In Arizona, child support payments are determined by guidelines designed to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents, regardless of whether the parents live together. One of the central considerations in determining child support is the amount of time that each parent spends with their child. Courts adjust child support payments based on the proportion of time the child spends with each parent, so that the financial responsibility is fairly shared between both parties.

Arizona courts determine child support using the Income Shares Model. It is based on the idea that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if their parents were living together. The model starts by estimating the total financial support available based on both parents' combined gross incomes. The court considers expenses such as health insurance, daycare and extra educational costs, to reach a final monthly support figure. The court then determines how much each parent will pay or receive, depending on their incomes and financial responsibilities.

The court then adjusts child support payments to reflect the allocation of parenting time. The rationale is that the more time a child spends with a parent, the more resources that parent likely spends on the child directly, including food, housing, transportation and entertainment. Arizona’s child support calculator factors in the number of days and nights the child spends with each parent. As the noncustodial parent’s time with the child increases, their child support obligation typically decreases. If one parent primarily cares for the child, the other parent’s support obligation will be greater.

If you believe your child support obligation should be lower because your child spends significant time with you, an experienced child support attorney can ask the court for a modification of child support if needed. Keep accurate records of the number of overnight visits or full days your child spends with you, as this is the key metric used in adjusting support obligations. You can provide other evidence — such as calendars, correspondence with the co-parent, or witness statements — to support your claim about the actual time spent with the child. The court will review the evidence and, if there has been a substantial and continuing change in parenting time, may recalculate child support to reflect your involvement.

Clark & Schloss Family Law, P.C. in Scottsdale offers reliable advice on child support and other family legal issues throughout Arizona. To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys about your case, please call 602-789-3497 or contact us online.