are normally overworked and understaffed, so it may cost you in time.

**asil8170** · 06-03-2011, 02:01 PM

I'll look into it and get a "guesstimate" of how long it would take with their service. Thanks.
If I still decide to go through the court, any help with the original question would be great.