Child custody determinations are some of the most emotionally-wrought and contentious issues faced by parents in Phoenix. Whether you are in the midst of a divorce or need a child custody modification, you need legal advice you can count on to make the best decisions possible for yourself and your children.
At the 602 Law Group, our child custody attorneys are proud to offer dependable, practical advice to parents with fees tailored to fit working parents’ budgets. Reach out to our Phoenix office to schedule your confidential consultation with the 602 Law Group.
How The 602 Law Group Can Help with Your Phoenix Child Custody Case
The child custody attorneys at the 602 Law Group can guide you through every aspect of your Phoenix child custody matter. We are a full-service family law firm and can handle your child custody matter alone or in addition to your divorce, legal separation, paternity, child support, or other family law case.
Our attorneys will sit down with you and listen to your child custody concerns. At the 602 Law Group, we believe there are solutions to even the most difficult child-rearing issues.
The 602 Law Group’s attorneys are knowledgeable and skilled in negotiations, mediation, and trial litigation. We will help you settle your child custody case outside the courtroom whenever possible but have the experience needed to take your case before the court if appropriate.
Meet with a child custody attorney at the 602 Law Group to learn more about Arizona’s child custody laws. As a parent, you need to know your legal rights and obligations. Even in the event child support payments become a decisive issue, the Phoenix child support lawyers at the 602 Law Group are qualified to help.
Obtaining a Child Custody Order in Arizona
Married parents have the same rights to the care, custody, and control of their children until the court enters a child custody order stating otherwise. Unmarried parents must establish paternity before obtaining a child custody order in Arizona.
For Arizona to make rulings regarding a child’s custody, Arizona must be the child’s home state. A child’s home state is the state of birth or state where the child has resided for the six months previous to the filing of the court action.
Parenting Plans in Arizona
Parents who file for child custody in Arizona are encouraged to create their own parenting plan. A parenting plan must include a parenting time schedule and designate how a child’s major life decisions are to be made.
Parenting plans must be in the best interest of the child or children. Otherwise, they will not meet court approval.
Parents who cannot agree on a parenting plan will have a court-ordered plan.
How the Court Decides Child Custody in Arizona
The court bases child custody decisions on the best interest of the child or children in question. When considering a child’s best interest, the court looks to statutory factors such as:
- The child’s relationship with each parent;
- The child’s relationship with siblings, friends, family, and others in each parent’s home;
- The child’s relationship and adjustment within each parent’s home and community;
- The child’s wishes if they are of suitable age and intelligence to voice a preference;
- The mental and physical health of the child, parent(s), and anyone in each parent’s home;
- Which parent is more likely to encourage frequent and continuous contact with the other parent; and
- The presence of child abuse or domestic violence.
The court may order any parenting time schedule and legal decision-making authority it deems appropriate.
Child Custody Arrangements in Arizona
Parents may hold sole or joint parenting time and legal decision-making authority in Arizona. A parenting plan may provide for any mix of the two including:
- Sole physical custody to one parent; or
- Joint physical custody to both parents; and
- Sole legal decision-making to one parent; or
- Joint legal decision-making to both parents.
Parents who are awarded joint legal decision-making authority must agree on a child’s education, religious upbringing, medical treatment, and extracurricular activities.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Child Custody Attorney Today
If you would like more information about child custody in Arizona, call the 602 Law Group or contact us online. We will gladly schedule your appointment with an experienced Phoenix child attorney.
Do not make decisions that affect your child custody rights without talking to a Phoenix family law attorney! Call the 602 Law Group now!