Arizona Child Support: Ensuring Your Child’s Future
Your Partners for Fair Child Support Arrangements in Arizona
Get Your Rightful Financial Support With The Arizona Experts in Child and Spousal Support
Child and spousal support are important legal obligations that arise from a separation or divorce. At Benjamin Legal, we understand the emotional and financial toll that these matters can have, and we are committed to helping them navigate through this difficult time while helping you secure your financial rights under the law .
Child support is the financial assistance paid by one parent to the other to assist them in the upbringing of their mutual children. Spousal support is payment made from one spouse to the other after a divorce or separation. We also assist our clients in obtaining these awards during the pendency of their case, thereby preventing any delay in establishing the support order they need prior to the finalization of their matter.
Our approach to child and spousal support cases is tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and needs. We will work with you to develop a strategy that is focused on achieving your specific goals and advocating for your interests. Whether through negotiation, litigation, or mediation, our lawyers will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that any support obligations or entitlements are right for your circumstances.
Child and Spousal Support FAQs
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"How is child and spousal support calculated in Arizona?
The Arizona child support guidelines use a formula that considers the following factors to arrive at a base child support obligation. This obligation is then divided between the parents based on their relative income levels:
- The income of both parents
- The number of children involved
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child
- Any special needs of the child
- Health insurance and medical expenses for the child
- Educational expenses for the child
The court considers the following factors when making an order for spousal support:
- The length of the marriage
- The income and earning capacity of each spouse
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The age and health of the spouses
- The ability of the supporting spouse to pay spousal support
- Contribution to the marriage (both financial and non-financial)
Further financial considerations may exist in your case which may result in an upward or downward deviation of support depending on the circumstances of your situation.
"How can I modify child or spousal support orders in Arizona?"
To modify spousal and child support orders in Arizona you must first show that there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the original support order. These changes can include a change in income, loss of employment, or a change in the child’s custody arrangement and other significant life events. While child support is modifiable, spousal maintenance may not be, so it is imperative that these orders are entered correctly the first time.
If you have determined that there has been a substantial change in circumstances, you would next follow these steps:
- Petition for Modification: File a petition with the family court that issued the original support order.
- Serve the petition: Serve a copy of the Petition for Modification to the other party. The other party will have an opportunity to respond to the petition and provide evidence that supports or opposes the modification request.
- Court hearing: Unless the parties can reach an agreement and file it with the court, both parties will be required to attend a hearing where the court will review evidence presented to determine if there is substantial evidence to modify the support order.
"What are the consequences for not paying spousal and child support in Arizona?"
In Arizona, failing to pay spousal and child support can have serious legal consequences, including:
- Penalties, legal interest, and fines
- Jail time
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Professional license suspension or revocation
- Liens and property seizure
"Can child and spousal support orders be enforced across state lines in Arizona?"
Child and spousal support orders can be enforced across state lines in Arizona through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which has been adopted by all 50 US states. This allows Arizona courts to enforce support orders from other states and vice versa.