Category Archives: Child Custody
Tips for Resolving a High-Conflict Custody Battle
Divorce can be particularly difficult for a couple’s children. The stable home environment and loving relationships they have experienced are suddenly upended and the future seems uncertain. The effect on the children is even worse when they are put in the middle of a custody fight. If your spouse is being combative or unreasonable in […]
Moving Out of State While Under a Child Custody Order
People may choose to relocate for any number of reasons after a divorce— such as to get a better job, to further their education or to be close to loved ones. However, a divorced parent with custody of minor children cannot make a long-distance move without satisfying certain legal requirements. Arizona requirements for custodial parent […]
What Happens When a Child Refuses to Visit the Other Parent?
Arizona law favors custody arrangements that give children as much time as possible with both parents. Psychological research shows this is usually in the child’s best interests, as kids with a close relationship with mom and dad tend to thrive compared to peers who don’t get ample time with both parents. But what happens when […]
How to be Effective Co-Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 cases, which here in Arizona peaked in mid-summer before being brought under relative control, are back on the rise in frightening numbers. For parents, this means co-parenting will continue to be a challenge as working from home, business closures, home schooling and other responses to the pandemic remain in play. As experienced Scottsdale child […]
Can Third Parties Be Awarded Child Custody or Visitation in Arizona?
In Arizona child custody cases, the law creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding legal decision-making authority to one or both of the parents best serves the child’s physical, psychological and emotional needs. This is a difficult presumption to overcome. But there are certain circumstances where the law allows a third party, such as a grandparent, […]
Keeping in Compliance with Parenting Time Orders During COVID-19
Co-parenting has been difficult for many Arizonans during the coronavirus pandemic. Work schedule changes, school cancellations and business closures have made it difficult for divorced or separated parents to follow court-ordered plans. The crisis shows no signs of abating, with Arizona experiencing record levels of exposure cases and related deaths. While court officials are sympathetic, […]
Who Has the Final Say in Joint Legal Child Custody in Arizona?
In Arizona, when parents have joint legal custody, final say resides with “both” parents to agree on major decisions regarding their children. Only when one parent is given sole authority can they make decisions without the other parent. Arizona law provides for two types of legal custody of children after a divorce. One parent may […]
