Child Support in Arizona
State-specific overview · Family Law
Arizona uses income shares model; support ends at age 18 or high school graduation, whichever is later.
How Arizona treats Child Support
Arizona applies the income shares model, calculating support based on each parent's adjusted gross income and the percentage of parenting time. The guideline percentages range from 12% of combined income for one child to 32% for five or more children. Child support terminates when the child reaches 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Arizona courts may order support beyond age 18 if the child has special needs or is pursuing higher education, though this is discretionary.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.