Understanding How Arizona Calculates Child Support

Determining child support in Arizona can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also adjusting to new parenting routines and financial responsibilities. Whether you’re newly separated or modifying an existing order, understanding how support amounts are calculated is crucial for protecting your child’s well-being and your financial stability.

Arizona uses a formula-based method called the “Income Shares Model” to calculate child support payments. This model considers both parents’ gross incomes, the amount of parenting time each parent has, and additional expenses, such as childcare, health insurance, and medical expenses. Understanding the formula behind the Arizona child support calculator can help you estimate what to expect and whether your current arrangement is fair.

• How Child Support is Determined in Arizona
• What Counts as Income in a Child Support Calculation
• The Role of Parenting Time in Child Support
• Using the Arizona Child Support Calculator
• Child Support Calculation Example
• How to Modify a Child Support Order in Arizona
• How to Enforce or Collect Child Support Payments
• 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Arizona
• How Lucas Law Can Help With Child Support Issues

At Lucas Law, Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Alison Lucas utilizes her experience and the Arizona Child Support Guidelines to assist clients in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert in obtaining accurate support orders and advocating for fair modifications. Alison’s in-depth knowledge of how support is calculated can make a significant difference in your outcome, especially if your income has changed or your parenting time needs adjustment.

In Arizona, child support is determined using a standardized formula designed to ensure both parents contribute fairly to the cost of raising a child, including medical expenses. This formula is outlined in the Arizona Department of Economic Security guidelines. Arizona Child Support Guidelines are updated every four years to reflect changes in the economy and the child’s needs.

The calculation begins by assessing the gross income of both parents. This includes wages, bonuses, rental income, pensions, unemployment benefits, and income from self-employment. From this, the court calculates the total child support obligation, based on a schedule of basic support obligations provided by the state.

Once the basic amount is established, the court adjusts the total based on:

• Parenting time (how many days each parent has the child)
• Health insurance premiums
• Childcare costs
• Extraordinary expenses, such as for children with special needs

Once these adjustments are made, the final child support order is issued. Either parent can request a review if they believe the amount is unfair or incorrect.

Arizona courts are responsible for enforcing child support orders. Strive to establish child support arrangements that are in the best interest of the child, taking into account each parent’s financial ability.

Arizona law takes a broad view of income when calculating support. This ensures the child support amount reflects the actual ability of each parent to contribute.

Familiar sources of income include medical expenses that may affect child support calculations: 

• Salaries and hourly wages
• Overtime, bonuses, and commissions
• Self-employment earnings
• Social Security benefits (excluding SSI)
• Rental income
• Dividends and interest
• Alimony or spousal maintenance received

Some income is excluded from the calculation, such as:

• Public assistance (like TANF or food stamps)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can affect the amount of support determined by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
• Child support received for other children.

Suppose a parent is unemployed or underemployed without a valid reason. In that case, the court can impute income based on their earning capacity, job history, and local employment opportunities in areas such as Phoenix or Mesa.

One of the most critical factors in determining child support is the amount of time spent parenting.

Arizona uses a detailed worksheet to track the number of days each parent has physical custody of the child, which is essential for calculating child support payments in Arizona.

Generally:

• More parenting time = potentially lower child support owed

• Less parenting time = potentially higher payment required

The rationale is simple: the more time a parent spends caring for the child, the more direct expenses they cover (such as food and transportation), which may reduce the need for financial support from the other parent.

This is especially relevant in joint custody arrangements. For example, if both parents in Scottsdale equally share time with their child, the court may adjust the payment to ensure that the child’s needs are met and neither parent is unfairly burdened.

The Arizona Child Support Calculator is a free online tool provided by the Arizona Supreme Court.

It helps parents estimate their monthly obligations using:

• Both parents’ gross monthly incomes are crucial in calculating child support payments in Arizona.

• The number of children receiving child support can significantly impact the total support awarded.

• Parenting time days are a crucial factor in determining the appropriate amount of child support to be awarded.

• Health insurance costs for the child

• Work-related childcare expenses

• Court-ordered spousal maintenance

To accurately calculate child support payments, you’ll also need to input any additional children or support obligations already in place. Once the information is entered into the child support worksheet, the calculator will produce a recommended support amount. Monthly amount, along with a detailed breakdown of how it was determined.

You can access the official calculator here: Arizona Child Support Calculator.

Let’s look at a simplified example to see how a support amount is calculated:

• Parent A earns a gross income of $4,500/month

• Parent B earns a gross income of $3,000/month

• They share one child

• Parent A has the child 110 days per year; Parent B has 255 days

• Monthly childcare: $400 (paid by Parent B)

• Monthly health insurance premium for child: $150 (paid by Parent A)

Using the Arizona Child Support Calculator, we input the details to determine the amount of support:

• Combined income: $7,500

• Fundamental support obligation (per state guidelines): $1,078

• Adjustments were made to reflect the child’s needs accurately, including parenting time, childcare, medical expenses, and insurance.

Final estimated child support payment: $360/month owed by Parent A to Parent B

Keep in mind, this is only an example. Actual amounts vary based on your situation and the current child support guidelines.

Arizona allows parents to modify child support when there’s a significant and continuing change in circumstances.

Common reasons for modification include:

• A substantial increase or decrease in income can lead to adjustments in back child support obligations.
• A change in parenting time
• Loss of employment
• A new child or additional support obligation
  

To request a change, either parent can file a petition with the court. The court may recalculate the amount of child support using updated financial information and revised parenting time arrangements. If the change meets the 15% threshold difference (as required by Arizona law), a new order will be issued.

Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Alison Lucas at Lucas Law helps parents throughout Glendale, Gilbert, and nearby cities understand specific regulations regarding child support and the child’s needs. Prepare accurate modification petitions that meet the court’s expectations. 

When a parent fails to pay child support in Arizona, enforcement actions can be taken through the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) or the court system.

Tools used to enforce child support include:

• Wage garnishment
• Tax refund intercepts
• Driver’s license suspension
• Liens on property
• Contempt of court proceedings
  

If you’re not receiving court-ordered support, you have the right to file a complaint or seek legal assistance. Lucas Law assists custodial parents in recovering child support and enforcing orders to ensure children receive the financial support they are entitled to.

1. What is the legal duty to support a child in Arizona?
   Both parents have a legal duty to support their child financially until the child turns 18 (or 19 if the child is still in high school).
2. Can child support be ordered without going to court?
   Yes, if both parents agree on the terms and submit them to the court for approval. Otherwise, a hearing is necessary.
3. Does Arizona consider a new spouse’s income?
   Generally, no, but it may be considered indirectly if it reduces a parent’s expenses.
4. What if one parent quits their job to avoid paying support?
   The court may assign income based on that parent’s earning potential.
5. Can I use the Arizona Child Support Calculator for shared custody?
   Yes. The calculator allows you to input parenting time for both parents.
6. What happens when child support ends?
   Support ends when the child turns 18, or 19 if still in school. It may end earlier or later in special situations (e.g., emancipation or disability).
7. Can I get help if my ex moved out of state?
   Yes. Arizona can enforce child support across state lines through federal laws and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).