When parents in Arizona decide to divorce, the issue of child support becomes of paramount importance. In recent years, new stories have often focused on the amount of child support that the former spouse or partner of celebrities receive. In some cases, the parent with primary physical custody may receive thousands of dollars a month, sometimes reaching into five figures. While this may seem excessive, there is often a good reason for these high numbers.
There are often multiple factors at play when it comes to making decisions about child and spousal support. It should be noted that in some cases, couples may be unable to resolve disagreements over financial payments in a divorce or child support case. As a result, it is not the custodial parent who determines the amount of child support the other parent pays. Instead, a judge makes this decision.
In addition, judges also consider the standard of living a child would have enjoyed if his or her parents would have remained together. Thus, the awarded support reflects what the judge thinks a married couple would be spending on child rearing each month. When a non-custodial parent is ordered to pay what may seem to be excessive payments to the custodial parent, this may reflect the fact that the non-custodial parent has an extraordinarily high income.
Parents who are concerned about child support issues may benefit from speaking with an experienced family law attorney. A lawyer may be able to examine the client’s situation and make appropriate recommendations regarding child support. In addition, parents who have experienced a change in circumstances may be able to work with an attorney to receive a child support modification order if appropriate.