If you are a parent who needs to modify child support in Arizona, you will need to take action to prepare for your hearing. The court process can be complicated and confusing, so it is important to make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row before you go before the judge. In this article, we will outline 10 steps that you should take to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible.

Step One: Gather All Relevant Documents

The first step in preparing for your child support modification hearing is to gather all of the relevant documents that you will need to present your case. This includes things like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. You will also need to have a copy of the current child support order that you are trying to modify. If you do not have all of these documents, it may be difficult to make your case effectively.

Step Two: Calculate Your Income and Expenses

Once you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, the next step is to calculate your income and expenses. This information will be important in determining how much child support you should be paying (or receiving). Make sure to include things like your mortgage or rent payments, car payments, utility bills, food costs, and any other necessary expenses.

Step Three: Determine the Appropriate Child Support Amount

After you have calculated your income and expenses, the next step is to determine the appropriate child support amount. There are a number of different ways to do this, but one option is to use an online child support calculator. This tool can help you figure out how much child support you should be paying (or receiving) based on a number of different factors.

Step Four: Prepare Your Argument

Once you have all of the necessary information and documents gathered, the next step is to start preparing your argument. You will need to convince the judge that the current child support arrangement is no longer fair or necessary. This may require some creative thinking, but it is important to make sure that you have a strong argument before you go into court.

Step Five: Find a Lawyer

If you are modifying child support, it is always a good idea to find a lawyer who can help you with your case. A lawyer will be able to look at all of the information and documents involved in your case and help you determine the best way to proceed. They can also give you advice on how to present your argument in court and what to expect from the process.

Step Six: Attend Your Hearing

Once you have everything prepared, the next step is to attend your hearing. This is where you will present your argument to the judge and try to convince them that the current child support arrangement should be modified. Be sure to dress professionally and arrive early so that you can have time to calm your nerves before the hearing begins.

Step Seven: Wait for a Decision

After you have attended your hearing, the next step is to wait for a decision. The judge will take some time to review all of the information and evidence presented in your case before making a decision. Once they have made their decision, they will issue an order modifying (or not modifying) child support.

Step Eight: Comply with the Order

Once you have received the order from the judge, the next step is to comply with it. If the judge orders a change in child support, you will need to start making (or stop receiving) payments as soon as possible. If you do not comply with the order, you may face penalties such as wage garnishment or even jail time.

Step Nine: Review the Order Regularly

Even after you have received an order from the judge, it is important to review it regularly. This is because circumstances can change over time and you may need to modify the order again in the future. Be sure to keep all of your documentation and records up-to-date so that you can make any necessary changes quickly and easily.

Step Ten: Seek Help if You Need It

If you are having difficulty complying with an order or modifying it on your own, there are a number of resources available to help you. There are many organizations that can provide you with legal assistance, financial assistance, and other forms of support. If you are struggling to make ends meet, don’t be afraid to seek out help from these organizations.

By following these ten steps, you can increase your chances of successfully modifying child support in Arizona. Remember to start gathering documentation and evidence as soon as possible so that you can build a strong case. And be sure to find a lawyer who can help you navigate the process and give you the best chance of success. 

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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 and and 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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