Child Support

It is crucial to establish child support obligations when parents divorce and one parent does not receive custody of the child. The courts take several things into account when determining child support. Arizona has general child support guidelines, but you need an experienced, caring Arizona child support attorney to ensure your child receives enough support.

Scottsdale Child Support Attorney

Doug Daly is a knowledgeable about child custody arrangements in Arizona. He currently handles a wide range of child support matters in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the other areas of Maricopa County. Working through the details of child support is not easy for most people. The Daly Firm will help you prepare a child support order that is in your child’s best interest. Some of the common questions and concerns about child support are:

• Trusts and Annuities
• Arizona Child Support Guidelines
• Stopping Child Support

Child Support Information Center

• How do I apply for child support in Arizona?
• What factors go into determining child support in Arizona?
• How do I enforce child support obligations in Arizona?
• How do I change a child support order in Arizona?

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How do I apply for child support in Arizona?

To apply for child support in Arizona, you must go through a legal process where the court determines the monthly amount of money the non-custodial parent pays for the child. The non-custodial parent is the one that does not have physical custody of the child. Usually in the divorce case, the lawyers will work out a child support order.

If you are unmarried and want to apply for child support, you will still have to get a court order. Arizona’s child support regulations are handled by the Arizona Division of Child Support Enforcement. You can go through that office and file for child support or you can hire an experienced lawyer. You will have to establish the paternity or the maternity of the child then based on the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, the court will create a child support order.

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What factors go into determining child support in Arizona?

In Arizona, the court order determining child support is based upon a set of standard child support guidelines established by the state. The guidelines are extremely detailed so it is advisable to hire a competent attorney to explain which guidelines apply to your situation.

Generally the courts consider the actual needs of the child and the finances of both parents. The main factors spelled out in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines are as follows:

• Adjustments to income prior to calculation of support

  Arizona allows you to use your gross income instead of net income when calculating which financial schedule you fall under for child support payment. Other considers factor into the income adjustment such as other children you are already supporting and spousal maintenance or alimony obligations.

• Additional childrearing expenses besides basic child support

  Every case is different, but examples of additional childrearing expenses are things like health insurance, extraordinary educational expenses such as private school or special needs education.

• Adjustments for Older Children

Arizona’s policy is older children cost more to support than younger children so in light of that premise the guidelines allow up to a ten percent adjustment for older children.

• Low Income Adjustment

If the noncustodial parent’s income will be less than $710 a month it is possible to get a low income adjustment to ensure the non-custodial parent is able to maintain a minimum standard of living.

• Cost Associated with Parenting Time

Arizona law recognizes that the non-custodial parent will provide basic childcare obligations during visitation so there is a provision that allows the non-custodial parent to offset some child rearing costs from the child support obligation.

This list is very general. The Arizona Child Support Guidelines is very detailed so it is highly advisable to seek an attorney to find out your eligibility for these adjustments.The guideline have undergone significant changes and The Daly Law Firm is prepared to assist you in determining how the new guidelines will affect you.

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How do I enforce child support obligations in Arizona?

You can alert the Arizona Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) office for options on enforcing court ordered child support. Some remedies to enforce child support obligations include:

• Income withholding
• New hire reporting
• Liens again real and personal property
• Driver’s license suspension
• Other judicial procedures

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How do I change a child support order in Arizona?

You can go back to the court which granted the child support order and ask the judge to re-examine the case due to new circumstances. These circumstances need to be substantial such as a loss of employment or a change in custody or visitation.

You can also make a request to the Arizona DCSE office to modify the child support order. The office will make a review of the parents’ finances and the expenses for the child and make a decision.

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Resources

Arizona Child Support Enforcement - Government site where you can find information regarding enforcing child support orders or make child support payment online.

Child Support Schedule - Detailed information on child support schedule and income brackets with explanations and policy analysis.

Daly Law Firm, PLLC- Phoenix Child Support Lawyer

Child support can be difficult and confusing. It is best to get legal advice from the very beginning of your divorce case to ensure you pay or receive the correct amount of child support. If you are going through a divorce in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Maricopa County area, don’t hesitate to call The Daly Firm at (480) 607-8308 for a free consultation regarding your child custody questions and concerns.