Tucson Child Support Attorney

The guidelines for child support are similar to a mathematical formula and, in fact, support is frequently calculated using an authorized computer-based worksheet. The court begins by evaluating each spouse’s income and then makes adjustments based on specific factors. 

To put it simply, this results in a basic “combined child support obligation,” which roughly represents the cost of the child’s monthly expenses. The court then considers additional factors to determine how much each parent should contribute towards this cost. 

Some of the factors that courts use to determine child support include: 

• Parent income and assets such as wages, bonuses, benefits, and other financial resources
• Ability to meet basics including housing, utilities, food, and transportation for each parent
• Number of children each parent supports, whether inside or outside the current case
• Other support obligations such as existing spousal maintenance or child support orders
• Child custody arrangements and parenting time schedules, especially how many days and overnights the child spends in each home
• Additional child-related costs like health insurance premiums, uncovered medical expenses, educational costs, and childcare or daycare expenses

In addition to these factors, Arizona courts in Pima County and throughout the state look at the history of each parent’s involvement with the child and any unique needs that might not fit neatly into a calculator. We can help you gather pay stubs, tax returns, childcare invoices, and other documentation so the court has an accurate picture of your family’s financial situation, which allows a Tucson child support lawyer on our team to present a clear and organized proposal to the judge.

How to Calculate Child Support in Arizona

Arizona courts base their child support decisions on an “Income Shares Model,” also referred to as a “Shared Income Model.”  This model considers each parent’s income to decide how to proportionally allocate a child’s expenses between both parents. 

The idea is for the child to receive the same level of financial support as they would if they lived with both parents in one household. With this model in mind, Arizona has developed specific guidelines for determining child support payment amounts, payment schedules, and the recipient of payments.

Although Arizona has tried to streamline its process for determining child support payments by issuing a public Child Support Calculator, there are circumstances that can cause courts to determine child support payments and schedules that are vastly different from those suggested by the calculator. 

The calculator is merely a reference. Furthermore, courts can also revisit and modify child support payments anytime there is a significant change to either parent’s circumstances. 

Because the official calculator does not explain how a judge in Pima County Superior Court might treat overtime, bonuses, or shared parenting arrangements, many parents choose to sit down with a child support attorney to review possible outcomes before they file. We can walk you through different scenarios, such as a change in parenting time or a move to or from the Tucson area, so you understand how your monthly obligation could increase or decrease over time.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support in Arizona?

Children in Arizona typically receive child support until they turn 18 or graduate from high school. Children with disabilities and special needs may receive child support beyond these milestones. 

Depending on individual circumstances, court orders, and agreements between the parents, child support obligations may vary. For personalized guidance, it is recommended that you contact an experienced Tucson child support attorney here at McNorton Fox PLLC and gain a better understanding of your situation's specific regulations and requirements by consulting with them.

Although both parents are financially responsible for meeting a child’s monthly expenses, it is typically the custodial parent who receives child support payments from the noncustodial parent on behalf of their mutual children. 

To speak with an experienced Tucson child support attorney, give us a call at (520) 415-2970 or contact us online today.