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A.R.S. § 25-322

How Support Payments Work

Verified April 4, 2026 • 57th Legislature, 1st Regular Session

Arizona law sets up a structured system for collecting and distributing spousal maintenance and child support payments. Payments generally go through a state clearinghouse rather than directly between the parties. Both sides must keep their contact and employment information current.

Title 25, PREMARITAL AND MARITAL AGREEMENTS

azleg.gov

The Support Payment Clearinghouse

Rather than having one spouse send checks directly to the other, Arizona routes most maintenance and child support payments through a central clearinghouse. When maintenance is ordered, the court directs payments to the support payment clearinghouse. The clearinghouse then forwards the funds to the person entitled to receive them. The parties can agree to a different arrangement, but the clearinghouse is the default.

The court shall order that maintenance or support payments be made to the support payment clearinghouse for remittance to the person entitled to receive the payments unless the parties agree otherwise.

A.R.S. § 25-322(A)

This system creates an official record of every payment. It protects both the paying and receiving spouse. The clearinghouse tracks amounts owed, dates payments are due, and the names and addresses of everyone involved.

Keeping Records Current

Both parties have an ongoing obligation to keep the court or clearinghouse informed of their current address. The paying spouse must also report their employer's name and address. They must notify the court within ten days of any change in employment or residence. Failing to provide this information can result in a contempt of court finding.

Unless the court has ordered otherwise the parties affected by the order shall inform the clerk of the court or the support payment clearinghouse in writing on entry of the order of their residential address and within ten days of any change of address.

A.R.S. § 25-322(C)

If the person obligated to pay has left the state or is beyond the court's jurisdiction, the receiving party can use other legal remedies. The court can also direct state agencies to disclose information about an obligor's income, residence, employment, and assets. These enforcement tools underscore the importance of keeping all financial and legal documents updated after a major life change like divorce. Estate plans and beneficiary designations should be reviewed as well.

25-322. Payment of maintenance or support; records; disclosure A. Except as provided in section 46-441, the court shall order that maintenance or support payments be made to the support payment clearinghouse for remittance to the person entitled to receive the payments unless the parties agree otherwise. B. The clerk of the court or the support payment clearinghouse shall maintain records listing the amount of payments, the date payments are required to be made, the names and addresses of the parties affected by the order and the name and address of the employer or employers of the party ordered to pay support or spousal maintenance. C. Unless the court has ordered otherwise the parties affected by the order shall inform the clerk of the court or the support payment clearinghouse in writing on entry of the order of their residential address and within ten days of any change of address. A party ordered to pay support or maintenance shall also inform the clerk or the support payment clearinghouse in writing of the name and address of that person's employer or employers and within ten days of any change of employment. D. If the person obligated to pay support has left or is beyond the jurisdiction of the court, any party may institute any other proceeding available under the laws of this state for enforcement of the duties of support and maintenance. E. On application by any person entitled to receive child support or spousal maintenance and for good cause shown, the superior court may direct an agency or officer of this state to disclose information and documents in the agency's or officer's possession that may assist the applicant or the court to determine the obligor's income, residence, place of employment, assets and debts, except that the residence and place of employment shall not be disclosed if the court finds the obligor has been the victim of domestic violence.
View on azleg.gov

This page provides general legal information about Arizona statutes and is not legal advice. For guidance on how this law applies to your situation, speak with a qualified attorney.

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