If you’re heading into divorce or a child support case in Arizona, you’re likely to encounter a document called an Affidavit of Financial Information, or AFI. It’s a sworn, court-approved form used in Arizona family law cases whenever child support, spousal maintenance, or attorney’s fees are on the table.
Having an experienced family law attorney to guide you can provide clarity about the AFI and an appreciation for how much weight it carries. Getting the information on it right can make a real difference in how your case turns out.
What the AFI Covers
An AFI is designed to give family court a full picture of each party’s finances in order to make decisions about spousal maintenance (alimony) and whether one spouse should pay the other’s legal expenses. The data disclosed on the form includes:
- Every source of income
- Information about others living in your household
- Housing expenses
- Transportation expenses
- Health insurance expenses
- Childcare
- Education
- All other expenses (average food costs per month, utilities, clothing, etc.)
The obligation to file an AFI is from Rule 49 of Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure, which requires mandatory disclosures from spouses in family law cases. The standard form is comprehensive, running about 12 pages.
Arizona’s AFI form is available through the state’s Judicial Branch Self-Service Center and through individual county superior court websites. While the form is standard across the state, some counties provide their own instructions or local variations, so it’s worth confirming that you’re using the correct version.
Why Accuracy Is Non-Negotiable
When it is signed under oath, the AFI carries legal weight. Knowingly submitting false information on a sworn document like the AFI can expose a person to perjury charges, a serious felony. Courts also have tools available to sanction a spouse who hides assets or misstates income, ranging from covering the other party’s legal fees to more severe penalties like striking pleadings or dismissing claims outright.
Avoid common mistakes like leaving portions blank or guessing at figures without noting that they’re not solid numbers. Using “N/A” to indicate items that do not apply to your situation (such as retirement savings accounts, vehicle loans, or similar accounts or expenses) is better than blank spaces.
There are reasons that both sides might try to inflate expenses and understate income. But if the AFI doesn’t match the accompanying bank statements, tax returns, or W-2s, one’s credibility is at risk and the desired outcome can be even further out of reach.
You need to provide documentation of AFI figures for the court and for the opposing side to check against the form submitted. You should be prepared to provide the following:
- Recent pay stubs
- Several months of bank statements
- Copies of tax returns for several years
- Documentation of major debts
- Property deeds
- Vehicle titles
Anyone who is self-employed, a partner in a business, or shareholder in a closely held corporation should also expect to provide business tax returns. Keeping this paperwork organized from the start makes it easier to complete the AFI accurately and to respond quickly if the other party or the court asks for supporting proof.
Understanding How An AFI Is Used
The experienced professionals at Webster Family Law can help describe your disclosure obligations and assist you in compiling documentation that supports your position. Whether you’re the one requesting spousal maintenance or the one being asked to pay it, the AFI plays a direct role in the outcome of your case. Understanding how it fits into the broader disclosure obligations can save time, expense, and credibility in the future. Call for a consultation today.