Child Support

Child support is the financial contribution the non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent. In a case where the parents have equal access time with the children, it is not uncommon the parent earning the greater income to still pay some child support the other parent earning the lesser amount of income.

Child support is established by the utilization of the mandatory Arizona State Child Support Guidelines. It is mandatory that child support be paid by a wage garnishment payable to the Support Payment Clearinghouse which keeps a record of payments made. This protects both parents from allegations that child support was or was not paid.

Child support typically does not include extra-curricular activities such as Little League, piano lessons, etc.; however if your child has special needs, then the court can and will consider the additional costs associated with those special needs.

Child support is not a tax deduction for the payor nor is it taxable income to the payee. The Arizona Child Support Guidelines do allocate the tax dependency exemption for purposes of filing federal income tax returns. The allocation is generally in proportion to each parent’s child support obligation as established in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.

Child support payments will continue until the last child is emancipated. Emancipation is generally considered to be when the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever is later but no later than age 19. Emancipation can also occur prior to a child’s 18th birthday if the child is married or inducted into military service.

Ina paternity matter, child support is established pursuant to the Arizona Child Support Guidelines and can be made retroactive to three years prior to the date the Paternity Complaint was filed.

You should not pay more than required. You should receive all you are entitled to receive. Allow one of our divorce lawyers to assist you in the calculation of your child support.