Directive to: Iowa Governor Reynolds

Families United Action Network: Requesting changes due to COVID-19

To:  Governor Reynolds

The emotional, physical, and psychological health of parents and children in the State of Iowa are our highest priority and we are committed to creating guidelines to keep everyone safe in the midst of COVID-19.  Families United Action Network is recommending Governor Reynolds address the urgent concerns with parenting plans and child support enforcement during the COVID-19 emergency.

In recognizing the burden some parents may experience due to the current economic crisis we are requesting Governor Reynolds issues a directive acknowledging the approval of temporary modifications for child support and parenting time matters and for the subsequent actions taken by the State due to nonpayment of child support.

Three actions are requested from Governor Reynolds:

1. Court Orders

Parenting plans, Court Orders and exchanges must proceed as ordered. We are requesting Governor Reynolds to mandate that both parents comply with any and all orders issued by the family court system. Governor Reynolds to establish appropriate penalties for non-compliance.

2. Child Support

Child support orders will remain in place. At Families United Action Network,

we understand some parents may be unable to pay child support due to quarantine, self-isolation or layoffs.  Temporary modifications for collecting and paying child support are required for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

3. Driver’s License Suspension/Bank Levy for Nonpayment of Child Support

Iowa Child Support Enforcement Services to halt the automated enforcement actions of orders for a bank levy or driver’s license suspension due to nonpayment of child support. Families United Action Network are aware many parents may be facing economic hardship during the COVID-19 crisis and we want to lessen the burden on parents facing this scenario.  We are requesting Governor Reynolds halt all new orders for a bank levy, or suspension of a driver’s license, and stop any orders in process following the onset of COVID-19. Guidelines to be determined by Governor Reynolds.

Thank you Governor Reynolds, for addressing the critical issues impacting Iowan families.

Families United Action Network