Child Support

questions & answers

Question: Are you still liable for child support when an application for name change is granted?

Answer:

The Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) Section 25-501 states that every person has an obligation to provide all reasonable support to their natural and adopted children. A name change does not change a person’s status as a parent, only their name. According to A.R.S. § 25-511, knowingly failing to pay is a Class 6 felony, punishable by imprisonment from four months to two years. Additionally, A.R.S. § 25-512 allows a court or the Department of Economic Security to put information about a delinquent parent’s failure to pay on their credit report. A court can also order the suspension of one’s driver’s license, or even professional licenses under A.R.S. §§ 25-517 through 519.

To see how the above statutes may apply to a cetain situation, please see this website for possible legal aid options.