By Nicole Siqueiros-Stoutner, Partner and Attorney at Sheldon & Stoutner
If you have ever been in a divorce or custody case, you’ve had to address child support. Child support is a payment from one parent to another, usually on a monthly basis. In Arizona, we use the Arizona Child Support Guidelines to calculate child support. However, parents can agree to deviate from the Guideline amount, or the Court may find a deviation is appropriate. Once a child support order is entered, it may be modified upon a showing that there has been a substantial and continuing change of circumstances.
Here are a few tips when it comes to child support in your Arizona family law case:
NEVER use child support payments as a weapon or a basis for denying parenting time.
ALWAYS remember that child support doesn’t change on its own! It’s up to you to modify, start, or stop a child support order by filing the appropriate paperwork.
NEVER try to deduct child support or tax child support you receive; the payment or receipt of child support does not affect your taxes.
ALWAYS exchange financial information with the other parent pursuant to the requirements of your child support order (usually every twenty-four months).
NEVER assume the application of the Arizona Child Support Guidelines is simple. Rather, there are many moving parts that can make the calculation of child support and application of the Guidelines difficult. Consult with a lawyer to assist you in the calculation of child support.
ALWAYS pay all child and spousal support you owe and on time.
NEVER forget that a parent’s portion of uncovered medical expenses for the children is a separate claim and is collectable against the other parent.
ALWAYS promptly pursue collection of a delinquent support amount.
NEVER ignore a legal document if you have been served, especially in the case of a Petition to Establish or a Petition to Modify Child Support. If you are served, seek legal guidance quickly as there may be important deadlines and other actions you must undertake in a timely manner.
ALWAYS check your child support payment history online. If you have a non-IV D case, it is easy to obtain an online summary payment history by clicking here.
At Sheldon & Stoutner we will help you understand child support, calculate the support that you owe or that is owed to you, and establish or modify a court’s order regarding child support. Contact Us!
This Blog is made available by Sheldon & Stoutner for educational purposes only, as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. It is not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Sheldon & Stoutner and/or the attorney author. This blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed Arizona attorney.