questions & answers

Question: Due to domestic violence/ child support I have received permanent guardianship of my 16 year old niece. Her Mother is still paying child support to the Father in another county. How do I get that paid to me and also get a child support order in place for the Father? Is there any SSI or govt assistance I can get help from?

Answer: ARS 14-5209. Powers and duties of guardian of minor A. A guardian of a minor has the powers and responsibilities of a custodial parent regarding the ward's support, care and education. A guardian is not personally liable for the ward's expenses and is not liable to third persons by reason of the relationship for acts of the ward. 3. Apply any available monies of the ward to the ward's current needs for support, care and education. 4. Conserve any excess monies for the ward's future needs, but if a conservator has been appointed for the estate of the ward, the guardian, at least quarterly, shall pay to the conservator money of the ward to be conserved for the ward's future needs. 5. Report the condition of the ward and of the ward's estate which has been subject to his possession or control, as ordered by the court on petition of any person interested in the ward's welfare or as required by court rule. C. A guardian may: 1. Receive monies payable for the support of the ward under the terms of any statutory benefit, insurance system, private contract, devise, trust, conservatorship or custodianship, and monies or property of the ward paid or delivered pursuant to section 14-5103. You may wish to speak with an attorney regarding possible child support from the parent and also to see what other monies may be available for the child.