questions & answers

Question: Me and my ex girlfriend have a daughter out of wedlock. I am curious how child support works with that type of situation. I'm on the birth certificate. I also don't think she is fit or ready to take care of my daughter. I would like short term full custody and then when she has her feet on the ground we can readjust. How should I go about this ?

Answer: Under the law both parents have a duty to support their children.  (Arizona Revised Statutes, section 25-501).  Child support orders are granted by family court when one parent files a petition asking for child support from the other.  The court uses a formula to determine the amount of the support.  (A.R.S. section 25-503).  (A.R.S. section 25-803).  If you want custody of your child, you will need to file a petition with the court seeking custody (now called legal decision making).  (A.R.S. section 25-403).