Child Support

questions & answers

Question: I was court ordered to pay a certain amount of child support ($1000) My income has changed drastically due to job change. I cannot afford to pay the full amount of the court order but have still been making monthly payments every month ($200). My ex now wants me to go to jail for not paying full payment. Is this possible?

Answer:

 Jail is a possible penalty for not paying child support. Other penalties such as license suspension, liens on property, asset seizure, and wage garnishment are also possible punishments for failure to pay child support. Arizona Revised Statutes 25-681 through 25-685 discusses child support arrest warrants. (http://www.azleg.gov/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=25) The Arizona Department of Economic Security has a list of all enforcement remedies that may be used by Child Support Services, and it can be found here: https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=24&id=2496. Ultimately, the judge will decide what penalty is appropriate.

If your income has changed you may file a petition asking to the court to modify future child support payments. For further information, please consult an attorney.