Arizona child support laws help children get financial support from both parents. The state has clear rules to make sure children receive the money they need, no matter where they live.
Arizona uses the Income Shares Model for child support. This system looks at both parents' incomes to decide how much support to pay.
The idea is simple. Parents should spend the same amount on their children as they would if the family lived together. Each parent pays their fair share based on how much money they make.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security runs the child support program. They work as your partner for a stronger Arizona. Their Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) helps families across the state.
DCSS helps with many things. They establish paternity for unmarried parents. They help get child support orders from courts. They also collect unpaid child support money.
The support calculator is a computer program that figures out support amounts. It follows the Arizona child support guidelines. But remember, this tool only gives estimates. It does not give legal advice.
The court makes the final decision about support amounts. A judge can order different amounts than what the calculator shows.
How Support Amounts Are Calculated
Calculating child support looks at many factors. It's not just about how much money parents make.
The support calculator needs information about both parents' gross income. This includes wages from jobs, money from investments, retirement benefits, and veterans' benefits. It also counts prizes, insurance payments, and income from any source.
The calculation also looks at other costs. These include the child's medical expenses and daycare costs. It considers how many children need support and any special expenses.
Other things matter too. Which parent pays for health insurance affects the amount. How much time children spend with each parent also changes the calculation.
Parents should always use the newest child support calculators. The state updates these guidelines every four years. This follows federal law requirements.
The 2022 guidelines are the current version. They apply to all new orders or changes made after January 1, 2022. These updates reflect changes in the economy and minimum wage increases.
Payment Options and Methods
Arizona offers multiple convenient payment options to ensure child support reaches families efficiently. The state has developed various methods to accommodate different preferences and circumstances, making it easier for parents to fulfill their support obligations consistently.
Payment Method | Description | Fees | Processing Time | Best For |
Online - CashPro Gateway | Secure web-based payments through official state portal | No DCSS fees (check with bank) | Immediate | Most convenient option for regular payments |
Online - iPayOnline | Third-party secure payment platform | Free | Immediate | Scheduled and recurring payments |
Phone Payments | Call DCSS customer service line | Varies by payment type | Immediate | Quick one-time payments |
Mail Payments | Check, money order, or cashier's check | No fees | 3-5 business days | Traditional payment preference |
Retail Locations | Cash payments at CVS, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven | $2.50 transaction fee | Same day | Cash-only situations |
Automatic Wage Withholding | Direct deduction from employer | No fees to parent | Each pay period | Consistent employment income |
Online Payments
The CashPro Payment Gateway is the easiest way to pay child support online. DCSS does not charge fees for using this system. But check with your bank about any fees they might charge.
This system processes payments right away. You get confirmation that your payment went through. This helps you keep good records.
iPayOnline is another option for online payments. This service is free and secure. You can set up scheduled payments or make one-time payments. It works well for parents who want to automate their payments.
Phone Payments
You can pay child support by calling DCSS customer service. They have special phone lines just for payments. You can use your bank account information or credit cards.
Phone payments process immediately. You get confirmation that your payment was received. This works well when you need to make a quick payment.
Mail Payments
Some parents prefer to mail their payments. You can send checks, money orders, or cashier's checks. Make the payment out to "Clearinghouse."
Always write your AZCARES case number on the payment. This helps make sure your money goes to the right place. Mail payments take 3-5 business days to process.
Send payments to:
Support Payment Clearinghouse
Arizona Department of Economic Security
DCSS State Disbursement Unit, 1789 W. Jefferson
Mail Drop 7222, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Retail Payments
You can pay with cash at certain stores. CVS, Family Dollar, and 7-Eleven accept child support payments. There is a $2.50 fee for this service.
First, go to PayInCashNow.com to get your payment slip. This creates a barcode for your case. Show this barcode to the cashier. You can use the same barcode for future payments.
Automatic Payments
Many parents use automatic wage withholding. This takes money directly from paychecks. It ensures payments happen on time every pay period.
There are no fees for automatic payments. Your employer sends the money directly to the state. This method works best for parents with steady jobs.
Getting a Child Support Order
Getting a child support order starts with establishing paternity. Unmarried parents need to prove who the father is first. Married or divorced parents can file paperwork directly.
DCSS helps with this whole process. They explain what you need to do and help you fill out forms. You can also work with a private lawyer if you prefer.
The court looks at many things when making support orders. They consider how much money each parent makes. They think about what the child would have had if parents stayed together.
They also look at the child's physical and emotional needs. Any special circumstances get considered too.
You need to provide lots of financial information. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. You must also show any other income sources.
Being honest about your finances is very important. This helps ensure fair support amounts. It also helps create payment schedules you can actually follow.
Enforcement and Collection
Arizona has strong tools to make sure parents pay child support. When payments are missed, the state can take action to collect the money.
Income withholding is the main enforcement tool. This automatically takes support payments from wages or other income. It ensures steady payments without ongoing court involvement.
The state can also seize assets for large unpaid amounts. They can take tax refunds, freeze bank accounts, or put liens on property. These actions show how serious the state is about collecting support.
Professional licenses can be suspended for unpaid support. This includes driver's licenses. Parents facing suspension can work with DCSS to set up payment plans.
Unpaid child support gets reported to credit agencies. This affects your ability to get loans or credit cards. Many parents are motivated to catch up on payments to protect their credit.
The state can also hold people in contempt of court. This can result in jail time for willfully not paying support. Courts prefer to work out payment plans before using this option.
Changing Support Orders
Child support orders can be changed when circumstances change significantly. Arizona law recognizes that life situations evolve over time.
To modify support, you must show substantial changes. The new amount must be at least 15% different or $50 per month more or less. Examples include major income changes, job loss, or changes in custody time.
You must file paperwork with the court to request changes. Both parents get notice and can present their side. The court will review all evidence before deciding.
Support modifications are not automatic. You must get court approval. Current support amounts continue until a judge enters a new order.
Past-due support usually cannot be reduced. The court can only change future payments in most cases.
Special Situations
Some cases need special attention in Arizona's child support system. These situations often involve complex calculations or unique circumstances.
Shared Custody
When children spend substantial time with both parents, calculations adjust for this. Each parent's direct expenses get considered. But equal time rarely eliminates support completely. Income differences usually mean one parent still pays some support.
Children with Special Needs
Some children need support beyond age 18. Courts can order continued support for adult children with disabilities. These orders require clear proof of the child's condition and ongoing needs.
Multiple Families
When parents have children from different relationships, calculations get complex. The guidelines consider support for all children. This can reduce the amount available for any one child.
High-Income Cases
Very high-income parents may pay more than standard guidelines suggest. Courts can order additional support when parents make lots of money. This ensures children benefit from their parents' success.
Age Limits and Duration
Child support in Arizona typically ends when children turn 18. But it doesn't stop automatically on their birthday.
If a child is still in high school at 18, support continues. It ends when they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first.
Support can continue longer for children with significant disabilities. These children must be unable to support themselves due to physical or mental conditions.
The court sets end dates in support orders. Parents must go to court to reduce support when one child becomes an adult. It doesn't happen automatically.
What Child Support Covers
Child support covers basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. It helps pay for housing costs where the child lives. This includes rent or mortgage payments.
Support also covers transportation costs. This includes getting children to school, activities, and visits with the other parent.
Medical expenses are part of child support. This includes health insurance costs and medical bills not covered by insurance.
Childcare costs like daycare get included. Educational expenses can be covered too. This might include school supplies, tutoring, or private school costs.
The court decides what other expenses should be included. This might cover extracurricular activities, summer camps, or other special needs.
Working with DCSS
The Arizona Department of Economic Security provides many support services. Their goal is helping families get the support children need.
DCSS can help establish paternity. They assist with getting court orders for support. They also help collect unpaid support from parents who don't pay.
You can apply for DCSS services online or in person. They will work with you throughout the process. Their services are usually free for families who qualify.
DCSS has enforcement tools that private individuals don't have. They can garnish wages, seize assets, and take other collection actions.
They also provide customer service to answer questions. You can call them about payment issues, address changes, or other concerns.
Getting Help
Many resources exist to help families with child support issues. The Arizona Department of Economic Security is the main source of help.
Local family courts have self-help centers. These provide forms, instructions, and limited assistance. Many courts have staff who can explain procedures.
Legal aid organizations help low-income families. They can provide lawyers or advice about child support cases. Some offer free services to qualifying families.
Community organizations also provide resources. These might include job training, financial counseling, or other family support services.
Online resources provide information about Arizona child support laws. The state website has calculators, forms, and detailed explanations of the process.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security serves as your partner for a stronger Arizona. They provide resources and services to help families navigate the child support system successfully.
Remember that child support is about children's needs, not parents' conflicts. Working together to support children benefits everyone involved and helps ensure children have the resources they need to thrive.