Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Re: Child support

First, do you have a Legal Separation through the courts or just an informal agreement? If it is a court order, the terms of the order are in effect until a court says otherwise. CHILD SUPPORT: If you don�t have a case open with DES/Division of Child Support Services, you need to get one opened. It is a FREE service for anyone. Check online at for the office near you. You can find the application off the same page. They will use a variety of means to collect the support you are entitled to & if you get a case open before the youngest child leaves High School, they will help collect any back support. You should mention to them that a Child Support Modification would be appropriate, but I don�t know the turnaround time for your local office. They need to get a modification before the youngest child is emancipated. HOUSE PAYMENTS: A lot depends on what the court order says. He�s bound by the terms of the order, but so are you. If you need to request a modification of the separation agreement or take the relationship to the level of a divorce, you can hire an attorney, represent yourself, or see if you qualify for assistance from Legal Aid . People represent themselves all the time. Check out the forms and directions at the Maricopa County Self-Service Center . If you don�t live in Maricopa County, just change the title to the county where your case is, most courts in Arizona will accept the paperwork. I work in southern Arizona, not in Phoenix, but I could help you prepare your paperwork to represent yourself in court, for a fee. Good Luck.