The Arizona Child Support Guidelines are used to establish and calculate the standard support amount consistent with the reasonable needs of children and the ability of parents to pay. The guidelines not only give parents and courts guidance in establishing child support, they also make child support orders consistent for parents in similar circumstances.
The child support guidelines take into account several factors, such as:
- Gross income of the parties
- Spousal maintenance
- Health insurance premiums (for the children)
- Education costs
- Child support paid for other children
- Amount of time the child/children spend with each parent
If the time spent with each parent is essentially equal, the guidelines anticipate that the expenses for the children are also equally shared. If the parents earn approximately the same amount, no child support will be owed by either parent. If, however, the parents’ incomes are not equal, child support will be owed by the parent with the higher income.
The court can deviate from the child support guidelines, if it’s in the best interest of the child/children; however, it is not done frequently.
Click here for for the Arizona Courts Child Support Calculator
If you have questions regarding your child support payments please contact Owens & Perkins to schedule your complimentary ½ hour consultation with one of our experienced family law attorneys at (480) 994-8824.
