Child support is often misunderstood as a burden, but in truth, it exists to protect your child’s well-being. Providing financial support isn’t a punishment or a tool for control — it’s a way to ensure your children maintain a stable, positive standard of living that meets their needs. As a parent, contributing financially is part of offering the care, security, and opportunities your child deserves, in line with each parent’s ability to pay.
At Shaffer Family Law, we understand that navigating child support—whether you’re the parent paying or receiving—can feel overwhelming. That’s why we work closely with our clients during this challenging time, helping them reach fair and balanced arrangements that prioritize the well-being of their children. We are committed to guiding you through the process and ensuring the same positive outcome for your family.
In Arizona, child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount a child would receive if both parents were living together. Responsibility is then divided between the parents based on their individual incomes and financial circumstances, ensuring the child’s needs remain the top priority. Let’s take a closer look at how child support is calculated and the factors that influence the amount.
Key Factors That Determine Child Support in Arizona
Under Arizona law, child support is determined using a formula outlined in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, which considers factors such as:
- Each Parent’s Gross Income: This includes all sources of income, not just traditional wages and salaries. Examples include commissions, investments, bonuses, pensions, and earnings from self-employment. If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may estimate income based on their potential earning capacity.
- Number of Children: Considers how many children require support and their ages.
- Parenting Time: During a divorce, custody arrangements are formalized in a parenting plan that specifies the child’s residence and how time will be shared between parents. The amount of time each parent spends with the child can impact child support, with increased parenting time potentially reducing the amount of support owed.
- Health Insurance: When one parent provides health insurance for the child, the cost of the insurance is included in the calculation. If no parent provides coverage, the court may consider expected out-of-pocket medical expenses when determining the support amount.
- Educational and Childcare Expenses: Costs such as tuition, school supplies, extracurricular activities, daycare, or babysitting needed for a parent to work or attend school can be factored into support or addressed in parental agreements.
- Other Financial Obligations: Existing child support or court-ordered spousal maintenance (alimony) payments are taken into account.
Experienced Child Support Attorneys in Arizona at Shaffer Family Law
In most cases, when parents divorce, the parent who spends less time with the child—typically the noncustodial parent—is required to pay child support to the parent with primary custody. However, this support is meant to cover the child’s essential needs, including food, housing, clothing, education, and healthcare, regardless of which parent the child is with.
If you’d like to estimate child support on your own, the Arizona Judicial Branch offers a free online calculator. Keep in mind, however, that the court may order a different amount depending on each parent’s financial situation and the child’s unique needs.
Managing child support and family law matters can be complex, but Shaffer Family Law is here to assist you every step of the way. With extensive experience serving parents across Maricopa County and throughout Arizona, our family law attorneys handle a wide range of issues beyond child support, including divorce, child custody, property division, alimony and more. We are dedicated to protecting your rights while prioritizing the best interests of your child.
Contact us at (480) 470-3030 or request an appointment today to receive personalized guidance and dedicated representation for your case.
Sources:
https://www.azcourts.gov/familylaw/Child-Support-Family-Law-Information/About-the-Child-Support-Calculator#Which
https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/41epgvrd/drs1z.pdf