Child Support in Arizona

2 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

2 Resources

1. Arizona Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) — Free

State agency within the Department of Economic Security administering Arizona's child support program. Handles paternity establishment, new order setup, enforcement (wage withholding, tax intercept, license suspension), and modifications based on changed circumstances. Services available to custodial and noncustodial parents statewide at no cost. Applicants typically need photo ID, Social Security numbers, income records, and any prior court orders.

602-252-4045 · 3443 N Central Ave, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85012 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. AZLawHelp.org - Child Support Resources — Free

Dedicated section of the AZLawHelp.org statewide legal resource covering Arizona child support basics, the Arizona Child Support Guidelines calculator, step-by-step modification procedures, enforcement options, and downloadable court forms for parents. Includes plain-language FAQs and referral links to the Division of Child Support Services. Free, online 24/7, and accessible from any device in English or Spanish.

Online resource · Online 24/7

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.