Opinion ID: 2137054
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Support Award.

Text: The 1989 guidelines charts did not give the court discretion when fixing child support. See Appendix A. The 1990 guidelines permit the court to exercise discretion in fixing support when the noncustodial parent's net monthly income is $3001 and over. See Appendix B. Because Haydn's net monthly income is in excess of $3000 and Susan's net income is $720, we exercise discretion in fixing the amount of support. Under the circumstances, the amount cannot be less than $966 per month. (32.2 percent times $3000.) Susan's affidavit shows personal expenses for her support and the support of her two children to be $1685 per month. Since Susan's net monthly income is $720, Haydn argues the needs of the children can be satisfied by the payment of $965 per month. He urges the district court's allowance of $2817.67 per month would provide Susan with alimony in the name of child support rather than meeting the children's needs. Although Iowa Code section 598.21(4)(a) provides that the child support amount should be reasonable and necessary, the support award is not limited to the actual current needs of the child but may reflect the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had there not been a dissolution. In re Marriage of Campbell, 451 N.W.2d 192, 194 (Iowa App.1989). A reasonable award would include consideration of the factors set out in In re Marriage of Zoellner, 219 N.W.2d 517, 528 (Iowa 1974). We conclude that $1500 per month is a reasonable and necessary amount for child support. The district court's order and decree is modified to provide child support of $1500 per month. As modified, it is affirmed. AFFIRMED AS MODIFIED. All Justices concur except LAVORATO, J., who takes no part. APPENDIX A APPENDIX B IOWA CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES TWO CHILDREN