Iowa Code » Chapter 598 — DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Iowa Code

Iowa Code § 598.21A (2026)

Orders for spousal support

✓ current as of July 2026
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1. Criteria for determining support. Upon every judgment of annulment, dissolution, or separate maintenance, the court may grant an order requiring support payments to either party for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering all of the following: a. The length of the marriage. b. The age and physical and emotional health of the parties. c. The distribution of property made pursuant to section 598.21. d. The educational level of each party at the time of marriage and at the time the action is commenced. e. The earning capacity of the party seeking maintenance, including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, length of absence from the job market, responsibilities for children under either an award of custody or physical care, and the time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party to find appropriate employment. f. The feasibility of the party seeking maintenance becoming self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage, and the length of time necessary to achieve this goal. g. The tax consequences to each party. h. Any mutual agreement made by the parties concerning financial or service contributions by one party with the expectation of future reciprocation or compensation by the other party. i. The provisions of an antenuptial agreement. j. Other factors the court may determine to be relevant in an individual case. 2. Necessary content of order. Orders made pursuant to this section need mention only those factors relevant to the particular case for which the orders are made but shall contain the names, birth dates, addresses, and counties of residence of the petitioner and respondent. 96 Acts, ch 1106, §18; 2005 Acts, ch 69, §39 Referred to in §252A.3, 252A.6, 598.20, 598.21, 598.22

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Notes of Decisions
Cited in 209 cases (83 in the last 5 years), 2007–2026 · leading case: In Re the Marriage of Richard C. Mauer & Carol K. Mauer, Upon the Petition of Richard C. Mauer, 874 N.W.2d 103 (Iowa 2016).
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In Re the Marriage of Richard C. Mauer & Carol K. Mauer, Upon the Petition of Richard C. Mauer, 874 N.W.2d 103 (Iowa 2016). · cites it 26× “Although we acknowledged a few states determine spousal support awards by employing alternative ap *107 proaches that rely on arithmetic formulas, we cautioned Iowa courts “are compelled to follow the traditional multifactor statutory framework” set forth in Iowa Code section…”
In Re the Marriage of Steven Michael Gust & Linda Leann Gust Upon the Petition of Steven Michael Gust, 858 N.W.2d 402 (Iowa 2015). · cites it 24× “What the legislature requires us to do is to apply the factors set forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A to determine a fair and equitable spousal support.”
In re Marriage of Stenzel, 908 N.W.2d 524 (Iowa Ct. App. 2018). · cites it 16× “To determine a spousal support award, "Iowa courts 'are compelled to follow the traditional multifactor statutory framework set' forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A." Mauer , 874 N.W.2d at 107 (citation omitted).”
In Re the Marriage of Hansen, 733 N.W.2d 683 (Iowa 2007). · cites it 4× “Factors to be considered in awarding alimony are set forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A(1). 2. Value of Marital Residence.”
Jodi Lynn Erpelding v. Timothy John Erpelding, 917 N.W.2d 235 (Iowa 2018). · cites it 4× “3 The current version of this amendment is found in Iowa Code section 598.21A(1)( i ). Section 598.21A(1) enumerates the criteria a court should consider in determining if an award of spousal support is appropriate, including "[t]he provisions of an antenuptial agreement.”
In Re the Marriage of Hazen, 778 N.W.2d 55 (Iowa Ct. App. 2009). · cites it 4× “Until the lien is discharged we affirm the district court’s provision that he pay Jeanne $250 a month toward this debt under the terms ordered by the district court. Making these adjustments to the property distribution would leave Jeanne with $43,575 in assets and Timothy with…”
In re the Marriage of Witherly, 867 N.W.2d 856 (Iowa Ct. App. 2015). · cites it 4× “On this score, we look to the statutory spousal support factors set forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A (2013). 1 While this multi- *860 factored test has been subject to criticism as too arbitrary, the Iowa Supreme Court recently reiterated our obligation to follow it in the…”
In RE the Marriage of Julianne R. Schenkelberg & Gary W. Schenkelberg. Upon the Petition of Julianne R. Schenkelberg, 824 N.W.2d 481 (Iowa 2012). · cites it 2× “The amount of spousal support is always calculated equitably based upon “all of the following” factors contained in Iowa Code section 598.21A(1) (emphasis added). These include: a.”
In re the Marriage of Shanks, 805 N.W.2d 175 (Iowa Ct. App. 2011). · cites it 4× “Randall testified that there was no gain on the home sale, meaning basically he put more in the homes than he received on sale. The district court appears to have accepted this evidence, as do we.”
In Re Marriage of Becker, 756 N.W.2d 822 (Iowa 2008). · cites it 2× “In the 2007 Code of Iowa, this section is now found at section 598.21A(1).”
Amended July 31, 2015 In RE the Marriage of Susan Michelle Thatcher & Ronald Dean Thatcher Upon the Petition of Susan Michelle Thatcher, Anna Carson as for the Est. of Susan Michelle Thatcher, 864 N.W.2d 533 (Iowa 2015). · cites it 2× “The amount and duration of an order granting support payments to either party pursuant to section 598.21A and whether the property division should be in lieu of such payments.”
Amended April 6, 2016 In Re the Marriage of Richard C. Mauer & Carol K. Mauer (Iowa 2016). · cites it 20× “Although we acknowledged a few states determine spousal support 7 awards by employing alternative approaches that rely on arithmetic formulas, we cautioned Iowa courts “are compelled to follow the traditional multifactor statutory framework” set forth in Iowa Code section…”
Show all 209 citing cases →
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1) — 134 cases
In Re the Marriage of Richard C. Mauer & Carol K. Mauer, Upon the Petition of Richard C. Mauer, 874 N.W.2d 103 (Iowa 2016). “Although we acknowledged a few states determine spousal support awards by employing alternative ap *107 proaches that rely on arithmetic formulas, we cautioned Iowa courts “are compelled to follow the traditional multifactor statutory framework” set forth in Iowa Code section…”
In Re the Marriage of Steven Michael Gust & Linda Leann Gust Upon the Petition of Steven Michael Gust, 858 N.W.2d 402 (Iowa 2015). “What the legislature requires us to do is to apply the factors set forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A to determine a fair and equitable spousal support.”
In re Marriage of Stenzel, 908 N.W.2d 524 (Iowa Ct. App. 2018). “To determine a spousal support award, "Iowa courts 'are compelled to follow the traditional multifactor statutory framework set' forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A." Mauer , 874 N.W.2d at 107 (citation omitted).”
Jodi Lynn Erpelding v. Timothy John Erpelding, 917 N.W.2d 235 (Iowa 2018). “3 The current version of this amendment is found in Iowa Code section 598.21A(1)( i ). Section 598.21A(1) enumerates the criteria a court should consider in determining if an award of spousal support is appropriate, including "[t]he provisions of an antenuptial agreement.”
In Re the Marriage of Hansen, 733 N.W.2d 683 (Iowa 2007). “Factors to be considered in awarding alimony are set forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A(1). 2. Value of Marital Residence.”
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(a) — 4 cases
In re the Marriage of Mann (Iowa 2020).
In Re the Marriage of Timothy Wayne Schumacher & Mary Schumacher Upon the Petition of Timothy Wayne Schumacher, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning Mary Schumacher, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).
In re Marriage of Van Voorst (Iowa Ct. App. 2021).
In re the Marriage of Rachael Kay Sokol & David Langdon Sokol (Iowa 2023).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(b) — 7 cases
Terry Michael Huegli v. Janeen Nan Huegli (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In Re the Marriage of Karen K. Korn & John C. Korn Upon the Petition of Karen K. Korn, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning John C. Korn, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In Re the Marriage of Richard L. Cook & Susan K. Cook Upon the Petition of Richard L. Cook, & Concerning Susan K. Cook (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).
In re the Marriage of Suraj George Pazhoor & Hancy Chennikkara Pazhoor, Upon the Petition of Suraj George Pazhoor v. & Concerning Hancy Chennikkara f/k/a Hancy Chennikkara Pazhoor (Iowa 2022).
In re the Marriage of Barche (Iowa Ct. App. 2023).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(c) — 18 cases
In re the Marriage of Cherny, 919 N.W.2d 766 (Iowa Ct. App. 2018).
In re the Marriage of Bittner (Iowa Ct. App. 2023).
In re the Marriage of King (Iowa Ct. App. 2025).
Terry Michael Huegli v. Janeen Nan Huegli (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In Re the Marriage of Heather Lynn Kenne & Daniel Joseph Kenne Upon the Petition of Heather Lynn Kenne, petitioner-appellee/cross-appellant, & Concerning Daniel Joseph Kenne, respondent-appellant/cross-appellee. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(d) — 14 cases
In Re the Marriage of Karen K. Korn & John C. Korn Upon the Petition of Karen K. Korn, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning John C. Korn, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In Re the Marriage of Heather Lynn Kenne & Daniel Joseph Kenne Upon the Petition of Heather Lynn Kenne, petitioner-appellee/cross-appellant, & Concerning Daniel Joseph Kenne, respondent-appellant/cross-appellee. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).
In re the Marriage of Bechthold (Iowa Ct. App. 2018).
In re the Marriage of Pazhoor (Iowa Ct. App. 2021).
In re the Marriage of Sikyta (Iowa Ct. App. 2021).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(e) — 13 cases
In Re the Marriage of Rachel Joann Gemmell & Andrew Neal Gemmell Upon the Petition of Rachel Joann Gemmell, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning Andrew Neal Gemmell, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In Re the Marriage of Heather Lynn Kenne & Daniel Joseph Kenne Upon the Petition of Heather Lynn Kenne, petitioner-appellee/cross-appellant, & Concerning Daniel Joseph Kenne, respondent-appellant/cross-appellee. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).
In re the Marriage of Bingaman (Iowa Ct. App. 2020).
In re the Marriage of Pazhoor (Iowa Ct. App. 2021).
In re the Marriage of Sikyta (Iowa Ct. App. 2021).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(f) — 11 cases
In re Marriage of Stenzel, 908 N.W.2d 524 (Iowa Ct. App. 2018). “To determine a spousal support award, "Iowa courts 'are compelled to follow the traditional multifactor statutory framework set' forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A." Mauer , 874 N.W.2d at 107 (citation omitted).”
In Re the Marriage of Rachel Joann Gemmell & Andrew Neal Gemmell Upon the Petition of Rachel Joann Gemmell, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning Andrew Neal Gemmell, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In Re the Marriage of Heather Lynn Kenne & Daniel Joseph Kenne Upon the Petition of Heather Lynn Kenne, petitioner-appellee/cross-appellant, & Concerning Daniel Joseph Kenne, respondent-appellant/cross-appellee. (Iowa Ct. App. 2017).
In re the Marriage of Eastman (Iowa Ct. App. 2021).
In re Marriage of Doss & Huffer (Iowa Ct. App. 2022).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(g) — 3 cases
In Re the Marriage of Karen K. Korn & John C. Korn Upon the Petition of Karen K. Korn, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning John C. Korn, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In re The Marriage of Bainbridge (Iowa Ct. App. 2023).
In re Marriage of Williams (Iowa Ct. App. 2024).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(i) — 2 cases
Terry Michael Huegli v. Janeen Nan Huegli (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In re the Marriage of Sherwood (Iowa Ct. App. 2023).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(1)(j) — 3 cases
In Re the Marriage of Karen K. Korn & John C. Korn Upon the Petition of Karen K. Korn, petitioner-appellant/cross-appellee, & Concerning John C. Korn, respondent-appellee/cross-appellant. (Iowa Ct. App. 2016).
In re the Marriage of Mann (Iowa 2020).
In Re the Marriage of Amy L. Schmadeke & Thomas Z. Schmadeke Upon the Petition of Amy L. Schmadeke, & Concerning Thomas Z. Schmadeke (Iowa Ct. App. 2014).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(2) — 1 case
In re the Marriage of Mann (Iowa 2020).
— Iowa Code § 598.21A(l) — 1 case
In Re the Marriage of Hansen, 733 N.W.2d 683 (Iowa 2007). “Factors to be considered in awarding alimony are set forth in Iowa Code section 598.21A(1). 2. Value of Marital Residence.”
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