How Child Support Is Determined in Scottsdale, Arizona

Author : maddy smith | Published On : 01 Sep 2026

Child support is an important part of many divorce, separation, and family law cases. It is designed to help meet a child’s financial needs and ensure that both parents contribute to the costs of raising their children.

For parents in Scottsdale, Arizona, child support is generally calculated using Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines use an income shares model, which considers the incomes of both parents when determining the amount of support.

Understanding how child support is calculated can make the process easier to follow. If you are dealing with a child support matter, speaking with a Scottsdale family law professional can help you understand how the rules may apply to your situation.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a financial contribution made by a parent to help cover the costs of raising a child. It can help with everyday needs such as food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, and other expenses related to the child's well-being.

In Arizona, a court may order either or both parents who have a legal duty to support a child to pay an amount that is reasonable and necessary for the child's support. The obligation applies regardless of marital misconduct.

The purpose is not to punish either parent. Instead, child support is intended to provide financial support for the child.

Arizona Uses Child Support Guidelines

Arizona has specific Child Support Guidelines that are used to calculate support. The guidelines use the combined income of both parents and then determine each parent's share of the financial responsibility.

The Arizona courts provide a child support calculator based on these guidelines. However, the calculator provides an estimate, and the court has the final authority to determine the amount ordered in a particular case.

This means parents should not assume that an online calculation will always be the exact amount ordered by the court.

1. Income of Both Parents

One of the most important factors in calculating child support is the income of both parents.

The calculation may require information about wages, salaries, self-employment income, and other sources of income that are relevant under the guidelines. The goal is to determine each parent's financial ability to contribute to the child's needs.

If a parent's income changes regularly, accurate financial records can be especially important. Parents should provide complete and truthful information when calculating support.

The Arizona child support calculator also asks for information about child support income for both parents.

2. Number of Children

The number of children involved in the case can affect the child support calculation. Supporting one child may require a different amount than supporting several children because the overall financial needs of the family can change.

The ages of the children can also matter in certain calculations. Arizona's calculator includes fields for children's dates of birth and can account for children who are over certain age thresholds.

Parents should make sure the information about each child is accurate when completing the calculation.

3. Parenting Time

Parenting time can also affect child support. The amount of time a child spends with each parent can be considered when determining the support amount.

Arizona's child support calculator asks for parenting time days per year or, where applicable, a parenting time percentage.

This recognizes that both parents may have expenses while the child is in their care. A parenting schedule should therefore be accurately reflected when calculating support.

4. Health Insurance and Medical Costs

Health insurance and certain medical expenses can also affect the child support calculation.

For example, the Arizona calculator allows parents to enter the portion of medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums paid specifically for the children. Certain extraordinary medical or other child-related expenses may also be considered.

Parents should keep records of insurance costs and other qualifying expenses so that the correct information can be included in the calculation.

5. Childcare and Education Expenses

Childcare expenses may be another factor in determining child support. This can be especially important when childcare is needed so that a parent can work or pursue employment.

The Arizona child support calculator includes fields for monthly childcare costs and allows certain adjustments related to applicable tax credits.

Education and other special expenses may also need to be considered depending on the circumstances of the family and the applicable guidelines.

Important Factors That May Affect Child Support

Several financial and family details can influence the final calculation. Parents should gather the information needed before completing a child support worksheet or calculator.

Common information may include:

• Income and employment information for both parents

• The number and ages of the children

• Parenting time arrangements

• Health insurance costs for the children

• Childcare expenses

• Certain court-ordered support obligations

• Extraordinary or special expenses involving the children

The Arizona courts specifically identify several of these items as information that may be needed when using the child support calculator.

Child Support and Parenting Time Are Different Issues

Parents sometimes assume that child support and parenting time are the same issue. They are related, but they are not identical.

Parenting time concerns when and how a child spends time with each parent. Child support concerns the financial support of the child.

A parent generally should not withhold parenting time simply because child support has not been paid. Likewise, a parent should not assume that paying child support automatically determines how much parenting time they receive.

Arizona courts determine parenting time and legal decision-making based on the best interests of the child.

What If a Parent's Income Changes?

Financial circumstances can change after a child support order is entered. A parent may lose a job, receive a significant increase in income, change careers, or experience another major financial change.

A change in circumstances does not automatically change an existing child support order. Parents should understand the legal process for requesting a modification rather than simply changing payments on their own.

If your financial circumstances have changed significantly, getting guidance from a Scottsdale family law professional can help you understand whether a modification may be appropriate.

Can Parents Agree on Child Support?

Parents may be able to reach agreements regarding child support, but the agreement still needs to comply with applicable Arizona law and court requirements.

The court has the final authority to determine the amount of child support ordered in a particular case. The official Arizona calculator itself states that its result is an estimate and does not guarantee the amount that will ultimately be awarded.

For this reason, parents should understand the guidelines and the child's financial needs before agreeing to a support amount.

Child Support Calculation at a Glance

The exact calculation depends on the facts of the case and the applicable Arizona guidelines.

Summary

Understanding how child support is determined can make the process less stressful and help you prepare better for the financial responsibilities involved. Every family situation is unique, and having the right support can make a big difference.

If you are dealing with a child support matter, take action today. Find us on Google to learn more about how we can help, or view our Scottsdale office to speak with Modern Law Scottsdale directly and get the guidance you need.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Child support calculations can vary based on the facts of each case and the applicable Arizona guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is child support calculated in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale cases generally use Arizona's Child Support Guidelines. The calculation considers both parents' incomes along with factors such as parenting time, number of children, health insurance, childcare, and certain other qualifying expenses.

2. Does parenting time affect child support?

Yes. Parenting time can affect the child support calculation because the guidelines recognize expenses associated with the time a child spends with each parent. The parenting schedule should be accurately reported when calculating the support amount.

3. Can child support change if income changes?

It may be possible to request a modification when circumstances change and the legal requirements for modification are met. A parent should not simply change payments without an appropriate order or agreement that complies with Arizona law.

4. Does child support cover medical expenses?

Child support calculations can account for certain medical, dental, and vision insurance costs for children. Other medical expenses may also be considered depending on the circumstances and applicable Arizona guidelines.

5. Can parents calculate child support themselves?

Parents can use Arizona's official child support calculator to estimate an amount. However, the calculator is informational and the court has final authority over the support amount ordered in a specific case.