It’s no secret that raising a child is expensive. The cost of child-rearing has increased dramatically in recent years and is only expected to continue to go up. This is why it’s so important for both parents to be aware of their legal obligations when it comes to child support. In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about child support in Arizona. Read on to know everything about this topic.

Everything You Need To Know About Child Support In Arizona

    There are a lot of things to consider when getting a divorce. One of the most important, especially if you have children, is child support. Child support can be a confusing and emotionally charged topic, so it’s important to understand everything you can about it before making any decisions. If you’re getting divorced in Arizona, here’s what you need to know about child support.

What is a child support order?

    A child support order is a court-ordered payment that is made by one parent to the other for the support of their shared child or children. The purpose of child support is to help cover the costs of raising a child, which can include food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, and educational expenses. The amount of child support ordered will depend on many factors, including the income of both parents and the needs of the child or children.

When is the child support obligation determined?

    The obligation to pay child support in Arizona is generally determined by the divorce decree or legal separation agreement. If there is no such document, then the court will order child support based on the best interests of the child. However, if the parents were never married, the child support obligation can be determined through a paternity action. Once the child support obligation has been established, it can be modified if there are changes in circumstances that warrant a modification.

Where should a parent who has been ordered to pay child support make their payment?

    In Arizona, child support payments are made through the Support Payment Clearinghouse. The Support Payment Clearinghouse is a state-operated program that collects and distributes child support payments. Parents who have been ordered to pay child support will need to set up an account with the Support Payment Clearinghouse to make their payments.

What is a Wage Assignment?

    A wage assignment is an order from the court that requires an employer to withhold child support payments from an employee’s paycheck and send the payments to the Support Payment Clearinghouse. Wage assignments are typically used when the parent who is ordered to pay child support does not do so voluntarily.

How does a Wage Assignment work?

    When an employer receives a Wage Assignment, they will withhold the specified amount of child support from the employee’s paycheck and send the payment to the Support Payment Clearinghouse. The withheld child support payments will then be distributed to the parent who is supposed to receive them.

When does a Wage Assignment take effect?

    A Wage Assignment takes effect immediately upon receipt by the employer. The employer is required to comply with the Wage Assignment and withhold child support from the employee’s paycheck beginning with the next pay period.

What if the payor switches jobs?

    If the parent who is ordered to pay child support changes jobs, the Wage Assignment will remain in effect. The new employer will be required to withhold child support from the employee’s paycheck and send the payments to the Support Payment Clearinghouse.

What if the payor has no regular income or is self-employed?

    If the parent who is ordered to pay child support does not have a regular income or is self-employed, they may still be required to make child support payments. In these cases, the court may order the parent to set up a trust fund for their child or children. The trustee of the trust fund will then be responsible for making sure that the child or children receive the support payments that they are entitled to.

What if a parent relocates?

    If a parent who is ordered to pay child support moves to another state, they may still be required to make their payments through the Support Payment Clearinghouse. The Support Payment Clearinghouse will then forward the payments to the appropriate state agency for distribution.

We hope that this article answered some of the questions about child support in Arizona you have. If you have any more questions about child support in Arizona, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We can help clarify anything you are still unsure of and provide additional resources as needed. Child support is an important part of the lives of both parents and children, and everyone must understand the ins and outs of the process.

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!

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