questions & answers

Question: I am 27. I owe about 18,00 in child support right now. Ive been able to make payments here and there but only $50 at a time. I have an arrears hearing coming up on sept. 3rd. This will be the first hearing. Just in the last few days I was able to gain employment for a department store. Im going to have them garnish my wages or I will be making the appropriate payment. I have honestly just had trouble finding work. Do I need to be concerned about going to jail at this hearing? and can I request a modification of support at this hearing?

Answer: Whether or not jail time is an option is ultimately up to a judge. In order to get a modification for child support, the first thing to do is to file a petition to modify child support. An Order to Appear will need to be obtained from the Family Court Conference Center. The Order to Appear will instruct when the conference and hearing are scheduled. The other party must also be served an Order to Appear. The Superior Court of Arizona provides more helpful information, which can be accessed here: (http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/superiorcourt/familycourt/postdecreechildsupportcourt.asp)