Child Custody
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Arizona Child Custody Attorneys
Experienced Child Custody Lawyers in AZ: Handling Custody, Visitation, and Parenting Plans
Our experienced Arizona Child custody attorneys realize that for many people in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, and throughout Arizona who are going through a divorce or separation determining what will happen to their children is the most crucial issue. If you and your spouse do not see eye to eye on child custody, it is important to be represented by an experienced and compassionate Phoenix and Mesa family law attorney from My AZ Lawyers.
Additionally, custody is the charge and control of a child. Including the right to make all major decisions such as education, religious upbringing, training, health, and welfare. In addition, custody usually refers to a combination of physical custody and legal custody. Also, many parents in Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima County Arizona put the custody of their children above any other obligation. An important matter like child custody and visitation rights should be handled by family law experts like those at our Arizona Family Law office.
Types Of Child Custody In Arizona
In Arizona, what people often refer to as “custody” is legally broken into two categories: legal decision-making authority and parenting time. These determine who makes important decisions for the child and how much time the child spends with each parent. Arizona courts always prioritize the best interests of the child and encourage arrangements that foster a stable, healthy relationship with both parents. Parents may share these responsibilities (joint) or one parent may be granted primary authority (sole), depending on factors like the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to cooperate, and any history of abuse or neglect.
Legal Decision-Making Authority
It gives a parent the right to make important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and overall welfare.
Parenting
Time
This type of custody determines where the child lives and which parent handles daily care, routines, and supervision responsibilities
Joint and
Sole Custody
Joint means shared responsibilities between parents; sole grants one parent full authority or physical care, depending on the type.
The Arizona Child Custody Process
The Arizona child custody process typically begins when one parent files a petition with the court and serves the other party with the necessary legal documents. Both parents are usually required to complete a Parent Information Program class, which helps them understand how separation affects children.
Below is a general step-by-step overview of what is typically involved in this process:
Love and Intimacy Fizzles
Serving The Other Parent
Parenting Education Class
Resolution Management Conferences
Discovery
Mediation
Trial
Final Orders
Parenting Plan
Concerned About Your Child’s Future After Separation? Talk To An Arizona Child Custody Lawyer Toady
Factors The Court Considers In Child Custody Decisions
The Child’s Best Interests
The court will always prioritize the child’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being, aiming for a stable, safe, and supportive environment.
Parental Fitness And Abilities
Judges assess each parent’s health, lifestyle, and ability to meet the child’s needs consistently and responsibly.
Other Relevant Factors
Other factors include the child’s relationship with each parent, history of abuse, parental cooperation, and the child’s wishes, depending on their age.
Specific Considerations
Legal Decision-Making
Legal decision-making refers to the authority to make major choices regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Arizona courts may award joint or sole decision-making based on each parent’s involvement, ability to cooperate, and the child’s best interests, ensuring decisions support the child’s overall well-being and development.
Parenting time
Parenting time determines how much time each parent spends with the child. Courts aim for arrangements that promote meaningful relationships while considering the child’s routine, safety, and needs. Parenting time may be equal or weighted toward one parent, depending on work schedules, living conditions, and the child’s comfort and stability.
Parenting plan
A parenting plan outlines how parents will share legal decision-making and parenting time. It includes details on schedules, holidays, communication methods, and conflict resolution. Arizona requires parents to submit a written plan during custody proceedings to help prevent future disputes and promote cooperative, child-centered co-parenting arrangements.
Our Arizona Family Attorneys Can Help You with Such Child Custody Matters Like
Establishing Child Custody, Visitation Rights, and Paternity Rights.
Our Arizona Custody Lawyers address custody and visitation issues on behalf of our clients.
We will seek orders of contempt for denied visitation or in the case of parental alienation.
If circumstances change, we will work to modify custody and visitation to get the best assurances for our clients and their children.
Our Custody lawyers will seek orders addressing or enforcing custody or visitation orders issued in an out-of-state court. As well as, orders of an Arizona Family Law Court.
Because the State of Arizona and society is committed to the best interests of children, child custody and child visitation law are matters of deep concern in the Arizona Family Law Courts. That is why our experienced custody attorneys at My AZ Lawyers diligently serve families in Phoenix, Mesa, Avondale, Chandler, and throughout Maricopa County, Arizona. Lastly, our Arizona family law lawyers ensure that parents do not have to deal with these vexing and perplexing child custody issues on their own.
What Our Clients Say About Us
5-Star Reviews From Satisfied Clients
Professional, compassionate, and highly knowledgeable. They made a stressful custody process feel manageable and always prioritized my child’s well-being. I Highly recommend them!
★★★★★
Clear communication and strong legal support throughout my case. I felt heard, supported, and confident every step of the way. Excellent family law team!
★★★★★
From day one, they showed genuine care and experience. Their guidance helped me reach a fair custody agreement quickly. Truly grateful for their help!
★★★★★
Modifying Custody Or Visitation
In Arizona, legal decision-making and parenting time orders (commonly referred to as custody or visitation) can be modified when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. Common reasons include a parent relocating, changes in the child’s needs, or concerns about a parent’s behavior or ability to care for the child.
Either parent can request a modification by filing a petition with the court. Judges will carefully evaluate the circumstances and may require supporting evidence or hold a hearing. If both parents agree on the changes, the process may be completed more quickly and without a hearing.
It’s important to seek legal guidance to ensure the modification properly reflects the child’s best interests and complies with Arizona law.
Read More About Child Support Modification
Contact An Arizona Child Support Modification Attorney
FAQs About Arizona Child Custody
Can I Have A Child Appear In Court?
What Happens If We Disagree On Custody Issues?
Do I Need A Parenting Plan?
Can I Collect My Own Evidence?
How Hard Is It To Get Full Custody In Arizona?
Can A Mother Move A Child Away From The Father In Arizona?
Arizona Family Lawyers Service Areas
- Phoenix Arizona Child Visitation
- Mesa Divorce Attorney
- Chandler Paternity Rights
- Avondale Spousal Support
You need experienced representation when you are looking for a child custody lawyer in Phoenix, or throughout the Phoenix metro area, residents can count on the dedicated attorneys from My AZ Lawyers. The issue of child custody is one that is often deeply charged with emotion on all sides. Therefore, the legal representation you seek needs to be professional and knowledgeable. As well as, with a sensitivity that comes from understanding the challenging situation. Furthermore, our expert Arizona family law lawyers understand that clients who retain us in child custody cases want resolution to their issues quickly, and with as little emotional turmoil as possible.
For a free consultation about your child custody concerns, call us today.
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