Arizona child support amounts range from $159 to $2,572 per month for one child, with the average basic obligation at $1,365.50 monthly. The state uses the Income Shares Model under A.R.S. § 25-320, which combines both parents' gross incomes to determine the presumptive support amount. For 2026, Arizona courts may impute minimum wage income at $15.15 per hour ($2,626/month) for voluntarily unemployed parents. Child support continues until age 18 or high school graduation, whichever comes later, but never past age 19.
Key Facts: Arizona Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model |
| Governing Statute | A.R.S. § 25-320 |
| Combined Income Cap | $30,000/month |
| Filing Fee (Modification) | $162-$349 depending on county |
| Modification Threshold | 15% or $50/month difference |
| Parenting Time Adjustment | 100+ days triggers credit |
| Older Child Adjustment | 10% increase for children 12+ |
| Termination Age | 18 (or 19 if still in high school) |
| 2026 Minimum Wage | $15.15/hour statewide |
| Self-Support Reserve | $1,818/month (80% of minimum wage) |
How Arizona Calculates Child Support Under the Income Shares Model
Arizona calculates child support by combining both parents' monthly gross incomes, then allocating the support obligation proportionally based on each parent's share of that combined income. Under A.R.S. § 25-320, the Arizona Child Support Guidelines produce a presumptive amount that courts will order unless specific deviation factors apply. For a family with combined monthly income of $9,000 and one child over age 12, the basic support obligation equals approximately $1,188 plus a mandatory 10% older child adjustment of $119, totaling $1,307 before parenting time credits.
The Income Shares Model operates on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together. Arizona courts follow the Schedule of Basic Support Obligations, a table found in the official Arizona Child Support Guidelines, which cross-references combined adjusted income with the number of children to determine the base obligation amount.
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
- Calculate each parent's monthly gross income (wages, commissions, bonuses, pensions, self-employment earnings)
- Subtract court-ordered child support for other children and spousal maintenance paid
- Add both parents' adjusted incomes to find the combined adjusted child support income
- Locate the combined income on the Schedule of Basic Support Obligations and cross-reference with number of children
- Apply the 10% older child adjustment for children age 12 and older
- Add childcare costs and health insurance premiums
- Calculate each parent's proportionate share based on income percentage
- Apply parenting time adjustments for 100+ days of custody
Arizona Child Support Payment Ranges by Income Level
Arizona child support payments vary significantly based on combined parental income, number of children, and parenting time arrangements. The 2022 Arizona Child Support Guidelines (currently in effect through 2026) establish support obligations from combined incomes of $1,000 to $30,000 per month. Courts apply these guidelines as presumptively correct, requiring written justification for any deviation.
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $508 | $751 | $898 |
| $5,000 | $787 | $1,159 | $1,386 |
| $7,500 | $1,081 | $1,594 | $1,904 |
| $10,000 | $1,274 | $1,878 | $2,248 |
| $15,000 | $1,639 | $2,416 | $2,898 |
| $20,000 | $1,891 | $2,788 | $3,361 |
| $30,000 | $2,572 | $3,791 | $4,599 |
Note: These figures represent the basic support obligation before adjustments for parenting time, health insurance, and childcare costs.
Factors That Increase or Decrease Arizona Child Support
Arizona courts consider numerous factors that can adjust the presumptive child support amount upward or downward from the guideline calculation. Under A.R.S. § 25-320, deviation factors include extraordinary medical expenses, educational costs, significant income disparity, and travel expenses exceeding 100 miles for parenting time. The court must document in writing both the guideline amount and the reasons for any deviation.
Factors That May Increase Support
- Children age 12 and older receive a mandatory 10% increase to the basic obligation
- Extraordinary medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Special educational needs or tutoring requirements for gifted children
- Child's pre-divorce standard of living in high-income households
- One parent paying a disproportionate share of direct child expenses
- Health insurance costs substantially above average
Factors That May Decrease Support
- Parenting time exceeding 100 days annually triggers adjustment credits
- 116+ parenting days provides enhanced adjustment
- Travel expenses for parenting time when parents live more than 100 miles apart
- Child's independent income (work earnings for older teenagers)
- Contributions to household expenses by parent's new spouse
- Support obligations for other children from different relationships
Parenting Time Adjustments and the 100-Day Threshold
Arizona applies automatic parenting time adjustments when the non-custodial parent has physical custody for 100 or more days per year. The adjustment recognizes that parents incur direct childcare costs during their parenting time, reducing the net transfer amount needed to equalize household resources. At 116+ days, Arizona courts apply an enhanced adjustment formula that further reduces the support obligation.
For example, if Parent A has the child 265 days per year and Parent B has 100 days, both parents share direct costs proportionally during their respective parenting time. The child support formula credits Parent B for expenditures during those 100 days, lowering the monthly obligation compared to a scenario with minimal parenting time.
Calculating Days for Parenting Time Credit
Arizona counts parenting days based on overnight stays with each parent. A "day" requires the child to be in that parent's physical custody overnight. Partial days, daytime-only visits, and holiday hours without overnight stays do not count toward the 100-day threshold. Parents should maintain accurate calendars documenting actual parenting time for use in modification proceedings.
Income Considerations: What Counts as Gross Income?
Arizona child support calculations use gross income, not take-home pay, as the foundation for determining support obligations. Under the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment earnings, interest, dividends, rental income, pension benefits, Social Security retirement benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and spousal maintenance received. The broad definition ensures parents cannot artificially reduce support by converting income types.
Income Sources Included in Child Support Calculations
- Wages, salaries, overtime pay, and commissions
- Bonuses, profit-sharing, and incentive pay
- Self-employment income (gross receipts minus ordinary business expenses)
- Interest, dividends, and investment income
- Rental property income (gross rent minus ordinary expenses)
- Pension and retirement distributions
- Social Security retirement and disability benefits (but not SSI)
- Workers' compensation benefits
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Spousal maintenance received from any source
- Trust income and royalties
Income Sources Excluded from Calculations
Arizona specifically excludes certain income sources from child support calculations: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, WIC benefits, and General Assistance. Child support received for other children is also excluded from the receiving parent's income.
Imputed Income for Unemployed or Underemployed Parents
Arizona courts may impute income to parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed to avoid child support obligations. Under A.R.S. § 25-320, courts presume every able-bodied parent capable of earning at least minimum wage through full-time employment. For 2026, Arizona's statewide minimum wage equals $15.15 per hour, translating to approximately $2,626 in monthly gross income for full-time work (40 hours × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months).
Local Minimum Wage Variations for 2026
| Location | 2026 Minimum Wage | Monthly Full-Time Imputed Income |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Arizona | $15.15/hour | $2,626 |
| Flagstaff | $18.35/hour | $3,181 |
| Tucson | $15.45/hour | $2,678 |
Courts consider the parent's education, work history, available job opportunities, and prevailing wages in the community when determining whether to impute income above minimum wage. A licensed electrician who quits a $35/hour job to work part-time at minimum wage may have income imputed at their prior earning capacity, not their current reduced wages.
The Self-Support Reserve: Protecting the Paying Parent
Arizona's Self-Support Reserve ensures the paying parent retains sufficient income to maintain a basic standard of living after paying child support. The reserve equals 80% of monthly full-time earnings at minimum wage. For 2026, this calculates to approximately $1,818 per month ($2,626 × 80%). When the presumptive child support amount would reduce the paying parent's income below this threshold, courts may adjust the obligation downward.
The Self-Support Reserve prevents child support orders from creating hardship that could push the paying parent into poverty, reduce work incentives, or create conditions where the parent cannot afford transportation to employment. Courts balance the child's financial needs against the practical reality that impoverished parents cannot reliably pay support.
How to File for Child Support in Arizona
Parents can establish child support orders through the Arizona Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), the Superior Court family law division, or as part of divorce or paternity proceedings. DCSS provides free services including locating absent parents, establishing paternity, obtaining support orders, and enforcing existing orders. Private attorneys can expedite the process but charge fees ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on case complexity.
Filing Through DCSS (Free Service)
- Complete an application at des.az.gov or call 602-252-4045
- Provide documentation including birth certificates, income verification, and existing court orders
- DCSS locates the other parent if necessary
- DCSS files the appropriate petition with the Superior Court
- Both parents receive notice of hearing date
- Court establishes support order based on Guidelines calculation
Filing Through Superior Court (Private Filing)
- File Petition for Child Support with the county Superior Court clerk
- Pay filing fee ($249-$349 depending on county)
- Serve the other parent with the petition and summons
- Both parties complete Child Support Worksheets and Financial Affidavits
- Attend hearing where judge applies Guidelines formula
- Receive signed Child Support Order
Filing Fees by County (As of March 2026)
| County | Petition Filing Fee | Response Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa | $349 | $279 |
| Pima | $266 | $232 |
| Pinal | $162 (modification) | $232 |
| Other Counties | $249-$349 | Varies |
Note: Verify current fees with your local clerk. Fee waivers and payment plans are available for qualifying low-income filers.
Modifying an Existing Child Support Order
Arizona allows child support modification when circumstances change substantially and continuously. Under A.R.S. § 25-503, a 15% or $50 monthly difference between the current order and a recalculated guideline amount constitutes a substantial change as a matter of law. Either parent may petition for modification, but changes apply only from the first day of the month following notice—arrearages accrued before filing remain enforceable.
Qualifying Changes for Modification
- Job loss, disability, or significant income reduction (involuntary)
- Substantial income increase for either parent
- Changes in health insurance availability or cost
- Changes in childcare expenses
- Modification of parenting time arrangement
- Child turning 12 (mandatory 10% adjustment)
- Emancipation of one child when multiple children are covered
The Simplified Modification Process
Arizona offers a simplified modification procedure when recalculation shows a 15% or greater change. This process does not require proving the underlying changed circumstances—the mathematical difference itself qualifies. Parents file the Petition to Modify Child Support, complete updated worksheets, and request the court apply the new calculation.
Three-Year Review Rights (Title IV-D Cases)
In Title IV-D cases (those involving DCSS), either parent may request a review and adjustment every three years without demonstrating any changed circumstance. DCSS recalculates support based on current incomes and adjusts the order if appropriate. Requests for review sooner than three years require evidence of substantial change.
When Child Support Ends in Arizona
Arizona child support terminates on the last day of the month when the child turns 18 years old, unless the child remains enrolled in high school or a certified high school equivalency program. Under A.R.S. § 25-501, support continues for high school students until graduation or age 19, whichever occurs first. Courts may extend support indefinitely for children with mental or physical disabilities who cannot achieve self-sufficiency.
Termination Events Under Arizona Law
- Child reaches age 18 and has graduated high school
- Child reaches age 19 (regardless of high school status)
- Child marries
- Child is legally emancipated
- Child enlists in active military duty
- Child's death
- Child's adoption by another person
Important: Arizona courts do not automatically adjust support when one child emancipates while other children remain covered. The paying parent must file a formal Petition to Modify Child Support to recalculate the obligation for remaining children.
Enforcement: What Happens When a Parent Doesn't Pay
Arizona enforces child support through multiple mechanisms including automatic wage withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension, and criminal prosecution for willful non-payment. Since 1988, all Arizona child support orders include automatic wage withholding provisions. The Arizona Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) administers enforcement through the Arizona Support Payment Clearinghouse, which processes payments between employers and receiving parents.
Wage Garnishment Process
- DCSS issues Income Withholding Order to employer
- Employer withholds support from each paycheck
- Employer may deduct up to $1 processing fee per pay period (maximum $4/month)
- Payments route through Arizona Support Payment Clearinghouse
- Clearinghouse distributes funds to receiving parent
- Withholding continues until DCSS notifies employer to terminate
Additional Enforcement Tools
- Federal and state tax refund interception
- Property liens on real estate, vehicles, and financial accounts
- Passport denial (for arrearages exceeding $2,500)
- Driver's license suspension
- Professional license suspension
- Credit bureau reporting
- Contempt of court proceedings (potential jail time)
- Criminal prosecution under Arizona's "deadbeat parent" laws
Unemployed parents are not exempt from wage withholding. A.R.S. § 23-789 requires child support deductions from unemployment insurance benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Child Support
How much is child support in Arizona for one child?
Arizona child support for one child typically ranges from $159 to $2,572 per month, with an average basic obligation of $1,365.50 monthly. The exact amount depends on both parents' combined gross incomes and the parenting time schedule. For example, combined monthly income of $5,000 yields approximately $787 in basic support for one child before adjustments for health insurance, childcare, and parenting time credits.
Can I calculate Arizona child support myself before going to court?
Yes, Arizona provides an official Child Support Calculator at azcourts.gov that applies the same Guidelines formula courts use. You need both parents' monthly gross incomes, the parenting time schedule (number of days with each parent), childcare costs, and children's health insurance premiums. The calculator produces the presumptive support amount, though judges may deviate based on specific circumstances.
Does Arizona consider a new spouse's income for child support?
No, Arizona does not include a new spouse's income in the child support calculation for the original children. However, the new spouse's contributions to household expenses may be considered as a deviation factor if those contributions significantly reduce the parent's actual living costs. The paying parent's income remains the primary basis for calculation regardless of remarriage.
What happens if the other parent hides income or works under the table?
Arizona courts can impute income based on the parent's earning capacity when evidence suggests hidden or unreported income. Courts examine bank deposits, lifestyle indicators (cars, vacations, housing), work history, education, and available job opportunities. If a parent appears to earn more than reported, the court may assign income at their demonstrated earning potential rather than claimed wages.
How long does it take to get a child support order in Arizona?
Initial child support orders through DCSS typically take 2-4 months from application to final order. Private court filings may resolve in 6-12 weeks if uncontested, or 4-6 months if disputed. Emergency temporary orders can be obtained within 2-4 weeks when children face immediate financial hardship. Contested high-income cases involving business valuations or hidden assets may take 6-12 months.
Can I modify child support if I lose my job?
Yes, involuntary job loss constitutes a substantial change in circumstances justifying modification. File immediately upon losing employment—modifications apply only from the date of filing, not retroactively. Continue making payments to the extent possible; arrearages accruing before modification remain enforceable. If you fail to file promptly and accumulate arrears, courts rarely forgive that debt even after your circumstances improve.
Does overtime count toward Arizona child support calculations?
Yes, Arizona includes overtime pay as part of gross income for child support calculations. Regular, predictable overtime is counted in full. Courts may average irregular overtime over 12-24 months to determine a representative monthly income. Voluntary reduction of overtime specifically to lower child support may result in imputed income based on the parent's historical earning pattern.
What is the maximum child support in Arizona?
Arizona does not impose a strict maximum child support amount, but the Guidelines schedule caps combined parental income at $30,000 per month for the standard calculation. Above $30,000 combined monthly income, courts have discretion to apply the Guidelines formula, extrapolate the schedule, or determine support based on the children's reasonable needs and the family's pre-separation standard of living.
Can child support be waived in Arizona?
No, parents cannot waive child support through private agreement because the right to support belongs to the child, not the parents. Courts will not approve divorce settlements that eliminate child support obligations. However, parents may agree to support amounts above or below the Guidelines if the agreement serves the child's best interests and the court approves. Courts scrutinize below-Guidelines agreements carefully.
How does Arizona handle child support when parents share 50/50 custody?
Equal parenting time (182.5 days each) does not eliminate child support in Arizona. The Guidelines still calculate each parent's proportionate share based on income. The higher-earning parent typically pays the difference between their share and the lower-earning parent's share. With truly equal incomes and equal parenting time, the offset may result in minimal or zero support, but this scenario is rare.
Resources for Arizona Child Support
- Arizona Child Support Guidelines (Official PDF)
- Arizona Courts Child Support Calculator
- Arizona Division of Child Support Services
- A.R.S. § 25-320 (Child Support Statute)
- A.R.S. § 25-501 (Support Obligations)
- A.R.S. § 25-503 (Modification Statute)
- Maricopa County Superior Court Filing Fees
This guide provides general information about Arizona child support law and should not be considered legal advice. Child support calculations involve numerous variables specific to each family's circumstances. Consult with an Arizona family law attorney for guidance on your particular situation.
Reviewed by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Arizona divorce law