Arizona Divorce With Children — Custody & Support
Custody, child support, and parenting plans when children are involved in an Arizona divorce
How custody is determined §25-403
Courts determine legal decision-making and parenting time based on the best interests of the child, considering 11 statutory factors including parental involvement and adjustment to home and community.
Types of custody
- Legal custody — the right to make major decisions about the child's education, health care, and welfare
- Physical custody — where the child lives day-to-day
- Joint custody — both parents share legal custody, physical custody, or both
- Sole custody — one parent has primary decision-making authority or residential time
Child support §25-320
Arizona uses an income-shares model to calculate child support.
- Guidelines base support on both parents' Combined Adjusted Child Support Income (not tax adjusted gross income)
- Arizona Child Support Guidelines set presumptive amount
- Deviation requires specific written findings
- Income can be withheld directly from the paying parent's employer §25-504
The parenting plan
Most Arizona courts require a written parenting plan that addresses:
- Regular custody and visitation schedule
- Holiday and vacation time allocation
- Transportation arrangements and exchange locations
- Decision-making authority for education, health, and extracurricular activities
- Communication protocols between parents
- Relocation restrictions and notice requirements
Temporary orders during the divorce §25-315
Either party may move for an order for equal possession of the liquid assets of the marital property, temporary maintenance, or temporary support of a child pending final decree. Temporary custody and support orders typically remain in effect until the final decree is entered.
Modifying custody later
Legal decision-making may be modified upon showing a material and continuing change of circumstance; parenting time may be modified if in the child's best interests. §25-411
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
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Related guides
- Guidelines base support on both parents' Combined Adjusted Child Support Income (not tax adjusted gross income)
- Arizona Child Support Guidelines set presumptive amount
- Deviation requires specific written findings