The Iowa Court of Appeals recently upheld a lower court's decision regarding the custody and property division in the divorce case of Brittany Louise Clark and Jason Gabriel Clark. The ruling, filed on September 2, 2026, affects the couple's three children and clarifies how courts handle custody and property disputes in divorce cases.
The court's decision is significant because it emphasizes the importance of children's best interests in custody arrangements. It also provides insight into how courts evaluate property division in divorce cases, particularly when one party raises concerns about fairness.
Background
Brittany and Jason Clark married in 2013 and have three children: thirteen-year-old twin sons and an eleven-year-old daughter. The couple's relationship faced challenges, particularly after Brittany was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) shortly after the twins were born. Brittany's condition required her to manage her health while also being the primary caregiver for their children.
In August 2024, Brittany filed for divorce, seeking physical care of the children. Jason sought joint physical care. The case went to trial in July 2025, where the court heard testimony from both parties about their roles in the children's lives and the dynamics of their marriage.
The Ruling
The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's decision to grant Brittany physical care of the children. The court found that placing physical care with Brittany served the children's best interests. Chief Judge Tabor stated, "The record shows continuing difficulty in the parents’ ability to communicate and show mutual respect—weighing against joint physical care."
Additionally, the court upheld the district court's division of the couple's property, stating that it was equitable. The court noted that Brittany's successful caregiving during the marriage was a strong predictor that she would continue to provide quality care when granted primary physical care.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for future custody and property division cases in Iowa. It reinforces the principle that the best interests of the children are paramount in custody decisions. The court's emphasis on the historical caregiving arrangement also highlights how past behavior can influence current custody outcomes.
The decision also clarifies how courts can approach property division in divorce cases. The court noted that an equitable distribution does not have to be equal and that various factors, including debts and financial circumstances, play a crucial role in determining what is fair.
What's Next
Jason Clark can appeal this ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court if he chooses. There are no related cases pending that were mentioned in the court's opinion.