State Ex Rel. Epps Ex Rel. Epps v. Epps

NEUMAN, Justice.

The State of Iowa has appealed a district court order that increased a noncustodial parent’s child support obligation by less than half the amount called for under our guidelines. Our review is de novo. In re Marriage of Bergfeld, 465 N.W.2d 865, 868 (Iowa 1991). Because the court’s order substantially departs from the guidelines without sufficient reason, we affirm as modified.

Helen and Freddie Epps’ marriage was dissolved in 1985. The court placed their only child, Frederick, in Helen’s custody. Freddie, then unemployed, was ordered to pay child support of $80 per month.

In…