Arizona Child Support Enforcement
Complete guide to Arizona child support enforcement: DCSS tools, wage withholding, license suspension, contempt proceedings, and remedies for collecting unpaid support
Overview: Child Support Enforcement in Arizona
Arizona has a comprehensive child support enforcement system administered by the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), part of the Department of Economic Security (DES). When an obligor (non-custodial parent) fails to pay court-ordered child support, Arizona law provides multiple enforcement tools under A.R.S. § 25-501 et seq.
Enforcement actions range from automatic income withholding (the most common and effective tool) to more severe remedies like license suspension, property liens, and contempt of court (including potential jail time). Arizona also participates in federal enforcement programs including tax refund intercept and passport denial for significant arrears.
DCSS handles enforcement for custodial parents receiving public assistance (TANF, Medicaid) at no cost. Other parents can apply for DCSS services for a small fee. The obligee (custodial parent) can also pursue private enforcement through an attorney, though DCSS services are typically more cost-effective.
Arizona Enforcement Tools
Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment)
Automatic deduction of support from obligor's paycheck
Arizona law requires immediate income withholding in all child support orders under A.R.S. § 25-504. The employer receives an Income Withholding Order (IWO) and must withhold support from wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other compensation. Withholding is limited to 50-65% of disposable earnings (depending on whether obligor supports other children). Employers must remit withheld amounts to the Arizona Child Support Payment Center within 7 business days. Failure to comply subjects employers to liability for unwithheld amounts plus penalties.
Tax Refund Intercept
Seizure of federal and state tax refunds to pay arrears
DCSS can intercept federal tax refunds (through Federal Tax Refund Offset Program) and Arizona state tax refunds when arrears exceed $150 (federal) or $500 (state). The obligor receives advance notice before intercept. Intercepted refunds are applied first to current support, then to arrears, then to interest. If filing joint return with new spouse, the non-obligated spouse may file Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation) to recover their share. Intercepts typically occur within 2-6 months after tax filing.
License Suspension
Suspension of driver's, professional, or recreational licenses
Under A.R.S. § 25-518, DCSS can suspend or deny driver's licenses, professional licenses (medical, legal, contractor, etc.), and recreational licenses (hunting, fishing) for obligors more than 6 months or $5,000 in arrears. DCSS sends notice 30 days before suspension, giving obligor opportunity to pay arrears, set up payment plan, or request administrative hearing. License remains suspended until obligor pays arrears or enters payment agreement. Suspension applies to all licenses, including those from other states through interstate agreements.
Credit Bureau Reporting
Reporting arrears to major credit bureaus
DCSS reports arrears exceeding $1,000 to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion under A.R.S. § 25-511. Delinquent child support appears as negative item on credit report, reducing credit score and affecting ability to obtain loans, credit cards, mortgages, or rent housing. Reporting occurs automatically when arrears threshold is met—no court order needed. Arrears remain on credit report until paid (unlike most debts which fall off after 7 years). Only way to remove is to pay arrears in full or negotiate settlement with DCSS.
Contempt of Court
Criminal or civil contempt proceedings for willful non-payment
Under A.R.S. § 25-511, willful failure to pay child support is punishable as civil or criminal contempt. Civil contempt: Court can order incarceration until obligor pays purge amount (typically portion of arrears). Criminal contempt: Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months jail and $2,500 fine. Contempt requires proof of willful non-payment—obligor must have ability to pay but refused. If obligor genuinely cannot pay (involuntary unemployment, disability), contempt is inappropriate. Obligor may avoid jail by paying purge amount or demonstrating inability to pay.
Property Liens
Liens on real property, vehicles, and other assets
DCSS can place liens on obligor's real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and other property to secure payment of arrears under A.R.S. § 25-511. Real property liens attach automatically by operation of law and must be satisfied before property can be sold or refinanced. Vehicle liens prevent title transfer or registration renewal. Bank levies freeze accounts and transfer funds to pay arrears (with exemptions for certain protected funds). Liens remain until arrears are paid in full, with interest. DCSS can also garnish investment accounts, rental income, and business assets.
Financial Institution Data Match
Matching obligor accounts against financial institution records
DCSS uses Financial Institution Data Match (FIDM) program to identify obligors' bank accounts, investment accounts, and other financial assets. Banks and credit unions must report account information to DCSS quarterly. When match is found and obligor owes arrears exceeding $150, DCSS can levy (freeze and seize) account funds up to arrears amount. Obligor receives notice of levy and can challenge within 15 days if funds are exempt (SSI, certain pensions, etc.). FIDM applies to all Arizona financial institutions and many national banks.
Passport Denial
Denial or revocation of U.S. passport for significant arrears
Under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 652(k)), HHS certifies to State Department obligors owing more than $2,500 in arrears. State Department can deny new passport applications or revoke existing passports. DCSS sends notice 90 days before certification, giving obligor time to pay arrears or set up payment plan. Once certified, State Department processes denial/revocation. Obligor must pay arrears below $2,500 threshold or establish payment agreement to have certification reversed. This tool targets obligors who travel internationally or need passport for employment.
Enforcement Process Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Arizona Resources
Legal References & Content Accuracy
Legal References
- statuteA.R.S. § 25-501 et seq. – Child support enforcement provisions
- statuteA.R.S. § 25-504 – Income withholding orders
- statuteA.R.S. § 25-518 – License suspension for non-payment
- statuteA.R.S. § 25-511 – Contempt and criminal penalties
- officialArizona DCSS – Division of Child Support Services
Content Accuracy & Updates
This guide is based on Arizona Revised Statutes and DCSS procedures in effect as of January 2025. Enforcement laws and procedures are subject to legislative amendments and policy changes.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Enforcement actions are fact-specific and depend on individual circumstances. For advice on enforcing or defending against enforcement of a specific support order, consult a licensed Arizona family law attorney.
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Content Review: Based on current Arizona statutes and DCSS guidelines