Mesa Child Support Lawyer

Every child deserves the security of knowing their needs will be met. They deserve a stable home, consistent care, and the opportunity to simply be a kid, free from the financial worries of adults. This is the simple, powerful principle at the heart of Arizona’s child support laws.

But while the goal is simple, getting there can be incredibly complex. Disagreements over income, parenting time, and expenses can quickly turn the process into a source of stress and conflict, overshadowing what truly matters—the well-being of your child.

This is where Udall Shumway steps in. We help parents cut through the noise and focus on the most important objective: creating a child support plan that is fair, accurate, and built to last. A Mesa child support lawyer from our firm will work to protect your child’s best interests, ensuring the final arrangement provides the stability and support they need to thrive.

For over 50 years, our firm has been committed to helping Mesa families navigate these sensitive matters with dignity and strength. If you’re ready to build a strong foundation for your child’s future, our team is here to guide you.

Schedule a confidential consultation to protect what matters most.

Why Choose Udall Shumway for Your Child Support Case?

When your child’s financial security is on the line, choosing the right legal partner is a critical decision. You need a firm that not only has a deep understanding of Arizona law but also understands the human element behind every case. Udall Shumway has been that firm for generations of families in Mesa and the East Valley.

A Legacy of Local Insight (Since 1965): For over 50 years, our firm has been a cornerstone of the Mesa legal community. This long history provides more than just experience; it gives us an intimate understanding of the Maricopa County family courts. We know the local procedures and what it takes to navigate your case with confidence and efficiency.
Your Compassionate and Proactive Partner: We believe effective representation starts with listening. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation and your goals. We then act as your proactive advisors, working to anticipate challenges and build a comprehensive case from the start. This client-centered strategy positions you for a stronger outcome, whether through negotiation or in court.
Resolute Advocacy for Fair Results: We are skilled negotiators who aim for amicable solutions, but we are always prepared to be your powerful advocates. Our ultimate goal is to secure a child support order that is fair, accurate, and sustainable—one that provides true stability for your child and minimizes the potential for future conflict.

With Udall Shumway, you get more than a lawyer; you get a dedicated ally committed to protecting your family’s future. Let us put our legacy of results to work for you.

Understanding Child Support in Arizona

For any parent, protecting your relationship with your children is the top priority during a separation. To support this, Arizona law has modernized its approach. It intentionally replaced adversarial terms like “custody” and “visitation” with “legal decision-making” (how you’ll make major choices together) and “parenting time” (how you’ll share time). This change is designed to reduce conflict and encourage shared responsibility.

Regardless of the term used, the core purpose of child support is simple: to ensure that children receive a level of financial support from both parents that is consistent with what they would have received if the family had remained intact. To help you understand the process, here is a breakdown of how child support works in Arizona.

How Does Arizona’s Income Shares Model Work?

Arizona law uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support.

The court follows a structured process to determine a fair obligation:

Determine Combined Gross Income: The court starts by calculating the total monthly gross income of both parents.
Consult the Arizona Child Support Guidelines: This combined income is then applied to a state-issued schedule, known as the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, to determine the “Basic Child Support Obligation.” This is the baseline amount the state presumes is necessary to care for the number of children involved.
Add Additional Costs: Certain expenses are added to this basic obligation, including the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance for the child, as well as necessary child care expenses.
Prorate the Obligation: The total support obligation is then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. For example, if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, they will be responsible for 60% of the total support obligation.
Adjust for Parenting Time: Finally, the court makes an adjustment to account for the amount of time the child spends with each parent. The parent with less parenting time typically pays support to the parent with more parenting time, but the exact amount is credited based on the number of parenting days each parent has.

Key Factors that Influence the Calculation

While the formula provides a framework, the accuracy of the outcome depends on the accuracy of the inputs. Our attorneys ensure every factor is properly accounted for:

Parental Gross Monthly Income: This is the most significant factor. It includes income from all sources, not just a salary. This can include wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, retirement or pension payments, and investment income.
Parenting Time and Overnights: The number of days the child spends with each parent per year directly impacts the final support amount. A precise and enforceable parenting plan is crucial.
Child Care Costs: The cost of work-related childcare is included in the calculation and shared proportionally by the parents.
Health Insurance Premiums: The amount paid by either parent for the child’s portion of medical, dental, and vision insurance is added to the basic obligation.
Support for Other Children: If a parent is legally obligated to support children from another relationship, this can be factored in as an adjustment.
Extraordinary Expenses: Costs for special needs or the giftedness of a child (e.g., private tutoring, specialized medical care) can also be considered by the court.

What Does “Gross Income” Actually Include?

One of the most common areas of dispute in child support cases is determining a parent’s true gross income. It’s not always as simple as looking at a pay stub. Our firm has extensive experience uncovering and verifying all sources of income, including:

For Salaried Employees: Wages, salaries, overtime pay, bonuses, and commissions.
For Business Owners and Self-Employed Individuals: This is where it gets complex. We meticulously review business records, profit and loss statements, and expense reports to determine the parent’s true income, distinguishing legitimate business expenses from personal ones. Our firm’s deep roots in business law give us a unique advantage in these situations.
For Unemployed or Underemployed Parents: If a court finds that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed to avoid their support obligation, it can “impute” income. This means the court will calculate child support based on what that parent could and should be earning based on their work history, skills, and qualifications.

Common Child Support Challenges We Handle

Every family’s situation is unique, but many of the legal challenges are not. Our attorneys have the experience to guide you through any child support issue, including:

How do I establish an initial child support order?
Whether as part of a divorce or for parents who were never married, establishing the first child support order is a critical step. We ensure that the initial order is based on accurate financial information and a clear parenting plan, setting a fair and stable foundation for your child’s future. We also handle the crucial first step for unmarried parents: establishing paternity, which is legally required before a support order can be issued.

When can I modify a child support order?
Life changes, and child support orders can change too. In Arizona, you can request a modification if there has been a “substantial and continuing change in circumstances.” Our attorneys can help you determine if your situation qualifies and guide you through the modification process. Common reasons for modification include:

A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income (e.g., job loss, promotion).
A change in the child’s health insurance or child care costs.
A change in the parenting time schedule.
The emancipation of a child.
A change in a child’s needs, such as new educational or medical expenses.

What if the other parent stops paying child support?
It is frustrating and damaging when a parent fails to meet their court-ordered child support obligations. If you are not receiving the support you are owed, you have legal options. We can help you take decisive action to enforce the order.

Arizona law provides several powerful enforcement tools, including:

Wage Garnishment: An order sent directly to the paying parent’s employer.
Liens: Placing a legal claim on property, such as a house or car.
Bank Account Seizures: Freezing and seizing funds from the paying parent’s bank accounts.
Suspension of Licenses: Including driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses.
Interception of Tax Refunds: Both state and federal.

Navigating Complex Income Situations
Calculating support can be especially challenging when one or both parents are business owners, freelancers, or have commission-based or seasonal income. With our firm’s extensive background in both business and family law, we are uniquely equipped to handle these complex cases. We know how to read financial statements, identify hidden income, and work with forensic accountants when necessary to ensure the child support calculation is fair and accurate.

The Udall Shumway Process: Your Partners in Seeking Clarity

We know that contacting a lawyer can be intimidating. We aim to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

Your Confidential Consultation: It all starts with a conversation. You will meet with one of our experienced family law attorneys to discuss your situation in a confidential, no-pressure environment. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
Gathering Information & Building Your Strategy: If you choose to move forward, we will begin the crucial work of gathering all necessary financial information, including pay stubs, tax returns, and business records. We will work with you to define your goals and develop a tailored legal strategy designed to achieve them efficiently.
Negotiation and Mediation: We believe that the best solutions are often reached outside of the courtroom. We are skilled negotiators who will work diligently to reach a fair settlement with the other party through direct negotiation or mediation. This collaborative approach can save you time, money, and emotional stress.
Litigation, If Necessary: While we always strive for an amicable resolution, we are fully prepared to be your powerful advocate in court. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, our seasoned litigators will meticulously prepare your case and fight to protect your interests and your child’s future before a judge.

Our structured process is designed to provide you with a clear path forward, alleviating stress and taking every step with your child’s best interests at heart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Child Support

When does the obligation to pay child support end in Arizona?

In Arizona, the duty to pay child support typically continues until the child turns 18 years old and graduates from high school. If the child is still in high school when they turn 18, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

Support may extend longer if a child has a significant disability.

Can parents agree to a child support amount that is different from the state guideline calculation?

Yes, parents can agree to deviate from the guideline amount, but a judge must approve the agreement. The court will only approve a different amount if it finds the deviation is in the child’s best interest and does not harm the child’s standard of living. The written agreement must state the amount that would have been ordered under the guidelines and justify why the deviation is appropriate.

Do I need a lawyer to request a child support modification?

While you can file a petition to modify child support on your own, the process requires strict adherence to legal procedure and presenting proper evidence.

An attorney ensures your petition correctly documents the substantial and continuing change in circumstances, presents your financial information accurately, and advocates for a fair modification that protects your rights.

What happens if the other parent quits their job or seems to be hiding income?

If a court determines a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed to reduce their child support obligation, it can impute income to that parent. This means the judge will calculate child support based on what that parent should be earning, considering their work history, skills, education, and job opportunities in the area.

Our attorneys can help gather evidence to show the court the other parent’s true earning capacity.

Contact Our Mesa Child Support Lawyers Today

Your child’s financial well-being is too important to leave to chance. A fair and accurate child support order provides the stability they need and the peace of mind you deserve. At Udall Shumway, we combine a legacy of legal excellence with a modern, compassionate approach to family law.

Let our family help yours. We are ready to listen, advise, and advocate for you every step of the way. Don’t wait to get the clarity and support you need.

The future can be clear and secure. Contact the Mesa child support attorneys at Udall Shumway today at (480) 461-5300 or through our online form to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss your case and explain how we can help you build a better future for your child.

Udall Shumway – Mesa Office

1138 N Alma School Rd #101
Mesa, AZ 85201
P: (480) 461-5300