Primarily, Arizona family law Court will present orders to consider the “best interests of the children”. The law will assume that a stable environment and healthy relationship with both parents are in the best interest of every child.  The court is concerned with issues that may pose a threat to a secure home life:  drug use by parent(s) or domestic violence.  Our legal team is prepared to help you overcome any challenges that you may be concerned about regarding child custody.  Also, we have the resources and experience to help you attain the results you are seeking.  Because every family situation is different, call our office to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience in order to discuss the specifics of your case.

Our Arizona Family Law Firm has represented clients in Arizona and we have the experience in Arizona Court to prepare for outstanding representation as well as predict and adjust to the proceedings.

In the “Best Interest” of the Children

Courts evaluate a variety of factors in order to safeguard the “best interests” of children involved in custody battles:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The mental and physical health of each parent
• The child’s ability for adjustment to each home
• The community and school in each environment
• The history of any drug use or criminal offenses/history of each parent

In addition, sometimes the court will take into consideration the wishes of the child; for example, if the child is of a certain age/maturity level.

Arizona designates two types of custodies:  they define the parents’ ability and role in major decision-making (medical, academic, religious matters) concerning the children, not the amount of time that a child spends with each parent.  A parenting plan is the schedule and procedures agreed upon by parents that specifies the time that the child will spend with each parent.  This schedule is established by the court and is separate from the custody ruling:

• Joint Legal Custody

Parents both participate in making major decisions.

• Sole Legal Custody

One of the parents is responsible for the major decisions made about the children.