Child Support

Tucson Child Support Attorney

Experienced Child Support Lawyers Serving Pima County

One of the most difficult aspects parents face when getting a divorce is child support. Our attorneys understand how overwhelming situations with children can be in a divorce, and we will provide compassionate and professional guidance on your legal options and outcomes for child support, whether you expect to be the paying parent or the receiving parent. 

Here at McNorton Fox PLLC, we understand how difficult, complicated, and stressful the child support process can be. With over 20 years of experience, our family law firm has represented hundreds of child support cases in the Pima County area. 


If you have questions regarding child support payments, McNorton Fox PLLC can help you. Call (520) 415-2970 or message us to speak with our Tucson child support attorneys.


 

Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines

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: 

  • Each parent’s income, assets, and earning potential
  • Whether each parent can meet their basic needs
  • The number of children each parent has
  • Any additional spousal maintenance or child support obligations
  • Child custody arrangements (especially parenting time)
  • Other child-related costs, such as health insurance, medical expenses, and childcare expenses

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. 

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.

How Far Behind in Child Support Before a Warrant is Issued in Arizona?

When the parent is 30 days behind that owes child support payments in Arizona, the custodial parent may file a contempt petition, and a warrant is issued.

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.


Our Tucson Child Support Attorneys Can Help

Whether you need help calculating payments, resolving a child support dispute, or enforcing a court’s child support decision, our Tucson child support attorneys can help you. We’ve been practicing family law in Arizona for over two decades and have helped countless Pima County residents work towards child support resolutions that are amicable for everyone involved.


Schedule a consultation with our Tuscon child support lawyers by calling (520) 415-2970 or send us the details of your case via our contact form.


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