When the Arizona courts determine appropriate child support amounts, they look at the number of children, the income of both parents and the division of parenting time at issue. The parent paying support must typically make whatever adjustments are necessary for them to afford their financial obligations. However, sudden changes in financial circumstances may make it prohibitively difficult for one parent to continue paying support as ordered.
Can job loss lead to more lenience with child support obligations?
Unemployed parents can ask for a modification
Arizona does not take any automatic steps to change a child support order when the employment of a parent changes. The state does not proactively track employment status or income.
Parents have an obligation to notify the state of any significant changes that might warrant a review and a modification of the existing order. A parent who loses their job cannot terminate child support, but the courts may reduce the amount they owe to a more sustainable level until they return to full-time gainful employment.
There are some exceptions. If the parent receiving support believes that the unemployment was voluntary or even an intentional act with the goal of avoiding child support responsibilities, they can ask the courts to impute the likely income of the paying parent based on their employment history and unique professional skills.
Both parents theoretically have the right to ask the courts to review and adjust a child support order to better reflect the family’s current circumstances. Learning more about how Arizona establishes, adjusts and enforces child support orders can be important for those concerned about their financial stability after a separation or divorce accordingly.