Child custody and support in Arizona

Custody of the Children In Arizona

The court will determine custody based solely on the best interest of the child or children. Either joint or individual custody can be awarded as long as the child’s best interests are preserved. The court can issue an order for joint custody of the child if both parents are in agreement and submit a written parenting plan.

When determining custody, the court takes into account the desires of the parents and the children as well as who is the primary caregiver of the child. Other factors the court may consider are the physical and mental well-being of all parties involved, whether or not the parents have any drug offenses or criminal convictions and which parent will be more likely to allow the child frequent and meaningful contact with the other parent.

Arizona Child Support Guidelines

Barring special circumstances, Arizona’s standard state child support guidelines apply in almost every case. Both parents' gross income, as well as other child-related expenses, are taken into account when child support is calculated. In some cases, child support can be extended beyond a child’s secondary education, however the standard ending time for child support in the state of Arizona is age 18.