Judges in Arizona and around the country will generally rely on DNA evidence to determine paternity, as the results of these tests are incredibly accurate. DNA tests are usually ordered to identify the biological father of a child in child support cases, but they may...
Child Support
The deadbeat label shouldn’t apply to everyone
Parents in Arizona who fall behind on child support payments may not be doing so on purpose. However, they may still be labeled a deadbeat by the state or by others who don't fully understand why they aren't keeping up with their financial obligations. It is important...
Crossing state lines can alter child support calculations
Child support payments in Arizona can be significantly lower than those right across the border in New Mexico, according to one study. Custody X Change, a smartphone app marketed to single and divorced parents to manage child custody and visitation schedules, used...
Why child support could be terminated
Parents in Arizona who are paying child support may have those payments terminated in the future. However, a paying parent is generally required to meet their support obligations until an order is modified or rescinded. For example, a child may become emancipated...
What to do when you can’t pay child support
"Deadbeat parents" is a common term thrown around in the media for anyone unable to afford their child support payments. But the reality is that most parents that are unable to meet their child support payments are not doing so out of neglect or ill will. In many...
Settling child custody disputes with DNA testing
Paternity and maternity testing has become a fairly standard process with child custody matters in Arizona when parentage comes into question. In some family law situations, it's required to settle disputes or determine who is responsible for making child support...
Child support payments don’t last indefinitely
As a general rule, Arizona parents are required to provide financial assistance to their children. If parents get divorced, one will usually pay child support to the other even if no one has asked for it. There are also scenarios in which a parent may ask that support...
Joint custody, child support payments and negotiating agreements
Parents in Arizona who are getting a divorce might wonder how custody will be decided and about the relationship between custody and child support. There are two kinds of custody: legal and physical custody. The first deals with a parent's right to make important...
Back child support and getting a home loan
An Arizona parent who owes back pay on child support but needs a loan to purchase a home may feel backed into a tough situation. It's important to understand that owing child support is considered a derogatory credit event. This can impair one's chances of obtaining...
Determining payments in child support cases
Determining child support is a complex process that some divorcees struggle with. The Child Support Enforcement Agency, or CSEA, has established federal guidelines regarding how much parents must pay, but every case is slightly different. Those who live in Arizona...