Child support is a legal obligation that parents have to financially support their children. When a couple with children divorces or legally separates, the non-custodial parent is required to pay child support to the custodial parent for the child's ongoing needs. Parents should pay child support regularly and on time, but there are some who do not. What happens if a parent does not pay child support? In this blog post, we will discuss the consequences of not paying child support in the state of Arizona.

WHAT IS CHILD SUPPORT?

Child support is a court-ordered payment that the non-custodial parent must pay to the custodial parent for the child's upkeep, including housing, food, clothing, and medical expenses. Child support is usually paid until the child reaches the age of 18, but it can be extended under certain circumstances.

HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT DETERMINED?

Child support is calculated based on several factors like the non-custodial parent's income, the number of children, and the amount of time the non-custodial parent spends with the child. A judge will order a specific amount of child support that the non-custodial parent must pay each month. The payment amount is usually a percentage of the non-custodial parent's income.

HOW CAN CHILD SUPPORT BE MODIFIED?

Either parent can request a modification of child support if there has been a significant change in circumstances, like loss of a job or a decrease in income. A modification can be requested by filing a motion with the court. It is important to note that child support can only be modified by a court order - the parents cannot make changes to the amount without a judge's approval.

HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP?

If you are having trouble receiving child support payments or paying child support, it may be time to consult with an experienced family law attorney. They can guide you through the legal process of modifying child support, enforcing a child support order, or challenging an unfair support order. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and obligations, as well as represent you in court if necessary.

WE CAN ASSIST THE ARIZONA PUBLIC

Our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of child support issues. We understand that every family's situation is unique, and we work hard to ensure that your case is given the individual attention it deserves. We can help you file a motion for modification of child support, represent you in court, or help you understand the consequences of not paying child support.

Parents who fail to pay child support can face serious consequences such as fines, jail time, and even suspension of their driver's license or passport. It is important to address any issues with child support payments promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger problems. If you require legal assistance to resolve child support issues, contact us at The Law Offices of Michael D. Miller Jr. Our team has years of experience handling child support matters and can help you get the best outcome for you and your family.