Child support refers to monies paid by one parent to the other for the needs of the child. A parent who has physical custody of a child more than 50% of the time may receive support from the other parent for that parent's share of the support for the child or if the time is essentially equal, the parent with the higher gross income, may be required to pay to the other parent an amount to equal out the households financially.

Child Support in the State of Arizona is set by the Supreme Court of Arizona through the "ARIZONA CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES". The most recent guidelines were adopted by the court for actions filed after May 31, 2011.

The amount of child support is determined by combining the income of both parents. The guidelines list the factors involved in determining support, and include a chart to determine the amount of support. Child Support must be paid in money -- not in clothes or gifts and must be paid through the Clerk of the Court in the county of the Child Support was ordered.

Child support orders apply to any child under the age of 18, or a child who is still attending high school or an equivalency program but ends at the age of 19 regardless. Also, if a child is mentally or physically handicapped, the judge may order that support payments continue indefinitely, past the age of majority.

To calculate the child support amount, you can try using the ARIZONA SUPREME COURT CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATOR. It is interactive but is incomplete and only intended for SOLE custody situations.  For more precise and thorough calculation, we do offer a Child Support Consultation by appointment for $80.

The following information is required in order to complete the calculation in accordance with Arizona state guidelines:

• Both parties monthly gross incomes based on full time employment.

• A yearly amount for child care, if any, keeping in mind that sometimes it is different in the summer.

• Monthly amount for medical insurance premiums being paid for the children's portion only. (Employee out of pocket costs minus Employee plus children out of pocket costs.)

• An idea of parenting time (visitation) being exercised at this time.

Per Arizona Law, Child Support is usually ordered to be paid by Wage Assignment through the Support Payment Clearinghouse in Phoenix.  This means that the paying parent's employer is ordered to withhold the child support from wages of the paying parent and then required to send the child support to the Clearinghouse directly.  The Clearinghouse then disperses the funds to the receiving party either by direct deposit to the party's bank account or to a debt card issued by the state.  This system does take approx. 4 - 8 weeks to set up initially.  Please keep in mind that the burden of proof of payment of child support is the responsibility of the Paying Parent and that Child Support is due payable the Date the Court Orders it (not when and if it is withheld from wages). 

Always send payments to the Clearinghouse and be sure the Case Number and the Atlas Number is written on those payments. If you do not know the Atlas Number, you can call the court at (520) 740-3250. Any payments not sent to the Clearinghouse, may be considered a "gift" and not count towards the child support owed.

The address is: 
SUPPORT PAYMENT CLEARINGHOUSE
P.O. BOX 52107
PHOENIX, AZ  85072-2107

CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATION INFORMATION