LEGAL EXCELLENCE IN ARIZONA
Arizona Child Support Advocacy
Understanding Arizona's child support laws is the first step toward securing your family's future. We provide the structured guidance and aggressive representation required to calculate fair guidelines, enforce orders, and manage necessary modifications.
Income Shares Model
Calculations start by combining both parents' gross monthly incomes to determine the total monthly support obligation according to state tables.
Arizona Child Support Guidelines
Arizona uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support, ensuring both parents contribute to their child's needs based on their combined monthly income.
Calculation Adjustments
Income figures are adjusted for child care costs, health insurance premiums, and support paid for children from other relationships.
Parenting Time Credits
The final amount is balanced by parenting time. The more time a child spends with a parent, the higher the parenting time credit applied.
Confidential Case Evaluation
Support Modification & Enforcement Details
Modifying a Support Order
Child support is never set in stone. Arizona law allows for modifications whenever a 'substantial and continuing change' in circumstances occurs. This legal standard ensures that the support amount accurately reflects the current financial reality and the child's actual needs.
- Significant increase or decrease in either parent's gross income (typically 15% or more).
- Changes in the child's healthcare insurance premiums or availability.
- Shifts in the cost of necessary childcare or education expenses.
- Adjustments to the parenting time schedule that impact parenting time credits.
- A child reaching the age of majority or graduating from high school.
Enforcement Mechanisms
When child support payments are missed, the state provides several powerful tools to ensure the custodial parent receives the court-ordered funds. These tools are designed to encourage compliance and secure past-due arrears quickly and efficiently.
- Income Withholding Orders: Wage garnishment directly from the payor's employer to ensure consistent payment.
- Financial Liens: Placing liens on real estate, vehicles, or bank accounts to secure unpaid support balances.
- License Suspension: The court can notify the MVD or professional boards to suspend driver's or professional licenses.
- Passport Denial: Arrearages exceeding $2,500 can trigger federal Passport Denial Program restrictions.
- Credit Reporting: Unpaid child support can be reported to major credit bureaus, impacting credit scores.
Arizona Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Arizona?
Arizona uses the 'Income Shares Model,' which considers the gross income of both parents, healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and the number of days the child spends with each parent according to the parenting time plan.
When does child support end in Arizona?
Support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If a child has severe disabilities, support may be extended indefinitely.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there is a 'substantial and continuing change' in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, healthcare costs, or parenting time, you can petition the court for a modification.