Understanding Child Support Costs in AZ- What You Need to Know for Two Children
How much is child support in AZ for 2 kids? This is a common question among parents and guardians in Arizona who are navigating the complexities of child support laws. The amount of child support can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the specific circumstances of the family. Understanding the guidelines and how they apply to your situation is crucial for ensuring that your children receive the financial support they need.
Child support in Arizona is determined by the Arizona Supreme Court Child Support Guidelines, which provide a formula for calculating the amount of support based on the combined income of both parents. According to these guidelines, the amount of child support for two children is generally calculated at a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income. For one child, the percentage is 20%, and for each additional child, the percentage increases by 5%. Therefore, for two children, the percentage would be 25%.
However, it’s important to note that this is just a starting point, and the actual amount of child support may be adjusted based on various factors. For example, if the custodial parent has a significantly lower income or if there are special needs of the children, the court may order a higher or lower amount of support.
To calculate the child support amount for two kids in Arizona, you can use the following formula:
Child Support Amount = (Combined Gross Income of Both Parents x Applicable Percentage) – Standard Deduction
The standard deduction is a set amount that is subtracted from the combined gross income before calculating the child support amount. As of 2021, the standard deduction for child support in Arizona is $1,000 for the first child and $500 for each additional child.
Let’s consider an example to illustrate this:
Example:
John and Sarah are married and have two children. John earns $60,000 per year, and Sarah earns $40,000 per year. Their combined gross income is $100,000. Using the formula above, we can calculate their child support amount for two kids:
Child Support Amount = ($100,000 x 25%) – $1,000 (standard deduction for the first child) – $500 (standard deduction for the second child)
Child Support Amount = $25,000 – $1,000 – $500
Child Support Amount = $23,500
In this example, the child support amount for two kids would be $23,500 per year. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual amount may vary based on the specific circumstances of the family.
If you are facing a child support issue in Arizona, it is essential to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help you understand the guidelines and ensure that your children receive the financial support they need. Remember, the primary goal of child support is to provide for the best interests of the children, and the court will consider all relevant factors when determining the appropriate amount of support.
