Arizona Child Support Guidelines
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 21, 2022
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Each state sets its own guidelines for determining child support. Under all relevant state laws, parents are required to care for their children in child support arrangements. Contrary to what people may think, even in joint custody arrangements parents often share in contributions to child support payments. It's exceedingly rare for one parent to be removed entirely from a child's life. It's also exceedingly rare for one parent to be granted sole legal custody of a child. Under the laws of most states, courts take into account the number of overnights each parent has with their children when deciding how parents will share obligations to contribute to child support.
Child Support Arrangements in Arizona
A child support order in Arizona is a written order from the court that indicates:
- Which parent must pay child support
- The amount of the payment
- How often the payment must be made
- Who receives the child support payment for the children
Calculation of Support
Child support in Arizona is determined in accordance with guidelines that are laid out in Section 25-320 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. The Arizona Court System also provides a child support calculator, which can help you determine your obligation under a child support arrangement. A judge will calculate child support using a somewhat complicated mathematical formula, which is also reflected in the child support calculator linked immediately above.
The most significant factors in determinations of child support are each parent's income, daycare expenses, the cost of medical insurance, any social security benefits the child may be receiving, and the living arrangements of the children.
How to Request Child Support in Arizona
There are several ways a parent can receive child support. Parents can make an agreement and ask a judge to approve the support order in a civil case such as a divorce or other family law proceedings. A case may be initiated by a parent completing an "Application for Child Support Services" and submitting it to the local Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) office.
The DCSS can help a parent locate the other parent, establish paternity for children born outside of marriage, with establishing support obligations, collection and distribution of support, and enforcement of support obligations.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Arizona child support laws. See also Child Custody, Child Support Modifications, and Child Support Enforcement.
Code Section |
A.R.S. § 25-320 |
|---|---|
Who is Responsible? |
Both parents |
How Support is Calculated? |
|
Factors |
Under A.R.S. § 25-320, both parents' incomes are used to calculate the amount of child support that the noncustodial parent will pay to the other household to financially support the children. |
What is included in a Support Order? |
|
When Do Child Support Payments End? |
Under AZ ST § 25-320, child support obligations typically end when they child reaches the age of 18. However, if the child is still in high school, the parent's obligation to pay child support terminates once the child graduates from school or turns 19 year of age. A child support order may be extended in the case of a special needs child. |
Need More Help? Contact an Attorney
Because Arizona child support laws can sometimes get complicated, it may also be a good idea to consult an experienced family law attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.