Understanding Child Support in Arizona
When divorcing, there are many unknowns and both spouses often wonder how child support is calculated. The amount a spouse will be responsible to pay in child support to the other spouse depends on various factors such as income, number of children, age of children, and other circumstances such as childcare costs, extracurricular activities/sports, and more.
What Does Child Support Cover
Child support is the monthly amount that a court order or is determined in mediation that a child’s noncustodial parent must pay to the custodial parent in order to ease the financial burden of raising a child. In Arizona, child support is the financial priority over other financial obligations because custodial and non-custodial parents must provide reasonable financial support to their children. Child support is separate from spousal maintenance and the two amounts are not influenced by each other. It is designed to help cover things for one or more children such as food, clothing, housing, medical needs, and other needs.
How is Child Support Calculated in Arizona
In Arizona, the child support amounts are calculated based on an approximation of what parents would have spent on their child/ren if they were living together as a family. When determining the amount, both parents’ gross incomes and the other aforementioned expenses are considered in determining the amount the non-custodial parent will be responsible for paying the custodial parent. It can be hard to anticipate the exact amount but fortunately, the Arizona Judicial Branch has an online calculator that will give you a better idea of what the amount will be. With a traditional divorce in a courtroom setting, the judge will determine the amount. However, with mediation, there is more room for negotiation and discussion in determining the final amount.
Can Child Support Be Modified
Because people may experience changes in employment or gross income, changes in children’s expenses, and other life changes, child support can be modified. Like divorce and the initial determination of child support, this can occur in court or through mediation. If you need help with divorce mediation and determining child support, or with help modifying child support, consult an experienced and knowledgeable divorce mediator.
