Child Support Lawyers Serving Tempe and Chandler, AZ

Getting divorced is never easy. However, it can become even more complicated when a couple has children. Parents often worry about how they’ll continue caring for them after they separate. They want to ensure their children are well cared for and financially secure as they move into a different family structure. Fortunately, Arizona has child support laws and guidelines in place to ensure that children are taken care of after a divorce.

Whether a parent is trying to figure out how much they need to pay, worrying about getting enough support to cover all the child’s expenses, or dealing with current support changes, we’re here to help.

At the law firm of Blake & Pulsifer, we believe in making the client the central focus of the representation. We believe this philosophy of client centered lawyering fosters integrity, communication, and long term relationships. We are located at 2177 E Warner Rd., Suite 107 • Tempe, AZ (Open in Google Maps).

Google Review:
“Referred to Sarah by her colleague, Louie, and she was fabulous. Very clear, concise, knowledgeable, attentive to details. Given our assets/situation, Sarah steered us toward the less complex and expensive option after explaining–very well–the pros and cons of each (will v. trust).“
Review by Robert S.

At Blake & Pulsifer, our team of Tempe & Chandler child support lawyers understand that every family’s situation is different. That’s why we listen closely to your concerns and work to make sure any child support agreement is fair and reasonable. Our goal is to help parents through this tough time by making the child support process as smooth and fair as possible. We’re here to support our clients in finding the right balance so children can thrive even after their parents have gone their separate ways.

What is Child Support?

Child support in Arizona is a legal obligation mandated by state law. Child support is considered a priority, non-dischargeable financial obligation unaffected by the parent’s bankruptcy status or unrelated debts. It ensures that children receive financial support from both parents, even if they are divorced, separated, or never married. This support is intended to cover a wide range of the child’s expenses, including daily living costs, education, healthcare, and more, aiming to maintain the child’s standard of living after the parents’ relationship has ended.

Once the court establishes a child support order, the paying parent (non-custodial parent, in most cases) must legally comply with the payment schedule. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of licenses, and even legal action that could lead to fines or imprisonment.

The Arizona Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) enforces child support orders. The DCSS can take various actions to collect overdue child support, ensuring that children receive the support they are entitled to.

Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines

The Arizona Child Support Guidelines are the core set of rules that govern how child support is calculated and enforced in the state. These guidelines apply a standard formula to determine the amount of support, which takes into account several factors:

• Both Parents’ Incomes: The combined income of both parents is considered to establish the total amount available for child support.
• Parenting Time: The time each parent spends with the child can affect the child support calculation. More time with the non-custodial parent might result in a lower payment since they also contribute to the child’s expenses during their time together.
• Child’s Needs: Specific costs related to the child, such as healthcare premiums, educational expenses, and childcare costs, are factored into the calculation.
• Number of Children: The number of children needing support plays a significant role in determining the amount.

It is important to know that in some cases, the custodial parent (Primary Residential Parent) might be required to pay child support.

Modifying Child Support in Arizona

Circumstances change, and a child support agreement that once seemed fair and adequate can become outdated due to changes in income, employment, or the child’s needs. Whether you’re seeking to modify an existing child support order due to financial hardship, an increased cost of living, or a change in the child’s needs, our Arizona child support attorneys can guide you through the process. We help parents understand the criteria for modification, gather the necessary documentation, and present a compelling case to the court to adjust the child support payments accordingly.

Either parent can seek modifications and require showing a significant and continuing change in circumstances. We aim to facilitate these adjustments to ensure that the child’s support reflects the child’s needs and financial capabilities.

Why Choose Our Tempe Child Support Lawyers?

Our child support lawyers understand the emotional and financial stress that can accompany child support disputes and are here to provide the legal support and guidance you need. With a focus on open communication, meticulous preparation, and personalized legal strategies, we strive to ensure that your child support arrangements are fair, adequate, and sustainable.

If you’re facing challenges with child support, whether you’re seeking to establish, modify, or enforce an agreement, our team of Tempe child support attorneys is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in securing the financial support your child deserves. Call us today at 480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

Our Child Support Lawyers: