Fathers have the same rights to the care, custody, and control of their children as mothers when a divorce is filed. Arizona gives no preference to mothers when allocating parenting time and granting legal decision-making authority over children.
As a father, one of the first things you can do to gain equal or sole care and custody of your children in Phoenix is to immediately secure the advice and services of a fathers’ rights attorney. This will allow you to make the best decisions possible when voicing your desire to be a caregiver for your children in court.
The attorneys at the 602 Law Group are committed to protecting your legal rights and obligations as a father. Contact us today at 602-857-5000 to get started with a consultation.
We Can Help With Your Fathers’ Rights Case
At the 602 Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting the parenting rights of fathers. Sit down with one of our fathers’ rights attorneys at your convenience to learn about parenting time schedules and how to create a schedule that gives you the time you want with your children.
We will work with you to build a thorough, well-reasoned case to help you fight for the parenting plan that best fits your situation.
Call or contact the 602 Law Group today to discuss your case with a fathers’ rights attorney. We offer quality, cost-effective legal services throughout the Phoenix area. Our Phoenix divorce attorneys are prepared to help with various different legal complications in addition to protecting fathers’ rights.
What are Fathers’ Rights?
As stated above, fathers and mothers have equal rights in Arizona. These rights apply to legal parents. A step-father does not have these same rights nor does an unmarried man who has yet to establish paternity of his child.
Legal fathers may seek the sole or joint right to make legal decisions about their children’s upbringing. Legal decision-making authority includes a child’s education, medical care, religion, and extracurricular activities.
Legal fathers also have the right to majority, joint, or less parenting time than their co-parents. In the absence of child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, sole parenting time is rare.
How are Child Custody Decisions Made in Arizona?
All child custody decisions in Arizona are made in accordance with the best interests of the child or children involved. The court may consider any relevant factors when determining what is in the children’s best interests.
A father may offer the following evidence to support his case for parenting time and legal decision-making authority:
- His past and current relationships with his children
- His role in caring for and providing for his children’s daily needs
- His ability to cooperate with and maintain his children’s relationship with the other parent
- The unwillingness of the other parent to cooperate with a previously ordered or agreed parenting plan
It is crucial a father keep his case focused on what is in the best interests of the children. A case that repeatedly points out the flaws of the other parent may show an unwillingness on the father’s behalf to cooperate in parenting decisions.
Preparing a Strong Parenting Plan
A father should have a complete and well-reasoned parenting plan that is in their children’s best interests ready for any child custody negotiations, mediation, or hearing. An experienced fathers’ rights attorney can help in preparing a parenting plan that meets a father’s goals and Arizona’s statutory requirements.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Fathers’ Rights Attorney Today
Call the 602 Law Group today to get started on your parenting plan. Asserting your rights as an Arizona father means knowing your child custody goals. At the 602 Law Group, our experienced fathers’ rights attorneys can help you clarify and define your parenting time and legal decision-making desires for your children. Get started today by calling us at 602-857-5000 or contacting us online with a Phoenix family law lawyer.