The Question
If your child’s father is joining the military and you’re wondering whether to file for a modification to your parenting time and child support arrangements now—or wait until he’s deployed—this guide covers the steps Arizona law recommends. Learn about the importance of taking timely action to protect your rights and secure what’s best for your child during parental deployment.
RJ Says
In Arizona, if the parent of your child plans to join the military, you could and should seek a modification of both parenting time and child support before they relocate. Arizona law has unique provisions concerning modifications when a parent is in the armed forces, including considerations around military family care plans that outline who will care for the child during deployment. This helps the court assess what arrangement is in the child’s best interests during that period.
One key point is that Arizona does not allow retroactive modifications for child support. This means that if you delay filing until after the other parent’s deployment, you may lose out on months of recalculated support that could have been available to you. So, filing sooner ensures you won’t miss the opportunity to have an updated child support amount in place, reflecting the new circumstances.
An experienced family law attorney can guide you through these modifications, making sure the right factors are addressed and avoiding any delays. Many family law professionals, myself included, offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your specific needs and make a plan that’s appropriate for your situation. Take the time now to schedule a consultation and set up a strategy to ensure that you’re well-prepared.