In Arizona, child support is calculated pursuant to the Arizona Child Support Guidelines under Arizona Revised Statute §25-320. However, it is the data inserted into the Guideline calculation which will determine the amount of child support to be paid.
There are a number of variables which will determine the ultimate child support amount. The following factors are typically considered:
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Income of each party;
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The cost of health insurance;
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Which party actually pays the health insurance premium;
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The cost of daycare, if any;
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Which party actually pays the daycare expense;
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Any extraordinary medical need of the child or children;
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Any extraordinary educational need of the child or children;
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The number of children;
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Whether or not spousal maintenance is being paid or received by either parent;
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The age(s) of the child or children; and
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The amount of parenting time exercised by each parent.
The Arizona Child Support Guidelines contain a presumptive income limit of $20,000 per parent per month for calculating child support. However, this presumption can be overcome by appropriate evidence that a deviation from the Guideline support amount is appropriate under the circumstances. Such circumstances that would warrant a deviation might be the standard of living enjoyed by the child or children, or extraordinary expenses for medical, educational or athletic endeavors for the child or children.