AZ HB2278

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 46-444 to clarify when child support rights transfer from the obligee to a caretaker when physical custody changes for 30 consecutive days.

Child support payments automatically transfer to the caretaker by operation of law when the obligee surrenders physical custody for 30 consecutive days, whether or not there is a custody order.

The department must obtain a written statement from the caretaker (under penalty of perjury) confirming 30 days of physical custody before disbursing payments, unless a court order places the child with the caretaker.

The department must notify the obligor and obligee of any change in disbursement and file notice with the court that entered the original support order.

The obligee, obligor, or other caretaker may request administrative review within 10 days of notice to challenge whether the caretaker has lawful physical custody.