We understand what’s at stake in cases of divorce and family law. It’s not just a matter of fines and records; your happiness and security, and that of your loved ones, is on the line. With our emphasis on family law, we understand that each case is different. That’s why we listen closely to your situation and goals and take on your case as if it were our own. We leverage years of expertise and talented litigation to achieve your optimal child support outcome.
As of January 2022 the Arizona Child Support Guidelines were modified to be more descriptive and “user friendly”. Our experienced attorneys have the most up to date knowledge regarding child support factors, how to calculate child support, how to modify child support, how to enforce child support and various considerations.
Below you will find some frequently asked questions around the topic of child support in Arizona. You can always call us or fill out our form to book a free consultation if you still have questions. We’re happy to help.
By studying the Arizona family law materials, you will learn to prepare for court proceedings that may substantially affect how your child(ren) will be raised and the time you will spend with them.
Gaining knowledge in this area puts you in the best position to achieve your goals so you can continue to offer your child(ren) a promising future and provide a happy family life.
When a child has two homes, it is important that both home environments provide food, shelter, access to healthcare, and other essential resources. Alternatively, when a child resides predominantly with one parent, the other parent is still obligated to provide their share of these essential resources. In either case, the parent with less parenting time will provide their share via a monthly payment approved by the state.
While child support does not guarantee that every child is free from want at all times, the monthly payments do provide a baseline of support for children. In addition, payments by one parent ease the financial strains of the other custodial parent. Often, the parent who collects this financial support on behalf of the child is the parent who incurs more expenses related to education, medical care, nutrition, clothing, shelter, and other living costs.
It is crucial that you secure the representation of the skilled child support attorneys at The Valley Law Group as soon as you anticipate you or your child’s other parent will be obligated to pay child support.
State guidelines determine child support payments to meet a child’s health, education, and other needs. While adjustments are possible if the circumstances of the parents change, judges rarely deviate from these calculations while making the initial child support determination. Understanding the guidelines can help parents foresee financial obligations.
In general, the creators behind Arizona child support guidelines hold that:
The guidelines ensure consistency and predictability in support orders, preventing unfair variations between similar family cases. This uniformity improves both the fairness of orders and settlement negotiations between parents.
In every child support case, seven assertions predicate the application of the guidelines.
Child support attorneys can help you ensure each of these assertions remain true throughout the process of establishing child support.
Under Arizona law, child support approximates what parents would have spent on their children if they were still living together. Under this shared income model, each one of the parents contributes a share of their income. Typically, the noncustodial parent pays a percentage of their gross monthly income to the custodial parent – though, as mentioned, there are situations where a custodial parent may pay.
The court considers multiple statutory factors when calculating child support responsibilities.) when determining child support.
Key factors in establishing child support include:
Knowledgeable family law attorneys experienced in child support determinations, like the team at The Valley Law Group, can help you anticipate your child support amount.
When calculating child support, Arizona Family Court typically leaves extracurricular activities up to the parents to settle. If you anticipate that paying for after-school activities will be important, you can either work to have it considered as the court sets child support payments or include it in the terms of the child custody agreement. It is important to remember that anything not expressly detailed in a court order will not be enforceable at a later time.
If you believe that you will be the recipient of child support payments, keep in mind that the costs associated with raising a child can fluctuate greatly as the child grows. Fees for high school sports, for example, can cost thousands of dollars. One way you can improve the chances of sharing the financial burden of co-parenting is to keep open channels of communication with the other parent. Let them know of additional fees that come up so they have the option to contribute.
Anyone who pays or receives child support should be aware of when those payments terminate, as outlined in the court order. This order will specify the conditions under which child support obligations end. Typically, child support ends when the child turns 18, which is considered the age of emancipation. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
The court order may also stipulate that if a child turns 18 but is still attending high school, child support will continue until they graduate. This means that in certain cases, a parent may be required to continue paying child support for their 18-year-old child until they finish high school, even though the child has reached the age where they are a legal adult.
It is crucial for both parents to review the court order carefully to understand the specific terms and conditions regarding the termination of child support. This knowledge helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures compliance with legal obligations.
If there are any changes in the child’s circumstances, such as dropping out of school or enrolling in a different educational program, parents should seek legal advice to understand how these changes might affect their child support obligations.
Once you believe that you are no longer required to pay child support, you may still need to petition the court to terminate the support order. For example, there are times when a disabled child may receive child support beyond the age of 18. The disability must prevent the minor from independent living to qualify for extended child support. In these situations, the courts will verify that the disability began before the child turned 18. In other situations, child support may continue as agreed well into the college years.
For help determining the longevity of your child support payments, request a consultation with our child support attorneys.
