Child support exists to ensure that a child's financial needs are met by both parents.
In Arizona, child support is calculated under the Arizona Child Support Guidelines using an "income shares" model, which estimates what parents would have spent on their child had the family remained intact and divides that responsibility between them. Our family law attorneys help clients on both sides of a support matter — establishing accurate orders, modifying orders that no longer fit, and enforcing orders that are not being followed.
How Child Support Is Calculated
The guideline calculation takes into account a range of factors, and small differences in the inputs can meaningfully change the result. Key considerations include:
- The gross income of each parent
- The parenting time each parent exercises
- The cost of the child's medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Support obligations for other children
- Extraordinary educational or medical needs
We make sure income is characterized correctly — including for self-employed parents, business owners, and those with variable or bonus-based compensation — so the resulting order reflects the real financial picture.
Modifying a Child Support Order
Life circumstances change. Arizona allows a support order to be modified when there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances — for example, a significant change in either parent's income, a change in parenting time, or a change in the child's needs. We help clients pursue or defend modifications and, where appropriate, use the simplified process available when the change would alter support by at least fifteen percent.
Enforcing a Child Support Order
When a parent fails to pay court-ordered support, we take decisive action to enforce the order through the remedies available under Arizona law, including wage assignments and contempt proceedings, so that your children receive the support they are owed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you are establishing support for the first time or need to modify or enforce an existing order, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our family law attorneys.