A number of people have asked me if Arizona has a set of Spousal Maintenance Guidelines that the courts use in calculating spousal support. The answer is, “No.”
Spousal Maintenance is handled differently than Child Support. In determining Child Support, our courts utilize a formula contained in the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. But (unlike some other states) Arizona does not have spousal maintenance guidelines. And our courts do not use a formula for calculating spousal maintenance.
Spousal Maintenance in Arizona continues to be determined on a “needs-based” analysis, using the factors listed in Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 25-319.
The statute contains a two-pronged approach. The judge will apply the factors contained in Section “A” of the statute to determine whether the applicant is entitled to an award of spousal maintenance. If spousal maintenance is deemed appropriate, the judge will then go to Section “B” of the statute to determine the amount and duration of the spousal support award.
The factors in A.R.S., 25-319 are non-inclusive. The Family Court is instructed to consider not only the factors listed in the statute but “all relevant factors,” in determining spousal maintenance. Nothing in the statute specifies how much spousal support should be paid, or how long the payments should continue. This gives the judge much latitude in making his or her decision; and, as a result, awards of spousal support tend to vary widely from court to court, and from judge to judge.
(2) Provide proof of how much your monthly expenses exceed your income;
(3) Demonstrate how much monthly support you will need to make ends meet; and
(4) Explain what you will need to do, and how long it will take, to increase your income to the point where you can approximate the standard of living you had during the marriage (for example, you may need to finish school, take a trade course, grow your own business, move up the ladder at your current employment, etc.).
This will give the judge a basis for determining the amount and duration of the spousal maintenance award.
For a look at the factors, the Court uses to determine spousal maintenance, see A.R.S., Section 25-319.
https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00319.htm
Our attorneys, Gary J. Frank and Hanna Juncaj are strong litigators, highly-skilled mediators, and compassionate counselors with a wealth of experience in dealing with divorce, custody/legal decision-making, and parenting-time issues. In addition to representing Family Law clients in litigation, we are also willing to help people by working with them on a Limited-Scope or Consultation-Only basis. Our office is located in the Biltmore area of central Phoenix, with satellite offices in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona. We can be reached by telephone (602-383-3610); or you can contact us by email through our website at www.famlawaz.com. If you are in need of a consultation regarding any area of Family Law, contact us today. We’d be happy to help.
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Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.
When dealing with a family matter issue, you do not have to go at it alone. Give us a call and we can discuss the entire case during a comprehensive attorney consultation.