One of the most common questions I get during a divorce is about kids. In particular, people often ask how child support will work and how much it will cost. In Arizona, a court order is the only way to establish a child support amount, but the Arizona Judicial Branch website provides a calculator so you can approximate an amount on your own.
How to start
There are a couple steps that need to be completed before finalizing a child support amount. In order to establish a child support amount, custody must be determined. Then, a formal request must be filed with the court asking for a court order that establishes the child support amount.
After the child support amount has been established by the court, a court order signed by a judicial officer will be issued by the court. The order specifies:
- the amount of child support to be paid
- who will pay the child support amount
- when to begin paying the child support amount
How much?
Both parents’ gross incomes are used to calculate the amount of child support that the noncustodial parent will pay to the other household to financially support the children. The Arizona Child Support Guidelines are used to calculate the support amount.
What is used in the calculation?
Before starting the child support calculation, the following will be used to determine the final amount:
- Gross income of both parents. Incomes are averaged.
- Medical, dental and vision insurance costs for children.
- Parenting time days per year, if not equal parenting time.
- Daycare costs.
- Visitation, dictated by work and school schedules.
Some other special considerations aren’t required but can be included like:
- Private schooling.
- Tutoring.
- Other lifestyle treatments; extraordinary child care expenses.
How long?
The order will last until the child is 18 years of age or until completing high school graduation.
What isn’t included?
Many of the costs of the raising a child aren’t included by default. If the spouse agrees, other costs can be included like:
- Clothing
- Tutoring
- Private schooling
- Sports
- etc.
If you are considering a divorce and would like to learn more about child support give us a call today and we’ll be glad to help.
