Full question:
My dad is not ready to provide child support to me. I am just 15 years old and solely dependent on my parents. In Arizona, is there any law that punishes parents for not paying child support to their minor kids?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Child Support
- Date:
- State: Arizona
Answer:
Yes, Arizona law holds parents accountable for not paying child support. Parents have a legal obligation to provide reasonable support for their minor children. If a parent knowingly fails to do so, they may be charged with a class 6 felony, which can result in a prison sentence of six months to one and a half years (A.R.S. § 25-511).
However, if the parent has a valid court order for child support and complies with it, or if they are unable to provide support due to circumstances beyond their control, this may be a defense against the charge. It's important to note that inability to pay is not a defense if the parent voluntarily reduces their income or takes on additional financial obligations.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.