Child Support

questions & answers

Question: If the mother of my children and I came to an agreement at out first child support proceeding to a set amount and the both of us signed for it can she change it if i make her mad. WhIch is what she is threatening to do.

Answer: A court in Arizona will modify an existing child support order generally only if the person seeking that modification can show that the current arrangement no longer serves “the best interests” of the children due to a “changed circumstance that is substantial and continuing” (A.R.S. 25-503). Assuming that the court approved your previous agreement, if your children’s mother tries to have that agreement modified, she will need to demonstrate to the court that circumstances have changed to the extent that it is now necessary for the court to alter the current amount of support that you owe. She cannot simply ask for more money without a good reason. The following DES page contains a list of the main reasons why someone may ask for a modification of an existing child support order: https://des.az.gov/arizona-child-support-modifying-your-existing-child-support-order-faq