Divorce is never simple, especially when it involves children. Not only will you and your future ex-husband have to divide your marital assets, such as your home in Phoenix, but you have to work out a custody schedule for the kids. Another issue that will be part of your divorce is child support.
Child support is often a very complicated issue. For example, the court typically uses fairly complex formulas to calculate child support payments. Below are a few things you should know about child support laws in Arizona.
Child support orders
An Arizona court order for child support includes four things. First, it specifies which parent has to pay child support. Second, it states how much child support the responsible parent must pay. Third, the document will include how often the responsible parent has to make child support payments. Finally, the child support order will name the person who is to receive the payments on behalf of the children.
Calculation
As previously stated, the calculation that the court uses to determine support is sophisticated. The judge will take into consideration various factors such as the income of each parent, child care expenses and the child’s living situation.
Petitioning for child support
There are several different ways to get child support. One option is for you and your ex to work out and agree to terms and then submit it to the court for approval. Another option is for you to complete an Application for Child Support Services and file it with the Division of Child Support Services. If you need to establish paternity, there is another route you will need to take before you can request child support.
What child support covers
In general, child support includes monetary support for living and school expenses, heath insurance and even travel costs associated with visitation. However, the child support order often depends on the particular circumstances, so it might include more than this based on your child’s needs.
Child support varies from family to family, so your child support order might be very different from someone else’s. If you are considering divorce and have children, it is important to understand Arizona’s child support laws.