Opinion ID: 1989979
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: $75,000 Advance Payment of College Expenses

Text: In addition to requiring Stephen to transfer control of the girls' accounts, he was also ordered to pay $75,000 of his own funds to Nancy to be applied to the girls' college expenses. Although it was not specified in the court's judgment, it appears this order was intended to implement Nancy's application for a separate fund or conservatorship pursuant to Iowa Code section 598.21(5). Section 598.21(5) provides authority for a court to set aside some of a parent's money in a separate fund for the support of the children. In re Marriage of Hoak, 364 N.W.2d 185, 189 (Iowa 1985). [3] Such a fund is justified when the record reflects a parent is unwilling or unable to meet the legal obligations of support. See Fountain, 492 N.W.2d at 711; In re Marriage of Richards, 439 N.W.2d 876, 878-79 (Iowa App.1989). This appeal arises from the entry of a default judgment, and no record was made regarding Stephen's past or current compliance in making child support payments. Nor is there any evidence to establish that he would have been unwilling or unable to pay for the children's college expenses as they came due. Absent such evidence, there was no justification for requiring him to advance $75,000 for payment of the girls' college expenses. We modify the district court's order to eliminate this requirement.