Like family courts in all states, when children are involved in a divorce situation, Arizona courts strongly promote a cooperative and amicable resolution among the parents as to how the child will be raised. When the parents are unable to agree, the court will intervene, and undoubtedly advocate for the best interests of the children when deciding issues of custody, visitation, and support. The following is Arizona law governing child custody and support.
Arizona Child Custody:
Arizona courts will do everything possible to lessen the emotional impact on children of divorcing parents. If the parents cannot agree on a plan for custody, the courts will decide what is best for the children. Among the factors the court will weigh are the willingness of one parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent, as well as any history of violence or abusive conduct by either parent.
Arizona Child Support:
Arizona law specifies a procedure for calculating child support. The gross incomes of both parents are added together and located on a chart, which gives the appropriate child support. The court can vary from the amount that appears on the chart after considering several factors, including the special needs of a child, obligations to children not of the present marriage, parenting time and other financial factors.