CHILD CUSTODY

There are two components to child custody in Arizona: Parenting Time and Legal Decision-Making.

The Arizona Courts and Legislature begin with the premise that both parents should participate equally in their child’s life. However, there are often circumstances which exist whereby awarding equal parenting time or joint legal decision-making would not be in a child’s best interest. The Court considers many factors, set forth by statute, to determine what is in a child’s best interest.

I PARENTING TIME I

Relates to how much time, what days and when a child is with one parent. There are many different parenting time arrangements for children of varying ages.

Examples include:

Equal parenting time
Primary residential parent designation
Long-distance parenting time plans
Grandparents/Third party rights to visitation

I LEGAL DECISION-MAKING I

Relates to parents making decisions about their child’s life regarding medical treatment, education or religion. The courts strive to award “joint legal decision-making” based upon the belief that both parents input is required to make the best decisions for a child. However, many times parents cannot reach a “joint” decision and may request the court decide which parent is better able to make a decision for the child.

We are here to help. Please call us for more information at 480.465.0116.