Child Support

questions & answers

Question: If neither party has received welfare what interest does the state have?

Answer:

Arizona law states "every person has the duty to provide all reasonable support for that person's natural and adopted minor, unemancipated children, regardless of the presence or residence of the child in this state." A.R.S. 25-501(A).  Because this is a statutorily imposed duty, the state has an interest in enforcing it.  The law also states that the "obligation to pay child support is primary and other financial obligations are secondary."  A.R.S. 25-501(C).  Therefore, a court has an obligation to ensure that minor, unemancipated children are provided for by their parents.  Whether any party has received welfare support is irrelevant as to the state's interest in ensuring support for minor children.  For more information about child support, read AZLawHelp's article Child Support in Arizona.