Child Support

questions & answers

Question: Are child support records public?

Answer: The Arizona Department of Economic Security outlines what documents are considered public records:

All information is considered public record, with three broad exceptions:

1.Confidentiality – Disclosure is not required where prohibited by statute, court rule or court order (e.g., social security numbers, court orders, etc.).
2.Personal privacy – Some records need not be disclosed due to an individual’s privacy rights (e.g., home address, telephone numbers, email addresses, racial background, age).
3.“Best interest” – Disclosure may not be required if release of the record is not in the best interest of the state (e.g., release would inhibit public safety efforts or place the State at a competitive disadvantage).

If the child support order was part of a court document it may be considered a public record unless the divorce proceeding court information was sealed.

Additionally, if you fall behind or fail to make child support payments your employer may be contacted so that your wages can be garnished.  Because your employer may be informed that you have failed to make payments, the content of the child support records may not be considered private.

 
For more information on what may be considered a public record, visit: https://www.azdes.gov/request_DES_records/

 
For the full text of the law relating to child support, visit: www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00320.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS