Child support is a crucial aspect of raising a child, and it can be a challenging and overwhelming process for parents. In Maricopa County, AZ, there are resources available to help parents navigate the complexities of child support and ensure that their children receive the financial support they need.
The Importance of Child Support
Child support is a legal obligation that parents have to provide financial support for their children. It is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to cover the costs of raising a child, including food, clothing, housing, and other necessities. Child support is essential for the well-being of children, as it helps to ensure that they have access to basic needs and can maintain a stable and healthy lifestyle. In Maricopa County, AZ, child support is determined based on the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.These guidelines take into account factors such as the income of both parents, the number of children, and any special needs or circumstances. The court will also consider the standard of living the child would have had if the parents were still together.
Child Support Services in Maricopa County
Maricopa County offers a range of services to help parents with child support issues. The Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) is responsible for enforcing child support orders and providing assistance to parents who need help with child support. One of the main services offered by DCSS is establishing paternity. This is important because without legal paternity established, a father has no legal obligation to pay child support.DCSS can help parents establish paternity through genetic testing or by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. DCSS also offers assistance with establishing and modifying child support orders. If a parent's financial situation changes, they can request a modification of their child support order to reflect their current income. DCSS can also help parents who are having difficulty collecting child support payments from the other parent.
Online Resources for Child Support
In addition to the services offered by DCSS, there are also several online resources available for parents in Maricopa County who need help with child support. The Arizona Department of Economic Security website has a section dedicated to child support, which includes information on how to apply for services, how to make payments, and how to modify an existing child support order. The Arizona Judicial Branch website also has a section on child support, which includes forms and instructions for filing for child support, as well as information on how to enforce a child support order.Legal Assistance for Child Support
For parents who need legal assistance with child support matters, there are several options available in Maricopa County.The Maricopa County Bar Association offers a Lawyer Referral Service, which can connect parents with an attorney who specializes in family law and child support issues. The Arizona State Bar also has a Lawyer Referral Service that can help parents find an attorney who can provide legal advice and representation for child support matters. Additionally, there are several legal aid organizations in Maricopa County that offer free or low-cost legal services to low-income individuals and families.
