How should taxes for alimony in Iowa be handled?

The guidelines for spousal support in Iowa include the following factors:

• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of both parties
• The distribution of property
• The educational level of both spouses
• The earning capacity of the spouse seeking alimony
• The feasibility of the spouse seeking alimony to become self-sufficient
• The tax consequences
• Any agreement made by the spouses
• The provisions of a prenuptial agreement
• Other factors that the court considers to be relevant

The courts can consider modification of any awarded alimony at any time.  Modification will usually be awarded when there are changed circumstances involving one or both spouses. 

The spouse who receives alimony must claim that alimony as income on his/her tax forms if the court orders it.  The spouse who pays alimony can deduct the alimony on his/her federal tax returns.  

There are three types of spousal support in the state of Iowa – temporary, short-term, and long-term or permanent.  What type of spousal support is awarded will be determined on the merits and circumstances of each case. 

Marital fault is considered to be present in an Iowa divorce case when there is a breakdown of the marriage relationship, the legitimate objects of matrimony have been destroyed, and there is no reasonable possibility of the marriage being resurrected. 

Talk to an Iowa family law attorney for a case review and for obtaining legal advice regarding your options under Iowa family law and Iowa alimony laws.