Child Support

questions & answers

Question: If I apply for child support only will the other person be served papers asking the courts to determine custody of the children, parent visitation time and child support.

Answer: Paternity for unmarried fathers is legally established when dad signs the affidavit of paternity required for his name to be placed on the birth certificate or when mom or dad files a paternity action in court to legally decide paternity.  Child support is not awarded unless the father is legally established as a parent.  If paternity is established and child support is requested through a court filing, legal decision-making (custody) for the child and visitation issues are usually part of the process unless the dad lets the court know he does not want custody or visitation.  Every case is different and is decided on the specific circumstances of that case.  If you are unsure of how to proceed, you should sit down with an attorney and go over all of the facts.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is $75 per hours.  the telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa County and Pima County have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is  (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.