Arizona Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Arizona?

Arizona calculates child support by combining you and the other parent's gross incomes to determine a basic support obligation, based on the 'Income Shares Model'. This total amount is then divided between you based on your percentage of the combined income, with adjustments for parenting time and other costs. This process is governed by the Arizona Child Support Guidelines under A.R.S. § 25-320.

Understanding Shared Parenting Time Adjustments

In Arizona, shared physical custody significantly impacts the final child support amount through a parenting time adjustment. According to the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, this adjustment is applied when one parent has the children for 146 or more overnights per year. The calculation reduces the child support obligation to reflect the increased costs associated with substantial parenting time.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Arizona Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority A.R.S. § 25-320; Arizona Child Support Guidelines
Shared Custody Threshold 146 Overnights
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if in High School)
Modification Standard 15% Change in Support Amount

Frequently Asked Questions about AZ Support


At what age does child support end in AZ?

Child support in Arizona ends when a child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last, but not beyond age 19. This is mandated by Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-501. Support may continue for a severely disabled child who cannot live independently.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in AZ?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, an Arizona court can impute income based on their potential earning capacity. The court will consider the parent's work history, skills, education, and available job opportunities, as outlined in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, Section 5.E.

How do I modify a child support order in AZ?

To modify a child support order in Arizona, you must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, which is presumed if applying the current guidelines results in at least a 15% change in the support amount. This standard for modification is established in Section 24.A of the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.

Does AZ child support cover college expenses?

No, Arizona law does not require parents to pay for a child's college or post-secondary education expenses after the child reaches the age of majority. Parents can, however, voluntarily agree to cover these costs in a legally binding agreement, such as a separation agreement or consent decree.

How does AZ handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Costs for the children's health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare are added to the basic child support obligation and are prorated between the parents based on their respective shares of the combined gross income. This allocation is detailed in Section 9 of the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.