5 Common Questions About Child Support in Arizona

If you are going through a divorce and have children, then you will likely have to deal with child support payments. This can be a confusing process, especially if you are not familiar with the laws in Arizona. In this article, we will answer 5 common questions about child support in Arizona. We hope this information will help make the process a little bit easier for you.

Arizona’s Child Support Common Questions

    If you’re going through a divorce in Arizona, then you’re probably familiar with child support. But even if you’ve been through this before, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of the law. Here are five of the most common questions about child support in Arizona:

1. Is it possible to get a child support order without going through a legal separation or divorce?

    It is possible to get a child support order without going through a legal separation or divorce. However, it is important to note that the process may be more difficult and time-consuming than if you were to go through a legal separation or divorce. If you are not married to the other parent of your child, you will need to establish paternity before you can file for child support. Once paternity has been established, you can then file for child support through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The DES will review your case and determine whether or not the other parent is responsible for paying child support. If they find that the other parent is responsible for paying child support, they will issue an order for child support.

2. Is there anything different about establishing assistance if one or both parents are minors?

    If one or both parents are minors, the process for establishing child support is generally the same. The court will consider the financial resources of both parents and the needs of the child when deciding on support. However, there may be some special circumstances to consider if one or both parents are minors. For example, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the child during proceedings. The court may also take into account the fact that one or both parents are still completing their education when making a support order. In general, though, the process for establishing child support is similar regardless of the ages of the parents involved.

3. Is it true that custody will always be granted to just one parent?

    There are many different types of custody arrangements that can be made depending on the situation. Both parents can joint legal and physical custody of their children, or for one parent to have primary physical custody while the other has visitation rights. The important thing is to make sure that the arrangement is in the best interests of the child. Arizona law does presume that it is in the best interests of the child to have frequent and continuing contact with both parents after a divorce. However, many factors can influence this decision, such as which parent has been the primary caretaker up until this point or if there is a  history of domestic violence.

4. When courts are deciding how to arrange custody, what do they consider?

    The best interests of the child are always the top priority for Arizona courts when making any custody-related decisions. This means that each case is unique, and many factors may be considered by a judge when making a ruling. Some of these could include which parent has been the child’s primary caregiver, which parent can provide a more stable home environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and each parent’s work schedule.

5. Is it possible to have my child support payment lowered now that I have another kid with special needs?

    This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the situation. A judge will consider the needs of both children when deciding child support payments. If you have another child with special needs, you may be able to have your child support payment lowered. However, this is not guaranteed. You will need to speak with an attorney to see if this is a possibility in your case.

    If you have any more questions about child support in Arizona, don’t hesitate to call us today. We can help answer any questions you may have and provide additional resources as needed. Our team is here to help make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?

The attorneys at GillespieShields are well-versed in a variety of different legal fields, ranging from family law to civil suits, employment disputes and probate cases. Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. We believe in giving families peace of mind no matter their situation, and we fight hard to maintain that peace. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.  During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer all of our questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. Contact us today for your consultation!

Disclaimer 

The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.  You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments.  No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.