How to File for Child Support in Arizona

You can file for child support in Arizona if: (1) You have physical custody of the child (over 50% parenting time); (2) The child resides in Arizona; or (3) Either parent is an Arizona resident. If paternity has not been established, you may need to file a combined paternity and support action. Arizona courts have jurisdiction under UIFSA even if the other parent lives out-of-state, as long as Arizona has sufficient connection to the case.

Arizona offers two paths: (1) DCSS (Division of Child Support Services): Free or low-cost ($25 application fee), handles establishment, modification, and enforcement. DCSS attorneys represent the state, not you personally. Good for straightforward cases. (2) Private Attorney: Represents you personally, more control over case strategy, better for complex cases (contested custody, high income, business ownership). More expensive but may achieve better customized results. You can also file pro se (self-represented) directly with the court, but this is challenging without legal knowledge.

Required documents include: (1) Personal: Birth certificates for children, Social Security cards, photo IDs for both parents; (2) Financial: Pay stubs (6 months), tax returns (2 years), proof of other income, bank statements, employer information; (3) Childcare/Medical: Childcare cost documentation, health insurance information, unreimbursed medical expenses; (4) Other Parent: Full name, DOB, SSN, address, employer information (if known); (5) Existing Orders: Any custody or support orders from other cases. DCSS can investigate if you lack information about the other parent.

DCSS Route: Apply online at aztdes.gov, by phone (1-800-882-4151), or in person at DCSS office. Complete application includes: your information, children's information, other parent's information (if known), income details, and childcare/medical costs. Pay $25 fee unless waived. DCSS will review application, open case, and initiate establishment process. Court Route: File Petition for Child Support with Superior Court in the county where child resides. Pay court filing fee (around $250-$350, varies by county). Court will issue summons for other parent.

DCSS Route: DCSS serves the other parent by certified mail or process server. Other parent has 20 days to respond with their financial information. If other parent cannot be located, DCSS uses locate services (employment databases, DMV, etc.). Court Route: You must arrange service through sheriff, process server, or certified mail. Other parent has 20 days to file response. If service cannot be completed, you may need to publish notice in newspaper. No action can proceed until service is complete.

DCSS Route: DCSS schedules administrative conference before a Child Support Officer. Both parents attend and present financial information. Officer calculates support using Arizona guidelines and issues Support Order if parents agree. If parents disagree, case is referred to court. Court Route: Court schedules hearing before judge or commissioner. Both parents present evidence and testimony. Judge determines support based on guidelines and evidence. Final order is issued by court. Typical hearing lasts 30-60 minutes.

Once support amount is determined (by agreement or court decision), the Support Order is signed by judge or Child Support Officer and entered. Order specifies: monthly support amount, effective date (usually date of filing or separation), payment method (through Arizona Child Support Payment Center), allocation of childcare and medical expenses, and any special provisions. Income Withholding Order is automatically sent to obligor's employer for wage garnishment. Order is binding until modified by court or child emancipates.