Understanding Arizona Child Support

Our Phoenix divorce lawyers discuss Arizona child support laws.

Child support laws in Arizona compel a parent to provide financial support for his or her children when he or she does not or cannot participate substantially in raising the children. If you are a parent of minor children considering divorce in Arizona, please do not hesitate to speak to an experienced Arizona child support attorney in the SurpriseSun City, or Scottsdale areas about your needs.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Arizona?

Arizona has one primary method for establishing a child support amount by law: via court order. The court considers the incomes of both parents and the instructions in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines when calculating the support amount required by the court order. Before support can be calculated, the decision regarding how the parents will share custody of the children must be made. Then, the court may be petitioned to create and implement the child support order.

A parent who is seeking child support for his or her children is well advised to retain an experienced attorney for representation in court.

Once the court establishes the child support amount, it will also issue a court order specifying how much child support is to be paid, who will pay it, and when payments should begin.

One may also choose to represent advance free of legal counsel or ask the Division of Child Support Services to establish child support on behalf of the children. However, working with an attorney offers significant benefits beyond establishing child support, making it a good choice for many parents who are seeking the best possible arrangements for themselves and their children during and after the divorce process.

Visit Our Sun City Child Support Law Offices

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About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel is a founding attorney of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., who has practiced law in Arizona since 2004. He also practices before the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota Law School, he started his career as a public defender and entered private practice in criminal defense. In 2008, Zachary co-founded a firm dedicated to civil law in addition to criminal defense, and he has since expanded his practice to personal injury, estate planning and litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. He serves on the board and faculty of the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, and he is a past president and current member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association.