Arizona Child Support Calculator & Guide (2025)

Overview of Arizona Child Support

Arizona uses the Income Shares Model under A.R.S. §25-320 and the Arizona Supreme Court Child Support Guidelines. This model is based on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents had remained together.

Both parents' incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation, which is then allocated based on each parent's proportional share. Arizona's approach also accounts for parenting time, health insurance, childcare, and other factors that affect the final support amount.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Arizona

The Arizona child support formula follows these steps:

1. Determine each parent's gross income: Include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources
2. Combine both parents' incomes to find the total household income
3. Look up the basic obligation on the Arizona income schedule based on combined income and number of children
4. Add health insurance costs for the child and work-related childcare expenses
5. Allocate the total obligation between parents based on their proportional income shares
6. Apply parenting time adjustments for shared custody arrangements

Key Factors in Arizona Calculations

Gross Income Definition

Arizona defines gross income as income from all sources, including:

• Wages, salaries, bonuses, and commissions
• Self-employment income
• Interest and dividend income
• Rental income and royalties
• Social Security benefits
• Workers' compensation and unemployment benefits
• Pensions and retirement distributions

Parenting Time Adjustments

Arizona provides adjustments for shared custody arrangements. When parents share substantial parenting time, the support calculation accounts for the direct costs each parent incurs. This can significantly reduce the support obligation compared to a sole custody arrangement.

Education Expenses

Arizona courts may include education expenses in the support calculation, particularly for children with special needs. This can include costs for special education programs, tutoring, and other educational support services.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

Minimum: $50 per month is the minimum child support order in Arizona.

Maximum: The Arizona income schedule extends to $10,000 in combined monthly income. For incomes above this level, the court has discretion to determine an appropriate support amount based on the child's proven needs.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification

Arizona allows modification when:

• There has been a material and substantial change in circumstances
• A significant increase or decrease in either parent's income
• A change in custody or parenting time arrangements
• A change in the child's needs

Enforcement

The Arizona Department of Economic Security - Division of Child Support Services enforces orders through:

• Income withholding from paychecks
• Tax refund interception (federal and state)
• Driver's license suspension
• Professional license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Liens on property and financial accounts
• Passport denial for arrears over $2,500

Get your Arizona estimate: Use our free child support calculator to see what you might owe or receive under Arizona guidelines, or try the Arizona-specific calculator.