Child Support

questions & answers

Question: my grandaughter is 15 yrs, unmarried and had a baby. the father is also 15 and unemployed. Is he or his parents lrgally responsible for child support. How do we proceed?

Answer:

Question #1:  ARS § 25-810 may help answer your first question:

25-810. Liability of parents if putative mother or father is a minor; periodic payments

A. Except as provided pursuant to section 25-501, subsection F, the parent or parents having custody or control of the putative mother or father may be joined as respondents in the action if the putative mother or father is a minor or was a minor at the time the action was commenced. The parents may be held jointly and severally liable with the minor until the minor reaches the age of majority.

B. The court may order that a judgment made against a parent pursuant to this section be satisfied through periodic payments as other child support orders.

C. In addition to the enforcement of support remedies provided pursuant to section 25-508, an order made pursuant to this section that provides for periodic payments shall be enforced pursuant to this chapter.

Question #2:  (How to Proceed): The following links may provide you with general guidance as to your second question: 

Maricopa County:

Paternity Action: (Instructions and Forms)

Establishing Custody (Paternity Order Exists) (Instructions and Forms)

Pima County:

Paternity - (General Information - establishing child custody orders for unmarried parties)

Complaint for Paternity - (Instructions and Forms)

Paternity - Service instructions

Coconino County:

Forms and  Instructions

Yavapai County:

Establish Paternity, Custody, Parenting Time and/or Support: forms and instructions

Mohave County

Paternity forms and instructions