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As part of the parenting plan, parents going through a marital dissolution—a divorce or a legal separation—are often required to establish child support arrangements. This will help cater to the needs of the children and pay for their living expenses. If you’re trying to establish a child support arrangement or modify an existing child support order, it’s natural to feel stressed or even overwhelmed. It is crucial that you speak with an experienced Arizona divorce attorney for proper guidance.

At the Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert, P.C., our trusted attorneys have the diligence and resources to advise and represent clients in family law-related matters, including child support. As your legal counsel, we can work to understand your unique situation and enlighten you about your possible legal options. Our reliable team will offer you the dedicated guidance you need to establish or change a child support agreement and help protect your family’s future.

The Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert, P.C. proudly serves clients across Glendale and Tucson, Arizona, as well as throughout the Phoenix Metro Area.

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Understanding Child Support in Arizona

Under Arizona law, every parent—whether together or separated—has a duty to financially support their child. In a divorce case, the Arizona court may order the noncustodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent. The purpose of the child support payment is to cover the day-to-day living expenses of the child, including expenses for school tuition, health insurance, medical care, camp, sports, and dance or music lessons for the child.

Factors Considered in Determining Amount

To determine the right amount of child support, the Arizona court may consider the following factors:

The financial resources and needs of the child
The physical and emotional condition of the child
The standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the child lived in an intact home with both parents
The educational and extraordinary needs of the child
The financial resources and needs of the custodial parent
The financial resources and needs of the noncustodial parent
The medical support plan for the child, including medical support needs and medical insurance
The duration of parenting time and related expenses

An experienced attorney can help calculate the amount of child support and allocate the monthly payments depending on the percentage of each parent’s income.

Imputed Income

Child support in Arizona is usually awarded based on the child’s needs and the ability of the noncustodial parent to pay child support. If a parent is unemployed, working below their full earning capacity, or fails to provide their financial records, the court may impute the parent’s income for child support purposes. The court may calculate imputed income by using the following:

Generally speaking, the court will impute the equivalent of what the parent should be earning by working a minimum wage job full time.

Modifying an Existing Arrangement

Child support arrangements are not set in stone. In Arizona, either parent can request a child support modification—a reduction or increase. The parent seeking modification must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances which will make a new child support calculation differ from the current payment by at least 15%.

Some common reasons to seek a child support adjustment may include:

Unemployment or involuntary loss of job
Getting a much higher paying job
A substantial change in income
A permanent disability
A decrease or increase in the cost of childcare or health insurance
Increased needs of the child
Incarceration
Change in parenting time or visitation schedule

An experienced attorney can review the circumstances surrounding your unique situation and help you navigate crucial decisions when modifying or terminating child support.

Termination of Child Support

Under Arizona law, a parent’s obligation to pay child support terminates when the child turns 18 years of age. However, if the child is still in high school, child support will continue until the child graduates from high school or turns 19 years of age.

Work With an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Establishing a child support arrangement in Arizona usually involves several complexities. If you are a parent trying to establish a child support agreement or if you believe that circumstances have changed since the existing support order was made and you’re seeking adjustments, you need to consult with an experienced family law attorney for detailed guidance.

At the Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert, P.C., we’re committed to offering knowledgeable legal counsel and strong advocacy to individuals and families in divorce and child support-related matters. As your legal counsel, we can help you understand every last detail involved in the child support process, including calculating, establishing, modifying, or terminating a child support decree. Our team will work diligently with both parents to settle child support issues amicably and quickly.

Child Support Attorneys Serving Glendale & Tucson, Arizona

If you need assistance establishing or changing a child support agreement, contact the Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert, P.C. today for a simple consultation. Our dedicated attorneys can offer you the experienced counsel and reliable advocacy you need to navigate decisions in your divorce and child support case. We're proud to serve individuals and families across Glendale and Tucson, Arizona, and throughout the Phoenix Metro Area.