Scottsdale Child Support Attorney

Dedicated Child Support Lawyers Helping Children in Maricopa County 

Arizona law states that every child has the right to support from both parents. When parents no longer live together as a nuclear family, one parent is usually required to pay child support to the other. Understanding the rules regarding child support gives parents the knowledge to seek the financial help needed for their children. 

Our Scottsdale family law attorneys recognize how important it is to have resources to provide your child with every opportunity in life. Our child support lawyers advocate for you in legal actions to establish or enforce support orders in Scottsdale.

Call (480) 418-7011 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Scottsdale child support lawyers. 

Arizona Laws on Child Support

In Arizona, a non-custodial parent must pay child support even if they do not have visitation rights to the child. If paternity (the identity of the child’s father) is not established, the mother, guardian, or the state can pursue a case to determine parentage and require support. Payments continue until a child turns 18. If the father is not identified at birth, he may owe back child support once paternity is determined.

Courts follow the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, which set the standardized process for determining how much support a parent pays. These guidelines ensure children receive consistent support throughout the state. The Maricopa County Superior Court—where most Scottsdale cases are heard—applies these state rules, but factors such as recent cost-of-living increases in Scottsdale or local school expenses may impact the support amount. Judges review both state law and the details unique to each Maricopa County case.

How Is Child Support Determined in Arizona?

The state uses a standard formula to determine child support, and parents generally may not deviate from the formula unless there is a compelling reason. Support is a right granted to the child, not the parent, and parents cannot waive this right.

The Amount of Child Support That Must Be Paid Will Vary on Many Factors Including:

• The incomes of each parent
• The amount of time each parent spends directly caring for the child under the custody agreement
• Any unique needs of the child, including healthcare, education, or special expenses
• The number of children in the family
• Other financial obligations that the paying parent has, such as other child support orders

The Arizona Supreme Court routinely updates the Child Support Guidelines to reflect economic changes and to ensure fairness for families in Scottsdale and Maricopa County. Scottsdale courts require detailed financial affidavits, and may ask for additional documents to confirm income and expenses. Our attorneys work with clients to organize this paperwork, making sure all relevant details reach the court.

Can Child Support Increase?

Changing circumstances may require a new child support arrangement. Significant life changes require proof to justify a modification. The best route is to consult with an experienced child support lawyer in Scottsdale who can advise if your situation meets the legal threshold for change.

Reasons to Increase Child Support

• A change in income
• Loss of job
• A change in custody
• An increase in the child's needs
• Receipt of a large inheritance

Maricopa County courts require documentation for every request to increase child support and set strict local procedures for filing. For families in the Scottsdale area, factors like changes in the local job market or higher school expenses can provide grounds to seek a higher amount. Courts review current financial records and look for ongoing evidence when deciding whether to increase support.

How to Modify Child Support in AZ

If you believe that a change in the amount being paid for your child is necessary, consult with an experienced child support lawyer in Scottsdale as soon as possible. You cannot just stop paying the support you owe, nor can you simply ask the other parent for more money without using formal legal channels. Modifying your support order requires a formal process.

Changing a support order can be complicated and involves submitting legal documents. Singer Pistiner, P.C. can assist with each step, helping you seek a timely and thorough review of your modification request.

• Related: 
  • What if I Lost My Job and Can’t Pay Child Support?
  • What Can You Do When Child Support Isn’t Enough?

Need to update a child support order? Reach out to our Scottsdale child support lawyers by calling (480) 418-7011 or contacting us online. 

Can a Good Prenup Prevent Child Support?

Child support payments can become expensive and feel like a burden. Some people marrying may worry about being responsible for child support from previous relationships and may hope to limit potential future payments if they later divorce and have children.

However, there is no legal way to avoid paying owed child support if you have a child. Every child deserves support from both parents, and courts will not allow parents to bypass this responsibility—even if they agree to do so.

Some individuals attempt to put clauses in a prenuptial agreement limiting or waiving child support. However, Arizona courts will not enforce such clauses. Court decisions always put the child’s needs above the parents’ agreements. A postmarital agreement cannot limit or waive support either. Any contract that aims to do so is considered invalid, as only the child, not the parents, can hold the right to support.

Getting Legal Help from an Experienced Scottsdale Child Support Lawyer 

We support parents in Scottsdale and Maricopa County who are separating or divorcing and need a child support order. In Arizona, courts may issue child support orders even if the parents were never married. These issues often arise during custody proceedings or as part of a separate legal case.

Our Scottsdale child support attorneys handle a wide range of cases involving support, initial orders, paternity actions, modifications, custodial needs, and enforcement of orders. Our approach seeks efficient resolutions, minimizing stress and financial impact so you can provide for your child quickly.

Get started by calling (480) 418-7011 to set up a consultation with our child support attorneys in Scottsdale, Arizona!

Related Child Support Blogs

• Can You Give Up Custody to Avoid Paying Child Support?
• What Happens if My Ex Won’t Pay Child Support?
• What Happens to Child Support if You Remarry?