Arizona Child Support Calculator – Accurate & Easy to Use

What Is the Arizona Child Support Calculator?

The Arizona Child Support Calculator is an online tool that estimates monthly child support obligations. It uses a formula set by the state, which considers:

• The gross income of both parents.
• Any adjustments like spousal maintenance or other support payments.
• The number of children involved.
• Parenting time (how many days a child spends with each parent per year).
• Extra costs such as childcare and health insurance premiums for the children.

It’s important to remember: this calculator gives an estimate only. The court makes the final decision based on the law and unique circumstances.

How the Arizona Child Support Formula Works

Arizona uses something called the Income Shares Model. This approach assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would if the parents lived together.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps the calculator takes:

1. Combine adjusted gross incomes: It adds up both parents’ incomes after adjustments.
2. Find the basic obligation: Using a state schedule, it estimates how much should be spent on the children based on combined income and number of children.
3. Add shared costs: Expenses like child care and health insurance are included.
4. Split the costs: Each parent’s share of responsibility is calculated based on their percentage of the combined income.
5. Adjust for parenting time: If one parent spends more days with the child, their payment amount is reduced.
6. Calculate final payment: The tool figures out how much Parent B pays Parent A (or vice versa, in some cases).

Example: Using the Calculator

Imagine Parent A earns $5,000 per month and Parent B earns $3,000. They have two children, and Parent B has 80 days of parenting time per year. Parent A pays $200 per month for health insurance for the kids.

The calculator would:

• Add incomes: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000 combined.
• Find the basic obligation for two kids at $8,000 income.
• Add health insurance ($200).
• Divide costs based on income share (62.5% Parent A, 37.5% Parent B).
• Adjust for 80 parenting days.
• Output the estimated monthly payment.

The result? A clear, data-driven estimate that helps both parents see what’s fair.

Why Use the Arizona Child Support Calculator?

Here’s why this tool is valuable:

• Clarity: It breaks down complex guidelines into simple numbers.
• Fairness: Both parents see how income and time are factored in.
• Planning: It helps families budget realistically before going to court.
• Transparency: The math is based on official state rules, not guesswork.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

• The calculator is an estimator only. Courts may adjust amounts.
• If income exceeds $30,000 per month combined, special rules apply.
• Unusual expenses (medical needs, travel, education) may affect the final order.
• Legal advice from a family law attorney is always recommended if you’re in a dispute.

Try It Yourself

The calculator is designed to be user-friendly. Simply enter income, adjustments, number of children, parenting time, and shared costs. Click Calculate, and you’ll see:

• The Basic Child Support Obligation
• The Estimated Monthly Payment from one parent to the other

If you need to start over, hit Reset and enter new numbers.