Child Support
Child Support
People looking to achieve a beneficial child support outcome should seek competent representation. The child support attorneys at GillespieShields will work tirelessly on your behalf and represent you and your child’s needs effectively. We have been practicing family law in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding communities since 1985. Our attorneys are well-versed in Arizona’s support laws and the guidelines which determine support payments and implementation.
Child support arrangements go hand-in-hand with a child custody ruling. When planning a divorce, it is imperative to take both child custody and child support into account, as your child’s best interest hinges on such arrangements. Child support laws vary by state, and each state has its own guidelines for determining and enforcing support payments.
Child Support Proceedings in Phoenix, AZ
It is a parent’s legal obligation to support his or her child, both financially and emotionally. Child custody laws consider the child’s best interest when determining which parent will provide the most caring environment, and support rulings cover the financial aspect of the decision.
The state of Arizona uses the Arizona Child Support Guidelines Formula to determine the amount of child support payments and the way in which these payments are made. The formula is based primarily on the gross income of the parents, monthly income, and the number of children the parents have. Other factors are considered as well, such as time spent with the parent, educational expenses, insurance, and other financial duties.
Child Support Payment and Enforcement
Once the payment amount is determined, the court will then rule how payments will be made. Usually, payments are required to go through a Support Payment Clearinghouse, where they can be documented before being distributed. All employed parents must have their payments processed through wage assignment, which automatically deducts incremental amounts from their paycheck. Modifications to the support amount and method of payment may be made if a significant change warrants them. For example, a job loss or dramatic increases in cost of living are both acceptable reasons for modifying a support decree.
Child support can get complicated very quickly if it is not paid correctly or if it is paid late. For example, if support is paid directly to the other parent, it does not go through a clearinghouse for documentation and may not be credited as a payment. Additionally, there are a variety of tax laws regarding child support and spousal support, and the distinction between the two makes a big difference. Support that is not paid in a timely manner will need to be escalated to a support enforcement case, in which an attorney will help you remedy the situation and get the support that is owed.
Looking for Experienced Phoenix Child Support Attorneys?
We are based in Phoenix, AZ and have been serving Maricopa County since 1985. Our attorneys have exceptional experience across a variety of practices, including family law, estate planning, business law, employment law, and catastrophic injury cases. We take the time to listen to each and every one of our client’s needs before forming an effective strategy to achieve the desired outcome. We take pride in providing our clients with outstanding service and exceptional value.
Our commitment to our clients has been recognized on several occasions, including superb AVVO ratings and two Martindale-Hubbell client recognition awards. At GillespieShields, we understand that child custody and child support decisions can be complicated and stressful, so we work hard to get you the peace of mind you deserve. If you are thinking about getting a divorce or are struggling with child custody and support decisions, feel free to contact us today for competent legal counsel
with a personalized approach and a dedicated divorce attorney.