What are the child support laws in Phoenix Arizona?

Have you just filed a divorce case in Arizona? Are you facing child-related issues in the divorce process? Parents have some financial responsibilities towards the child. However, child support laws are not the same in every US state. Non-custodial and custodial parents should know about these laws to avoid complications related to minor children. Arizona has introduced some guidelines on how every parent should contribute to the share for child maintenance alimony. They comply with federal laws and maintain consistent standards.

What does the child support cover?

Although parents are getting separated, child maintenance alimony is an important issue. It ensures that the custodial parent will not face financial problems for meeting the child’s necessities. The alimony should cover the kid’s basic needs and additional costs.

  • Accommodations
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Transportation costs to reach school and home

Some extras include-

  • Tutoring charges
  • Daycare costs
  • Health insurance costs

Guidelines from the Supreme Court in Arizona

The court has implemented a guideline regarding child maintenance costs. The amount to be paid for raising a child depends on both parents’ income. The number of kids you have also matters a lot in the calculation. The court will also determine if the custodial parent has decided to remarry. If you have more queries, contact the best child support lawyer.

The family lawyer will represent you in the Arizona court and show evidence. He will also protect your child’s interest in the divorce case. You will get a fair outcome with legal assistance from a family lawyer. So, look for the best lawyer for your divorce case.

Information you should provide for accurate calculation

Both parents have to disclose information about the number of kids and their current earnings. They need to fill out a sheet available on the official site of the state’s Supreme Court. After providing the details, they will understand how much they should pay for child maintenance. However, if one parent is reluctant to reveal information, the judge will hold him in contempt of the Supreme Court. In some cases, the court directly orders child maintenance alimony if a parent is unemployed. It tries to check the earning potential of the custodial parent. To remove your confusion about the calculation, talk to your attorney. He will give you a clear idea about the laws.

The gross income calculation is highly inclusive and focuses on-

  • The parents’ bank accounts
  • Interests obtained from investments
  • Wages
  • Retirement accounts
  • Veteran’s benefits
  • Compensation and pensions
  • Gambling winnings
  • Lottery
  • Prizes
  • Capital gains
  • Income from other sources

Exceptions to the preset guidelines

In some cases, the court may not stick to the guidelines. It has determined some criteria when it deviates from the established guidelines. The criteria cover some written determinations to help the judge make decisions. Based on the criteria, the court deviates from the legal guidelines to do justice to the child. However, it is often challenging to make deviations. So, you have to focus on every relevant factor before presenting yourself in front of the court.

Who receives the payment for child maintenance?

All parents have some legal liabilities for their adopted or natural children. Usually, the custodial parent receives the payment from another parent. But, in exceptional scenarios, the court will ask the custodial parent to assume the financial responsibility for child maintenance. The payment has to meet the child’s every need, including health and education. 

Is there any termination of the payment?

The Arizona court will set a termination date when the parent will stop paying for the child’s maintenance. It is assumed that when the child’s age is 18 years, the payment will be terminated. But, if the child cannot finish school education by that age, the payment continues till graduation. So, maturity age is the most significant factor in payment termination. If the child has any physical or mental disability, the termination date will go beyond the maturity age.

Maintain records as a payer

If you are ordered to pay for child custody, keep your records accurately. Paycheck stubs and other documents must be organized.

You should also have a copy of court orders related to divorce and child custody. Create an information sheet for every individual involved in the case. The details should include-

  • The court case number 
  • Legal and maiden names
  • Relative’s address
  • The lawyer’s address and name

Conclusion

Every parent in Arizona has a duty to bear the cost of child maintenance if a divorce is filed. The legal guidelines implemented by the court are the same for the adopted and natural parents. They are intended to determine the parent’s potential to pay allowance for child custody. Financial obligations to child maintenance are primary when parents start living separately. However, child custody orders can be modified in some unique circumstances. If you find these laws complicated, hire the best family lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona. 

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