As Child Support Attorneys in Gilbert, Arizona, we know that one of the most important issues facing divorcing spouses is the issue of child support. Most people think of child support as the amount of money one parent pays the other parent to help financially support the children, but this is only part of the equation.
Parents are legally obligated to financially support their children and provide for their emotional, physical, and psychological needs. At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, we make sure your rights are protected, and your voice is heard.
Child support in Gilbert, AZ, is determined using Arizona's Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines provide a framework for determining a monthly monetary obligation that one parent pays the other to ease the financial burden of caring for the children.
Several factors are considered when determining who pays child support and how much. However, the two factors that most heavily influence the amount of child support to be paid are the income of the parties and the amount of parenting time each parent has.
When we meet with our clients as their child support attorneys in Gilbert, AZ, determining each parent's income is the first step in calculating child support. This is typically determined by both parties filling out an Affidavit of Financial Information (AFI).
The AFI requires each parent to fully disclose their income, expenses, and other financial obligations. Each parent must provide current pay stubs, W-2s, and tax information, where applicable. The AFI becomes the basis for determining each parent's income to calculate child support. You and your spouse should include income from the following sources:
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list, so consult your family law attorney to learn what income sources must be included.
Before the amount of the child support obligation can be determined, it is also necessary to determine how much parenting time each parent will have with the children. The parents can decide this through an agreement or by the court if the matter proceeds to trial.
If one parent exercises more parenting time than the other, the other parent will typically have to pay child support. Other factors, such as the cost of insurance and daycare, also influence the amount of child support under the Gilbert, Arizona, guidelines.
Once the obligation amount is determined, the judge enters the child support order, obligates one parent to pay the other monthly support, and requires the parent obligated to pay to make sure they are making the payment every month.
The court order will require that all child support payments be made through the Support Clearinghouse through Automatic Wage Assignment, meaning that the Clearinghouse will garnish the paying parent's wages to ensure the support is paid.
The parent receiving child support will receive their support payments directly from the Support Clearinghouse. This ensures that the obligation is paid regularly each month and that the parent receiving child support is paid as the court order requires.
Any payment not made through the Clearinghouse can be considered a gift, and the paying parent may not get credit for that payment. Failure to make regular and consistent child support payments will result in a child support arrearage that will accrue interest.
At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Gilbert, AZ, we understand how important and stressful the issue of child support can be. We are committed to pursuing practical and effective solutions for our clients facing child support issues.
We ensure our clients understand the child support process in Gilbert, Arizona, and we passionately assist them in protecting what is most important to them. If you need an attorney in Scottsdale, we recommend you contact our friends, who are rated among the best divorce lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ.
As child support attorneys in Arizona, we tell parents to have a legal obligation to pay uncovered medical expenses for their children. This includes co-pays, prescriptions, and any other medical, dental, and vision costs due to medically necessary treatment or procedure.
These expenses are not included in the child support calculation but are left to the parents to negotiate, or if they are unable or unwilling to agree, the court will decide for them. The Gilbert Arizona Guidelines do not indicate that uncovered medical expenses must be divided according to parents' incomes. Instead, they are divided by the court in the children's best interest.
Parents also share an obligation to provide childcare for their children. The court will consider the federal childcare tax the custodial parent is eligible for when determining each parent's obligation to pay for childcare expenses. Childcare expenses must be reasonable, considering the parents' financial situation.
The guidelines for child support in Arizona reflect the needs of most children. However, couples with disabled or gifted children may petition the court to increase the basic support obligation based on the needs of their exceptional children.
The legal team at Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers understands how important and stressful the issue of child support can be. We are committed to pursuing practical and effective solutions for our clients facing child support issues.
Our legal team will ensure you understand the child support process in Arizona and passionately ensure your most important asset, your children, is being protected. Contact us for a consultation with one of our Arizona Child Support attorneys.
Child support can be modified when there is a substantial change in either the parent's financial circumstances or the child's needs. This might include a parent receiving a major increase or decrease in income or a child developing medical conditions that lead to higher expenses.
Arizona law allows parents to request a review of their child support orders periodically or when warranted by changes in their situation. Providing concrete evidence of these changes is essential to successfully modifying child support.
Modifying child support begins with filing a petition with the court that originally issued the order. Both parents will have the opportunity to present their case about why the existing amount should be changed. The court will consider all relevant factors, including changes in custodial arrangements and new financial burdens or resources.
Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers can help navigate these legal proceedings to achieve an outcome that reflects all parties' current needs and capabilities. Let our Gilbert child support lawyers fight for you. Our family law attorneys have experience with all types of family law cases. Call our law office today.
Child support obligations typically end when the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in Arizona.
However, if the child is still attending high school at this age, support may continue until graduation or at 19, whichever comes first. This extension ensures that the child's basic needs are covered as they complete their education. Parents must be aware of these terms to plan their financial future accordingly.
In some cases, child support may also end if the child becomes legally emancipated, marries, or joins the military. These changes in the child's legal status alter their dependency on parental support. Parents should consult their child custody attorney to understand how these changes affect their support responsibilities.
At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, we provide counsel to help parents understand and manage the conclusion of their child support obligations effectively. An experienced child support attorney from our family law firm would be honored to help you.
If you have questions about child support obligations, we are here to help. We have experience with various family law matters at Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers.
We can explain the child support guidelines and help with child support modification. We always have your best interests in mind and will fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your child support case.
We're open Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.
If you have additional questions, call us at (480) 900-2302 or find us on Yelp.
It is located in Southeast Gilbert, Near Higley High School on Pecos Road, West of Power Road in the Power Ranch Neighborhood. Our Gilbert Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.
Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Gilbert, AZ
4365 E. Pecos Rd Suite 138 Gilbert, AZ 85295 (480) 900-2302
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