Phoenix Custody Attorney

What you should know
about Child Custody in Phoenix

After a divorce, children still need care and support. A Phoenix custody attorney is almost always needed to help resolve child custody issues. An Arizona court will definitely look out for the welfare of the child first, and this may include a court ordered plan to determine custody.

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A court ordered plan would lay out how much time the child or children will spend with each guardian. It will also likely determine which parent will be the primary caregiver. The court tries to rule in the best interest of the children. Accordingly, relatives will sometimes ask the court for custody and possibly get it.

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Custody Defined

Custody is defined as the right to make decisions about a child’s welfare. This may include health and medical choices, as well as education, for example. A “custodial parent” is the title given to the primary care giver. Legally, the decision to give custody is not based on the gender of the parent.

There are several types of child custody. “Sole custody” simply means that custody of the child belongs to one person. The parent who has been given sole custody is granted the final decision in matters when the parents do not have a consensus.

“Joint custody” is either physical or legal, and sometimes both. In “Joint legal custody” each parent has equal rights in determining the child’s welfare. It is also possible that there may be some areas of exception made by the court, so that one parent will actually have the final say in certain matters. For this to be considered and granted in general, a written parenting proposal must be submitted to the court, and sometimes both parents can be awarded custody. In complex matters like this, a Phoenix custody attorney will help you make the best decision.

Understanding the Phoenix Child Custody Order

A “custody order” is granted in some select cases. Of course, separation and divorce result in a need for custody determination. Sometimes a former couple may want to change some element of their previous custody arrangement.

Custody automatically becomes an issue for the court to decide upon if the separating couple cannot reach an agreement of any kind. Indeed, even after separation or divorce is granted, it’s still possible for the court to alter its decision.

If it is in the best interest of the child, a parent can make a request to alter a custody order. This request needs to be filed with the Superior Court. There are certain limitations to this process. Visiting with your Phoenix custody attorney is the only real way to understand how this option might affect your specific case.

Sometimes the decision to grant custody is based in part on expert outside experts. These individuals are enlisted by the court to help evaluate the family situation and make a decision with the child’s best interest in mind. A Phoenix or Arizona court may also seek an investigation executed by an agency like social service.

Meet with a Phoenix Child Custody Lawyer

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The information here can only serve as a general starting point. Since child custody in Arizona, or any state, is complex, it’s important to use the service of a law firm with experience in custody cases within the Phoenix court system. Always consult with your Phoenix custody attorney to get the best information possible regarding your special case.