In Arizona, both parents are legally obligated to provide financial support for their children after a divorce. Typically, the non-custodial parent is responsible for making child support payments. However, the custodial parent also bears a financial responsibility, particularly when it comes to child care expenses. These costs are often significant for working parents. If the parents cannot mutually agree on how to divide them, the decision will be made by the court.

The method used to determine child support in Arizona is the Income Shares Model, which is based on the proportional gross incomes of both parents. Essentially, the higher the parents' incomes, the higher the child support obligations. However, there is a cap when the combined monthly income of the parents exceeds $20,000. Beyond this point, child support amounts do not automatically increase. Instead, a parent must prove to the court that additional support is justified based on specific needs. 

When setting the amount of child support, including child care, Arizona courts consider several factors:

• The financial resources and needs of the child

• The financial circumstances and resources of both the custodial and non-custodial parent

• The standard of living the child would have experienced had the family remained intact

• The child’s physical and emotional health

• The educational requirements of the child

• The medical support plan for the child

• The amount of time the child spends with each parent and the expenses associated with parenting time

When child care is a significant expense, the child support award can be adjusted upward. This is often needed when the parent with primary physical custody is working full time. Daycare costs also include transportation of the child to and from care facilities.

The total child support obligation increases with the number of children and varies depending on the amount of time the child spends with each parent. Adjustments may be made if one parent is also paying spousal maintenance or covering the children's health insurance. In such cases, the parent making these payments may see a reduction in their child support obligation, or they may receive a credit that influences the final support calculation.

At Clark & Schloss Family Law, P.C. in Scottsdale, our experienced Arizona divorce and family law attorneys are ready to help you achieve a fair division of child support. Please call 602-789-3497 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.