Child support in Arizona is determined by a strict formula (the Guidelines), but the inputs to that formula—income, parenting time days, health insurance costs—are often debatable.
Whether you are seeking support or paying it, I ensure the calculation is accurate. I investigate hidden income, self-employment complexities, and ensure all credits for other children and expenses are applied correctly.
Income Shares Model based on both parents' gross income
Parenting time overnights directly affect support amount
15% or greater change required for modification
Support continues until 18 or high school graduation (max 19)
Automatic wage withholding in nearly all cases
Arizona Child Support Calculator - Calculate Your Support
The most common question Arizona parents ask is: "How much will child support be?" The Arizona Judicial Branch provides an official online calculator to help you estimate your child support obligation or entitlement.
Official Arizona Child Support Calculator
Use the official state calculator at: www.azcourts.gov/familylaw/childsupportcalculator
This tool uses the 2022 Arizona Child Support Guidelines (current as of Jan 2026) and provides estimates based on:
Both parents' gross monthly income
Number of children
Parenting time distribution (overnights with each parent)
Arizona uses specific guidelines to calculate child support based on both parents' income and the amount of parenting time each parent has. The guidelines consider:
Both parents' gross monthly income
Number of children
Parenting time percentage
Cost of health insurance for the children
Childcare expenses
Educational expenses
The basic child support obligation is calculated using the Arizona Child Support Guidelines worksheet, which ensures consistency across cases while allowing for adjustments based on specific circumstances.
Wage Assignment and Automatic Income Withholding
In Arizona, wage withholding (garnishment) for child support is automatic in nearly all cases. Understanding how this system works protects both paying and receiving parents.
Both parents agree in writing to alternative payment arrangements, AND
Court approves the alternative arrangement, AND
Court finds good cause for the exception
Even when parents agree otherwise, courts rarely waive automatic withholding because it ensures consistent, timely payments and reduces conflict.
How Wage Withholding Works
Order issued: Court includes Income Withholding Order (IWO) with support decree
Employer notified: IWO sent to paying parent's employer
14-day implementation: Employer must begin withholding within 14 days of receipt
Deduction from wages: Amount automatically deducted from each paycheck
Payment to clearinghouse: Employer sends payment to Arizona Support Payment Clearinghouse
Distribution: Clearinghouse distributes to receiving parent within 2 business days
Maximum Withholding Amounts
Federal law limits how much can be withheld from wages:
50% of disposable income: If paying parent supports another spouse or child
60% of disposable income: If paying parent has no other dependents
Additional 5%: If more than 12 weeks in arrears (55% or 65% total)
Disposable income = gross pay minus mandatory deductions (taxes, Social Security, Medicare)
Employer Obligations and Protections
Employers must:
Implement withholding within 14 days of receiving IWO
Send payments to clearinghouse within 7 business days of pay date
Report new hires to state (within 20 days)
Notify court if employee terminates
Employers are protected from:
Liability for amounts withheld per court order
Liability for honoring valid court orders
Discrimination claims (cannot fire employee due to wage assignment)
Employee Job Change Obligations
Parents paying support must:
Notify new employer: Within 10 days of starting new job
Provide court with employer info: Name, address, phone number of new employer
Notify DCSS: If case is IV-D case (state-assisted)
Failure to notify can result in contempt charges and additional penalties.
Self-Employed Parents
Wage withholding doesn't apply to self-employed parents. Instead:
Must make payments directly to Arizona Support Payment Clearinghouse
Payment due on specific date each month (set by court order)
May be required to post bond or prepay support as security
Can face stricter enforcement for missed payments
Court may order quarterly or semi-annual lump sum payments
Self-Employed? Document Everything
If you're self-employed, courts will scrutinize your income closely. Keep meticulous business records, separate personal and business expenses, and be prepared to explain any cash transactions. Personal expenses run through the business will be added back as income for support calculations.
Payment Tracking and Records
All payments through the clearinghouse are automatically documented:
Online account access for both parents
Payment history reports available
Receipts generated for each payment
Reduces disputes about whether payments were made
Protects paying parent with official records
Always Use Official Payment Channels
Never pay child support in cash or directly to the other parent without documentation. Use the Arizona Support Payment Clearinghouse for all payments. Undocumented payments may not be credited toward your obligation, leaving you liable for the same amount again.
A.R.S. § 25-508: Enforcement of support orders; fee prohibition
These statutes provide the legal foundation for all child support determinations in Arizona and ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents.
Child Support Enforcement in Arizona
When child support isn't paid as ordered, Arizona provides robust enforcement mechanisms through the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) and the courts:
Administrative Enforcement Actions
Wage garnishment: Automatic deduction from paychecks
Asset seizure: Bank account freezes and property liens
Tax refund interception: State and federal tax refunds seized
License suspension: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses suspended
Credit reporting: Delinquent support reported to credit bureaus
Court-Ordered Enforcement
Contempt of court: Fines and jail time for willful non-payment
Income assignment: Direct payment from employer to state agency
Property execution: Sale of assets to satisfy support debt
Business license suspension: Professional and business licenses suspended
Interstate Enforcement
Arizona participates in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) for out-of-state enforcement:
Wage garnishment in other states
Registration of Arizona orders in other jurisdictions
Reciprocal enforcement agreements
Federal Parent Locator Service assistance
Detailed Child Support Calculation Factors
Arizona's child support calculations consider numerous factors beyond basic income to ensure fair and comprehensive support:
Income Considerations
Gross monthly income: All income sources before taxes and deductions
Overtime and bonuses: Regular overtime averaged over reasonable period
Self-employment income: Net income after legitimate business expenses
Investment income: Dividends, interest, rental income
Unemployment benefits: Temporary income replacement considered
Social Security benefits: Disability and retirement benefits included
Additional Expenses
Health insurance premiums: Cost of children's coverage
Extraordinary medical expenses: Uninsured medical costs over threshold
Childcare costs: Work-related or education-related childcare
Educational expenses: Private school or special educational needs
Transportation costs: Long-distance parenting time travel
Parenting Time Credits
The amount of time each parent spends with the children directly affects support calculations:
Overnight calculations: Precise count of overnights with each parent
Extended parenting time: Summer vacations and holiday schedules
Shared physical legal decision-making: Special calculations for near-equal time sharing
Supervision costs: Additional expenses for supervised visitation
Special Circumstances in Child Support
Arizona child support law recognizes that some families have unique circumstances requiring special consideration:
Multiple Family Situations
Children from different relationships: Support obligations spread across multiple cases
Blended families: Stepchildren and biological children considerations
Grandparent Legal Decision-Making: Support obligations when grandparents have legal decision-making
Split Legal Decision-Making: Each parent has primary legal decision-making of different children
Special Needs Children
Ongoing medical expenses: Chronic conditions requiring specialized care
Therapeutic services: Physical, occupational, or speech therapy costs
Special education: Private school or specialized educational services
Equipment and modifications: Wheelchairs, home modifications, assistive technology
Extended support: Support continuing beyond age 18 for disabled children
High-Income Families
Above guidelines income: Special considerations for very high earners
Lifestyle maintenance: Ensuring children benefit from high family income
Private school and activities: Educational and extracurricular expenses
Trust funds and investments: Long-term financial planning for children
Low-Income Families
Self-support reserve: Minimum income retained for basic living expenses
Imputed income: When parents are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed
Minimum support orders: Base support amount even when income is very low
Public assistance coordination: How welfare benefits affect support calculations
Self-Support Reserve Protection
Arizona law protects low-income parents from impossible payment obligations. The self-support reserve ensures the paying parent retains enough income for basic living expenses. If guideline support would reduce income below the poverty threshold, the court may adjust the amount downward.
Interstate Child Support Enforcement (UIFSA)
Arizona participates in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), providing powerful tools for collecting support across state lines:
How UIFSA Works
One controlling order: Only one state can have valid child support order at a time
Continuing exclusive jurisdiction: State that issued order retains jurisdiction while parties remain there
Registration: Arizona orders can be registered and enforced in other states
Interstate enforcement: DCSS can pursue support through other states' agencies
Federal Enforcement Tools
Federal Parent Locator Service: Locates parents across state lines
Federal tax refund offset: IRS intercepts federal tax refunds for arrears
Passport denial: U.S. State Department denies passports for arrears over $2,500
Credit bureau reporting: National credit reporting of child support arrears
Criminal prosecution: Federal charges for crossing state lines to avoid support
Establishing Support Across State Lines
Long-arm jurisdiction: Arizona may have jurisdiction over non-resident parents
Two-state process: Initiating state sends petition to responding state
Genetic testing: Can be ordered and conducted across state lines
Attorney representation: DCSS attorneys can represent Arizona in other states
Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) - Arizona
Arizona's Division of Child Support Services, part of the Department of Economic Security, provides comprehensive support services:
Services Provided
Establishing paternity: Administrative and court-based paternity establishment
Establishing support orders: Working with courts to obtain child support orders
Locating parents: Using state and federal databases to find absent parents
Enforcing orders: All enforcement remedies including wage assignment, liens, license suspension
Collecting and distributing payments: Centralizing payments through Support Payment Clearinghouse
Modifying orders: Reviewing and modifying support orders when circumstances change
Who Uses DCSS
TANF recipients: Automatic enrollment when receiving public assistance
Medicaid recipients: Required assignment of support rights for medical coverage
Non-assistance cases: Any parent can apply for DCSS services for $25 annual fee
Former assistance cases: Continues services after assistance ends
Online Portal: azdes.gov/childsupport for account access and payment history
Local Offices: Multiple locations throughout Maricopa County
Maricopa County Child Support Procedures
Maricopa County Superior Court handles child support cases through its Family Court division:
Filing Locations
Southeast Facility (Mesa): 222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Central Court Building: 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Northeast Facility: 14264 N. 87th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Northwest Facility: 14440 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374
Filing Fees (2024-2025)
Petition to establish support: Check current fee schedule (approx. $300-$400)
Motion to modify support: Check current fee schedule (approx. $100)
Fee waiver available: For parties who cannot afford filing fees
Required Documents
Child Support Worksheet: Official Arizona calculation form
Affidavit of Financial Information: Complete income and expense disclosure
Income documentation: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, profit/loss statements
Parenting plan: Document showing legal decision-making and parenting time schedule
Health insurance information: Coverage details and costs for children
Self-Service Resources
Law Library Resource Center: Free assistance with forms and procedures
Self-Service Center: Help with document preparation and filing
ezCourtForms: Online system for completing Arizona family law forms
Child Support Calculator: Online calculator at azcourts.gov
Common Child Support Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding common pitfalls helps parents navigate child support more effectively:
Mistakes by Paying Parents
Stopping payments without modification: Never stop paying without court order—arrears accumulate regardless
Paying in cash: Always use trackable payment methods through the clearinghouse
Making direct payments: Payments directly to other parent may not count toward support obligation
Quitting job to reduce support: Courts impute income to voluntarily unemployed parents
Hiding income: Courts have extensive discovery tools and can find hidden income
Ignoring modification needs: File modification promptly when circumstances change
Mistakes by Receiving Parents
Not reporting non-payment: Enforce orders promptly—arrears accumulate interest but so does non-compliance
Denying parenting time: Support and parenting time are separate legal obligations
Not updating income: Must disclose income changes even if receiving support
Informal agreements: Get all changes in writing and filed with court
Using support for non-child expenses: Support is for children's benefit
Mistakes by Both Parents
Not understanding calculation: Review worksheet carefully for errors
Incorrect overnight counts: Precise parenting time counts significantly affect support
Missing income sources: All income counts—bonuses, overtime, investment returns
Failing to include expenses: Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary expenses affect calculation
Working with an experienced Arizona family law attorney helps avoid these common mistakes and ensures child support is calculated correctly from the start.
The Legal Process
Income Determination
Analyzing tax returns, pay stubs, and financial affidavits to establish gross income.
Guidelines Calculation
Running the official Arizona Child Support Calculator with accurate parenting time days.
Common Questions
How is child support calculated in Arizona?
Arizona uses the Income Shares Model with an official calculator. Both parents' gross incomes, parenting time overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses are entered into the formula. The state provides a free online calculator at www.azcourts.gov/familylaw/childsupportcalculator.
How long does child support last in Arizona?
Child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or until high school graduation if the child is still in school and under age 19. Support may continue beyond 18 for children with disabilities who cannot become self-supporting.
Can child support be modified in Arizona?
Yes, either parent can petition for modification when there's a substantial and continuing change in circumstances—typically a 15% or greater change in the support amount when recalculated. Common grounds include job loss, income changes, changes in parenting time, or changes in childcare costs.
Anthony F. Paradise, Esq.
I didn't choose family law. I chose the courtroom.
The preparation. The argument. The moment when everything you've built either holds or falls apart. After earning my J.D. from Arizona Summit Law School, I clerked for a prominent criminal defense and wrongful death attorney. I learned how to build cases that hold up under pressure and how to perform when everything is on the line.
When I committed to practice full time, I brought that same intensity to family law. I understood what it feels like when everything you've built is coming apart. And I learned that how something ends matters as much as how it began.
I have devoted 100% of my practice to family law since 2020. Not because it's easy. Because it's where I belong.
10+Years Licensed
100%Family Law Focus
My Philosophy
From Crisis to Clarity
I have helped hundreds of clients and consulted with thousands. My job is to move you from crisis to clarity — with a plan, a strategy, and someone in your corner who knows the details of your case better than anyone.
Relationships are hard. Sometimes the healthiest thing for you, for your children, for everyone, is to separate. But how you end matters as much as why.
What a Good Outcome Looks Like
Divorce ranks alongside death for its toll on mental health. There is no victory lap here.
A good outcome looks like this: someone walks through my door in crisis, and six months later, their life is meaningfully better. They call to tell me their kids are adjusting. They're sleeping again. They can see a future.
Every Document. Every Detail. Me.
I have seen what happens when attorneys grow their practices too fast. More clients. More revenue. And attention drifting toward management instead of cases. I watched the details slip. That's not the practice I wanted to build.
No Associate Handoffs
I am not handing your file to an associate who won't remember it when it counts. You hired me. You get me.
Evidence Mastery
I touch every piece of evidence in your case. Every email. Every bank statement. I know the details better than anyone in the room.
Direct Strategy
My approach is simple: Build a record that holds up on appeal. Prepare thoroughly to create leverage.
Our Office
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Paradise Law Office, PLLC2801 E Camelback Rd Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85016
