Attorney General Mayes Announces $240 Million in Child Support Collected for Arizona Families, Including $2 Million in Past-Due Payments

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the Child Support Services Section (CSS) of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office helped to support the collection of more than $240 million in child support during the last fiscal year, including more than $2 million in past-due support owed to Arizona children and families.

“Every child in Arizona deserves the security that comes from reliable financial support,” said Attorney General Mayes. “I’m proud of the work my office has done in securing over $240 million for Arizona children last year, including more than $2 million in past-due support. These efforts make a real difference for kids and ensure that parents live up to their responsibilities. And I am grateful for our strong partnership with DES on this critical issue.”

“The Attorney General’s Office continues to be a strong partner in helping to ensure Arizona’s children receive the support they need,” said DES Director Michael Wisehart. “This work alone represents nearly a quarter of a billion dollars families can use to provide food, clothing, school supplies and more for their children.”

Working in partnership with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), CSS provides legal advice and representation that helps co-parenting families succeed and ensures children receive financial support from both parents.

Over the past year, CSS:

• Worked on more than 7,000 cases on behalf of Arizona families.
• Attended more than 7,000 hearings and numerous court-ordered settlement conferences.
• Facilitated paternity establishment for hundreds of children.
• Obtained new child support orders for more than 1,000 families.
• Resolved more than 2,000 child support modifications to reflect changes in families’ financial circumstances.

The Attorney General’s Child Support Services Section works closely with DCSS to locate absent parents, establish paternity, modify existing support orders, and enforce child support obligations through court action when necessary. Families needing assistance with child support may contact Child Support Services by visiting: https://des.az.gov/dcss.