Navigating Child Support in Arizona
The Arizona Child Support Guidelines have recently been modified effective January 1, 2022. The guidelines were modified to be more “user-friendly”, more descriptive, and to account for the cost of living adjustments subsequent to the last time the guidelines were modified.
Our Phoenix family law attorneys have a very detailed section regarding child support factors, how to calculate child support, how to modify child support, how to enforce child support and various considerations. View the sidebars on our website for a more detailed explanation. The following is a brief summary of information that will provide you with an introduction to the more detailed information.
How is Child Support Calculated in Arizona?
There are a number of factors used by the court to determine what amount of child support to award in a divorce or non-divorce child support case. Some of the factors the court considers include:
- If one parent has primary parenting time
- The amount of each parent’s parenting time throughout the year
- The income of each parent
- Whether either parent receives spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Costs associated with child care and education
- Health and dental insurance costs
- The ages of children (if 12 or over)
- Any special needs of a child
How Much Will I Receive from Child Support?
During your initial consultation with the firm, we can provide you with an estimate regarding what we believe you are entitled to receive for child support, or what you may have to pay depending upon the circumstances.
Child support is based upon Arizona Statutes and the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. The amount of child support in Arizona depends on each parent’s gross income, the number of parenting days throughout the year that each parent has, childcare costs, medical and dental insurance for the children, educational costs, the children’s ages, whether the children have special needs, and other factors described in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. The Supreme Court Child Support web page provides a child support calculator and additional general information.
Is a Child Support Deviation Appropriate?
The Court has the discretion to deviate from the guidelines and award more or less than what the child support guidelines provide. Such is based upon the child’s standard of living in each household (and in comparison to a hypothetical intact household with both parents), special expenses for the child, the parties’ respective incomes and other factors. Such deviations are described in further detail in our website.
Who Processes Child Support Payments?
Support payments are received, recorded and processed by the Support Payment Clearinghouse:
Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE)
Support Payment Clearinghouse
P.O. Box 52107
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2107
(602) 878-3133
Disbursement Correspondence Unit
PO Box 40458
Phoenix, AZ 85067
Overnight Express payments can be sent to:
Arizona State Disbursement Unit
Attention: 1st Floor DCSS Receptionist
3443 North Central Avenue, #100
Phoenix, AZ 85012
For additional information, visit the Arizona Department of Economic Security website.
Child Support Calculation
- View/Complete Online
Impact Of Equal Parenting Time On Child Support
In Arizona, child support is calculated based on a shared-income model, but equal parenting time does not automatically eliminate child support obligations. Parenting time refers to each parent’s time with their child, including days, evenings, overnights, or even shared holidays. Parenting time is considered in the formula, but it is not the only factor outlined by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Even when both parents have an equal schedule, the court will still consider each parent’s income, health insurance expenses, childcare costs, and any special needs the child may have. The lower-earning parent may still receive child support to balance the financial contributions, ensuring the child enjoys a consistent quality of life in both households.
Child Support Considerations When Parents Have Different Incomes
Arizona’s child support system is designed to allocate expenses proportionally between parents. When one parent earns significantly more, they will likely be assigned a larger financial responsibility. This ensures the child benefits from both parents’ economic circumstances, regardless of physical custody arrangements.
Courts will review monthly gross income, bonuses, spousal maintenance received or paid, and other earnings. Parents are also responsible for submitting a complete and accurate financial affidavit to support their income claims. Misrepresentation can lead to unfavorable rulings or future modifications.
In cases where a parent’s income fluctuates due to commissions, freelance work, or self-employment, the court may average several months of earnings to reach a more stable number for calculation purposes. This avoids underestimating or overinflating child support payments.
Childcare Costs And Day-To-Day Expenses
Another component often included in child support calculations is the cost of daycare or after-school care. These expenses are considered necessary for full-time parents who cannot care for the child during regular work hours. In Arizona, the parent paying for childcare will usually receive credit for that cost, which is added to the overall support obligation.
Aside from formal childcare, day-to-day expenses like school supplies, clothing, extracurricular fees, and transportation often become points of conflict between parents. Courts prefer that these be addressed in a parenting plan or support to reduce disputes later. Clear documentation of these shared costs and consistent communication can make a significant difference in preventing misunderstandings. Judges may also consider seasonal expenses like back-to-school costs or holiday travel, especially when they place a recurring financial strain on one parent. Addressing these in advance avoids surprises later and encourages cooperation between co-parents.
How Medical Expenses Influence Child Support
Healthcare costs, particularly recurring or extraordinary medical expenses, are critical to child support. Courts will typically assign medical insurance premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs proportionally based on each parent’s income.
If one parent provides insurance through an employer or private policy, the cost of that premium is factored into the support calculation. Any medical, dental, or psychological care not covered by insurance must be split in a way that maintains fairness, and the court may issue a specific order for reimbursement if one parent covers the full cost upfront.
Sometimes, a parent may be required to carry insurance even if it’s not currently provided. Failing to do so may result in additional legal consequences or sanctions.
Effect Of Parental Remarriage On Support Obligations
A parent’s decision to remarry does not automatically change their child support obligation, but can create financial ripple effects. Arizona courts do not consider a new spouse’s income when calculating child support. However, remarriage may influence overall household expenses and availability for childcare, and it may even trigger a reassessment of parenting time.
For example, if a parent is newly married and no longer pays for housing or shared costs, the court may question whether their reported income accurately reflects their ability to contribute. On the other hand, if a parent has new dependents from the marriage, they may request an adjustment in their obligation to account for multiple child support responsibilities.
The same applies if a parent receiving support remarries. Courts will not reduce child support just because the receiving parent’s household has additional income unless there is proof that the child’s needs have significantly changed. Every modification must be supported with a “substantial and continuing” change in circumstances.
Child Support In Cross-State Parenting Arrangements
Raising a child across state lines adds complexity to child support orders. Arizona courts retain jurisdiction over orders they’ve issued, but the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) allows for enforcement across states. Whether a parent relocates or both parents reside in different states, Arizona will continue to enforce and possibly modify the original order as long as one party still resides in the state.
Arizona judges will still calculate support using Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines unless both parents move out of state and request a transfer of jurisdiction. This distinction matters because states differ in their definitions of income, childcare expenses, and what qualifies as extraordinary costs.
When planning or responding to relocation, working closely with a local attorney to ensure compliance with existing orders and avoid conflicts between state laws is essential. It’s also important to document the increased travel costs or new living arrangements that may impact your financial responsibilities.
Child Support And Job Loss Or Unemployment
Unemployment can be financially devastating, but it does not excuse you from your child support obligation in Arizona. According to Arizona’s Division of Child Support Services, the state may deduct child support directly from a parent’s unemployment insurance benefits under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 23-789 (A.R.S. § 23-789).
This statute allows the Department of Economic Security (DES) to enforce child support orders by taking up to 50% of a person’s UI benefits. In practical terms, once you file for unemployment, the state is immediately notified and will begin withholding the appropriate amount.
It’s also important to note that unpaid support continues to accrue interest. That’s why it’s critical to petition for a modification when a job is lost. Until a court approves a change, the current order remains enforceable. We advise taking swift action by applying for unemployment benefits immediately and consulting a family law attorney about potential modification options.
Penalties And Enforcement Actions For Non-Payment
Failing to meet child support obligations in Arizona can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. The Arizona DES has multiple enforcement tools, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, liens on property, and suspension of driver’s or professional licenses.
Courts may hold a non-paying parent in contempt in more severe cases, resulting in fines or jail time. Enforcement measures will escalate quickly for those with significant arrears. Even small lapses can damage credit scores and complicate employment background checks.
It’s critical to stay in communication with the court and DES. Judges are more likely to offer leniency to those transparent about their hardship and take proactive steps to address payment gaps. On the other hand, trying to avoid the obligation entirely rarely works in a parent’s favor.
Modifying Child Support Orders Over Time
Life circumstances change, and Arizona law allows parents to request a child support modification whenever there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. These may include a job change, an increase or decrease in income, a change in custody, medical emergencies, or other significant life events.
To modify an existing order, a parent must file a formal petition and provide updated documentation. Courts typically require the change to affect support by at least 15% to consider a modification. Parents cannot unilaterally adjust payments without court approval, even if both parties verbally agree.
Parents should document all changes thoroughly and act quickly when a change occurs to prevent arrears or legal consequences. An attorney can help evaluate your situation and assist with filing.
Child Support Modifications
The Court may modify its child support orders so long as a parent can show a material and continuing change of circumstances.
If the parenting time changes, this may be sufficient for a modification of the child support award. If your income changes or the other party’s income changes you may be entitled to a modification of your child support award. If a child no longer requires childcare expenses, you may be entitled to a modification of your child support award. If the child’s health care insurance changes, or if you change who pays such health insurance, you may be entitled to a modification of your child support amount. If you have more than one child under the child support order and one or more of the older children reach 18 years old and graduate from high school, you may be entitled to modify the child support order. Child support orders do not change automatically. Rather, you will need to file a motion with the Court (or a stipulation if both parties agree to the new child support amount).
Modifications can be made back to the date of filing of the motion to modify. Thus, it is very important that you file your modification as soon as possible after you are aware of the changed circumstances that support such modification.
We recommend reviewing any potential child support modification with a child support modifications attorney in Phoenix. You cannot just reduce your child support without a Court order. For example, if one of the children graduates, that does not mean that you can reduce your child support without a court order. Even if the other party agrees to a reduction, such should be confirmed in writing and stipulated to pursuant to a formal court order. Otherwise, you may have a very unpleasant shock later when the other parent asks for substantial back child support or child support arrears that you thought you did not have to pay.
Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office, P.C. attorneys are Phoenix child support attorneys and Tempe child support attorneys.
Child Support Termination
If you only have one child subject to your child support order (i.e., you only had one child to begin with or the older children have graduated) and the youngest child reaches 18 years old and graduates from high school (whichever is later), your ongoing child support obligation terminates at such time.
However, you may still have an Order of Assignment (income withholding order) providing for child support deductions from your income. You should confirm with your employer that the withholding order no longer requires such deductions. If your child support order and/or Order of Assignment does not make this clear, you should file a motion with the Court to terminate the Order of Assignment.
Additional Child Support Information
2022 Child Support Guidelines
Additional Information and Resources
If you are still hungry for more information, the Arizona Supreme Court website is a tremendous resource where, in addition to the child support calculator (above), you can find the following:
- Forms & Pamphlets
- Employer Resources
- Payment Information
- Modification of Support
How Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office, P.C. Can Help
At Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office, P.C., we help answer questions regarding child support and parenting time at our Phoenix and Tempe law offices. You will find a number of helpful resources, with much more information and helpful resources throughout our website. If you’re not familiar with how Arizona child support laws might affect your situation, we suggest you get started by reviewing our website and the Child Support Guidelines in Arizona to get a basic understanding of the law and learn what you can expect to encounter.
Child support issues can arise if you are going through a divorce if you are already divorced, or if you have children outside of marriage. If you would like further education regarding child support issues, contact our Phoenix child support lawyers for help.
Talk To A Local Family Law Firm That Understands Arizona Child Support
Every child support situation is different, and the consequences of getting it wrong can impact your finances and your child’s future. Whether you need help establishing an initial order, defending against unfair demands, or modifying an existing agreement, we are here to provide skilled guidance. At Bishop Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office, P.C., we help you understand your options, assert your rights, and work toward a solution that protects your child’s best interests.
Call (602) 878-3133 to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney who knows Arizona’s courts, statutes, procedures, and what it takes to advocate for you and your family with clarity and commitment.
