According to Arizona law, you are still required to make your child support payments in full if you lose your job. Should you fail to do so, you may face the following consequences:
Income Withholding: The Arizona Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) has the power to withhold a portion of your pay if you fail to make child support payments.
Interest: You can be charged interest on overdue child support payments.
Asset Seizure: The state of Arizona can seize your bank accounts and other property if you owe more than 12 months of child support payments.
License Suspensions: If you owe more than six months of child support, the DCSS can suspend your professional licenses.
Tax Refund Intercepts: The DCSS can take your state income tax refund if you owe more than $50 in child support.
Jail Time: You may be found guilty of a crime known as “failure of parent to provide for the child” if you continually fail to make your child support payments. This offense carries a prison sentence of up to 18 months.
If you have recently lost your job and believe you won’t be able to make your child support payments, please reach out to Bryson Law, as soon as you can. Brent Bryson is an experienced family law attorney who can help you navigate your specific situation.