The Arizona Child Support Guidelines help ensure that the child receives the appropriate financial support from both parents. It must be the same proportion of parental income that he or she would have received if the parents lived together. Here are the steps in getting child support:

Establishing Paternity

Proving paternity is the first step here. Then, the court can order child support. This is specifically for children born out of wedlock. The child’s father can freely signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity. Or the mother can initiate a legal action to obtain a judicial order.

Filing a Request for Child Support in Arizona

The process starts by filing a request for child support with the Clerk of the Superior Court. Either parent can initiate the filing. Normally, this step is part of a divorce, separation, or custody proceeding. But it can also be filed separately.

Determining Income

Both parents must provide information about their wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, pension, interest, etc. For an unemployed or underemployed parent, the court may appropriate an income percentage based on their earning capacity.

Child Support Guidelines in Arizona

Child Support Guidelines help calculate the child support amount. The following are taken into account:

• Parents’ income
• The number of children
• The cost of childcare
• Health insurance
• The amount of time the child spends with each parent

Child Support Order in Arizona

The court will issue a child support order once the amount is fixed. Remember that failure to comply can result in penalties.

Payment

Child support is normally paid through the Support Payment Clearinghouse. This is to allow easier enforcement and tracking of payments.

Enforcement

There are instances when a parent fails to pay child support. The other parent can seek help in collecting child support through the court. Here are the ways the court can enforce child support:

• Wage garnishment
• Interception of tax refunds
• Suspension of licenses
• Jail time for contempt of court

Modification

Unexpected situations call for change. Either parent can request a modification of the child support order. The court will review the change of circumstances. The judge may grant or deny the proposed modification based on the new facts.

Get help in applying for child support. Consult with a legal professional for advice on your specific situation.