Child Support
Request or contest child support.
Forms for requesting, contesting, or modifying child support orders through the court.
Overview
Child support is money one parent pays to help cover the costs of raising a child. In Arizona, the courts can order child support as part of custody, divorce, paternity, or separate child support cases. Payments are based on state guidelines that consider income, parenting time, and other expenses.
When Child Support May Apply
Parents are divorced or legally separated
Paternity is established for a child born outside of marriage
One parent seeks to modify an existing child support order
Either parent requests enforcement of a current order
Forms You’ll Need
To request, contest, or modify child support, you may need to file forms such as:
Petition to Establish or Modify Child Support
Child Support Worksheet (based on Arizona’s guidelines)
Financial Affidavit
Income Withholding Order
Response to Petition (if contesting)
(Exact forms vary by county—check your local Superior Court or the Arizona Courts Child Support Calculator for current versions.)
Key Considerations for Fathers
Calculations are guideline-based: Arizona uses a standard formula to make sure child support is fair.
Changes in income or parenting time: If your situation changes, you can request a modification to increase or decrease support.
Enforcement: Unpaid support may be enforced through wage garnishment, license suspension, or other measures.
Rights & responsibilities: Paying child support does not reduce your right to parenting time or involvement in your child’s life.
Resources & Support
Establishing Child Support - Petition
Establishing Child Support - Order
Instructions: How to Complete a Child Support Order
Instructions: Current Employer Information Form
Instructions: Income Withholding Order (IWO)
Instructions: How to Update Address and/or Name Information with the Court
Modifying Child Support
Instructions: How to Complete a Child Support Worksheet
Instructions: How to Complete a Petition to Modify Child Support
Instructions: How to Complete a Child Support Order
Instructions: How to Update Address and/or Name Information With the Court
Direct Deposit Forms File non IV-D cases with the Superior Court from your hearing and IV-D cases with DCSE
The information offered on this site is made available as a public service and is not intended to take the place of legal advice. If you do not understand something, have trouble filling out any of the forms, or are not sure these forms and instructions apply to your situation, see an attorney for help. Consult a state Law Library or the Legal Aid Resources page for information on free or reduced cost legal aid for more information.
Not all forms may be accepted in all Arizona courts – you should contact the clerk of the court in which you will be filing to confirm the use of a particular form, determine whether any additional forms are required and verify the filing fees. The Arizona Bar Foundation assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents.