In the simplest cases, modification of child support is only a matter of filling out the paperwork you can find at the Self Service Center. If both parents are in agreement, it is a matter of stating what the current conditions are and how you want them modified. It does require both signatures and they have to be notarized.

The original Stipulation must be filed at the Family Court File Counter, and afterwards you will take two copies each of the original Stipulation and the requested order to the Family Court Administrator’s Office. Additionally, you will need to have two self-addressed envelopes (one for each parent) to receive your notification. At the Administrator’s Office, you will be assigned a Judge.

The situation becomes more complicated when you and your ex-spouse are not in agreement. Again, you can acquire the necessary forms at the Self Service Center or a legal document supply store. Forms you need are:

• * A Petition for Modification
• * Order to Show Cause
• * Order to Appear

Fill out the three forms and make three sets to deliver to the judge. You will need one copy each of Local Rule 6.4 and Affidavits of Financial Information to include with the other documents. Reserve a copy of the Affidavits of Financial Information.

File the original Petition along with the copy of Affidavits of Financial Information at the Family Court File Counter. The other documents go to the Judge’s box so a hearing date can be set. When you have a set date and time for the hearing, it is your responsibility to hire a process server to serve the forms to the ex-spouse.

Be prepared to offer any proof you deem necessary when your day in court arrives. Most people are much more comfortable when they have an Arizona family law attorney to represent them in child support and/or custody hearings, so you might consider going that route to make it easier on yourself.