Attorney General's Office Collects $240 Million in Child Support for Families

Arizona's Attorney General's office helped collect more than $240 million in child support for families this year. They announced the news on Wednesday in a press release, highlighting the importance of financial security for children. 

The Attorney General’s office collaborated with other state agencies to collect over $2 million in outstanding debts from parents from past years. Kris Mayes then discussed the importance of the work they are doing.

"Every child in Arizona deserves the security that comes from reliable financial support," Kris Mayes said. 

"I'm proud of the work my office has done in securing over $240 million for Arizona children last year, including more than $2 million in past-due support," she continued. 

Michael Wisehart, who runs the Department of Economic Security, explained how the money helps families purchase what they need.

"The Attorney General's Office continues to be a strong partner in helping to ensure Arizona's children receive the support they need," Michael Wisehart said. "This work alone represents nearly a quarter of a billion dollars that families can use to provide food, clothing, school supplies, and more for their children."

Program Results

The Child Support Services Section worked with the Arizona Department of Economic Security's Division of Child Support Services throughout the year.

The program's activities included working on more than 7,000 cases for Arizona families. Staff attended more than 7,000 court hearings and participated in many court-ordered settlement conferences. The office also helped establish paternity for hundreds of children who needed legal recognition of their fathers.

The program also obtained new child support orders for more than 1,000 families and resolved over 2,000 requests to modify existing support payments. These modifications helped families adjust payments when their financial situations changed.

How the System Works

The Attorney General's Child Support Services Section partners with the Department of Economic Security to help families get the support they need. The program provides legal advice and representation to help parents work together successfully.

When needed, the agencies work to locate parents who have not been paying support. They can establish paternity through legal processes and modify existing support orders when circumstances change. 

The program can also enforce child support requirements through court action when parents fail to make required payments.

“These efforts make a real difference for kids and ensure that parents live up to their responsibilities. And I am grateful for our strong partnership with DES on this critical issue,” Mayes concluded.