questions & answers

Question: I am a full time college student in Arkansas. My girlfriend and 4 year old son moved back to Phoenix to live with her dad and his family. I receive VA benefits to attend college and with rent and other items. I have also started working part time, at night, as the money I receive doesn't cover everything. I live very modestly as I don't have much time to do things. I received court papers suing for child support. She and I had already discussed our financial situation. She works full time with the Laveen school system. I try to assist with money but it's very hard. What can I do?

Answer: It’s extremely important to follow all the when served with any lawsuit, for example, responding to deadlines.  When veterans need legal help, including child support issues, they may be able to receive it (see http://statesidelegal.org/veterans-benefits-and-child-support-q-and).  This website also has links to legal assistance.

Arizona courts look favorably at cooperative child support agreements between the parents, when this is possible (See https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=24&id=2698#a3 )

The Arizona Supreme Court publishes online a very helpful document “Arizona Child Support Guidelines”. http://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/31/GuideSched10072011.pdf  This is a 32 page, detailed and somewhat complex breakdown of factors and computations affecting the Court’s final Child Support Payment Order, including how BOTH parents’ income is considered in the Court’s decision.

Finally, this website provides an informative article regarding Child Support law in Arizona http://azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?mc=1&sc=2&articleid=53