Protecting Your Role in Your Child's Life.
Arizona courts decide custody issues based on the best interests of the child. Strong representation helps ensure your relationship with your child is protected and your voice is heard.
Understanding Child Custody in Arizona
Arizona uses the terms 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time' rather than 'custody' and 'visitation.' Legal decision-making refers to the authority to make major decisions about a child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Parenting time refers to the schedule of when the child is with each parent.
Both can be awarded jointly or solely, depending on what serves the child's best interests. Courts consider a specific set of factors, including the child's relationship with each parent, the parents' ability to cooperate, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
Custody matters are among the most personal and consequential in family law. The outcome shapes a child's daily life and a parent's ongoing relationship with their child for years.
What This Practice Covers
Each family law matter carries its own legal standards, procedural rules, and practical consequences.
Legal Decision-Making
Authority to make major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion, awarded jointly or solely based on the child's best interests.
Parenting Time
The schedule governing when the child is with each parent, designed to support a meaningful relationship with both parents where appropriate.
Initial Custody Determinations
Establishing legal decision-making and parenting time when parents separate or divorce.
Custody Modifications
Changing existing orders when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
Custody Enforcement
Enforcing parenting time and decision-making orders when they are not being followed.
Relocation
Addressing a parent's request to move with the child, which can significantly affect the other parent's parenting time.
What Is at Stake in a Custody Matter
Custody decisions affect where a child lives, who makes decisions for them, and how much time they spend with each parent. These arrangements can shape a child's development and a parent's relationship with their child for years.
Because the standard is the best interests of the child, the court looks at the full picture of each parent's circumstances and the child's needs. Presenting your situation clearly and completely matters.
The specific outcome depends on the factors the court weighs and the evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your family and how to present your case effectively.
Outcomes depend on the specific facts, applicable law, and circumstances of each matter. This information is general and not legal advice.
How We Approach Your Case
Every family is different. These are the principles that guide representation in family law matters.
Child-Centered
Every recommendation is grounded in what serves the child's best interests under Arizona law.
Clear Documentation
Presenting your circumstances, your relationship with your child, and your ability to provide stability clearly and credibly.
Focused on Resolution
Where appropriate, negotiation and mediation can preserve co-parenting relationships and reduce conflict for the child.
Trial-Ready
When agreement is not possible, we prepare to present a strong case to the court.
The right approach depends on the specific facts of your matter. Consult an attorney to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in Arizona?
Courts decide legal decision-making and parenting time based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and school, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
What is legal decision-making?
Legal decision-making is the authority to make major decisions about a child's education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. It can be joint (shared) or sole, depending on what serves the child's best interests.
What is parenting time?
Parenting time is the schedule that governs when the child is with each parent. The goal is to support a meaningful, ongoing relationship with both parents where that is in the child's best interests.
Can a custody order be changed?
Yes. Arizona law allows modification of legal decision-making and parenting time when there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances and the change serves the child's best interests. An attorney can evaluate whether your situation meets the legal standard.
Can I move with my child out of state?
Relocation with a child is subject to legal requirements and, where the other parent has parenting time, may require notice and court approval. Moving without following the proper process can have serious consequences. An attorney can explain the requirements that apply to your situation.
The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter is unique.
Discuss Your Child Custody Matter
Family law matters affect the people and things that matter most. Contact the Law Offices of Brad Reinhart for a confidential consultation.