Arizona courts calculate child support pursuant to the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. Courts may deviate from the guidelines, but must make findings that the deviation is in the minor children's best interest. The Arizona Supreme Court has an online calculator to help people in Phoenix and Arizona calculate the amount of child support that Arizona courts will probably calculate.

You can find the Arizona child support calculator here: azcourts.gov/familylaw/2011childsupportcalculator.aspx

Child support in Arizona is a calculation that includes the gross monthly income (before taxes) of both parents, with adjustments for payments made or received for spousal maintenance, children of one parent not common to the parties living with that party, and child support paid for other children not common to the parties. Other factors that affect the child support amount include the number of children over the age of 12 years, child care costs, medical/dental/vision insurance costs, extra educational expenses, costs incurred due to a gifted or handicapped child, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent (parenting time). The calculator may also make an adjustment for very low income parents called the self-support reserve test.

If you have a child support issue or any family law issue pending in Arizona's courts, I am ready and willing to consult with you, whether you are looking for an attorney or you are just seeking advice. I practice primarily in Maricopa County, serving clients in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. I also practice throughout Arizona.