Michael J. Peterson, Attorney

Who Must Pay Child Support?

In Arizona, both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children, regardless of their marital status. This means that both parents may be ordered to pay child support, even if they are not married to each other.

 

How Much Child Support Must Be Paid?

The amount of child support that must be paid is determined by a number of factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, and the cost of living in the area. The court will use a formula to calculate the amount of child support that must be paid.

 

How Is Child Support Paid?

Child support can be paid in a number of ways, including through the mail, through an online payment system, or through a payroll deduction. The court will order the parent who is paying child support to use one of these methods.

 

What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid?

If child support is not paid, the parent who is owed child support can file a motion with the court to enforce the order. The court may then take a number of actions, including:

• Ordering the parent who is not paying child support to pay back the child support that is owed, plus interest.
• Ordering the parent who is not paying child support to jail.
• Garnishing the parent's wages.
• Taking away the parent's driver's license or other privileges.

 

How Can I Get Help with Child Support?

If you have questions about child support in Arizona, you can contact the Arizona Department of Child Support Services (DCS). DCS can provide you with information about the child support process, and they can help you file a child support order.

 

How to Increase Child Support in Arizona

There are a number of ways to increase child support in Arizona. One way is to file a motion with the court to modify the child support order. To do this, you will need to file a petition with the court and provide evidence that there has been a change in circumstances since the original order was issued. For example, you may be able to show that the paying parent's income has increased, or that the cost of living has gone up.

 

Another way to increase child support is to negotiate with the paying parent. If you can reach an agreement with the paying parent, you can file a stipulation with the court to modify the child support order. A stipulation is a written agreement between the parties that is approved by the court.

 

If you are unable to reach an agreement with the paying parent, you may need to go to court to increase child support. If you do go to court, it is important to have an attorney represent you. An attorney can help you to navigate the legal system and to protect your rights.

 

Tips for Increasing Child Support

Here are some tips for increasing child support in Arizona:

• Be prepared. Before you file a motion to increase child support, make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation. This documentation may include tax returns, pay stubs, and medical bills.
• Be organized. When you file your motion, make sure that it is well-organized and easy to read. The court will be more likely to take your motion seriously if it is well-presented.
• Be persistent. If you are unable to reach an agreement with the paying parent, you may need to go to court. If you do go to court, be persistent and don't give up. With perseverance, you can increase child support and ensure that your children are financially supported.

 

References to Legal Codes

• Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) Title 25, Chapter 8
• Arizona Department of Child Support Services

 

Co-parenting Shared Expenses

When parents separate or divorce, they must figure out how to pay for the costs of raising their children. This can be a challenge, especially if the parents have different incomes or if they live in different places.

 

In Arizona, the law requires both parents to contribute to the costs of raising their children, even if they are not married. This means that both parents must pay for things like food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare.

 

However, there are some expenses that are not covered by child support.

Warning:  This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.