Overview of Phoenix Child Custody Laws
When parents in Phoenix, Arizona, are divorcing, the primary concern of the court is the best interests of the children involved. This is why Phoenix child custody laws have been put into place to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of children. These laws provide guidance for parents who are in the process of making decisions about their children’s custody arrangements.Joint Legal and Physical Custody
In Phoenix, Arizona, the courts favor joint legal and physical custody. This means that both parents have an equal say in making decisions regarding the child’s education, health care, and other major decisions. The child also splits their time between both parents’ homes.Factors Considered in Custody Cases
When making decisions about the custody of a child, the court will consider a variety of factors. These include the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate with each other, the parents’ lifestyle, and the child’s wishes, if the child is old enough to express a preference.Child Support Obligations
When parents are divorced, the non-custodial parent is usually responsible for paying child support to the custodial parent. The amount of child support that is ordered is determined by the Arizona Child Support Guidelines which take into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time the non-custodial parent spends with the children.Modifying Custody Orders
If circumstances change, a parent can petition the court to modify a child custody order. The court will review the case and make a determination based on the best interests of the child. The court will consider any changes in the family dynamic, such as a new job, a relocation, or a change in the child’s health or education needs.Grandparent Visitation Rights
In Phoenix, Arizona, grandparents have the right to petition the court for visitation rights with their grandchildren. The court will consider the best interests of the child, as well as the relationship between the grandparent and grandchild in determining whether grandparent visitation is appropriate.Domestic Violence and Custody
In cases where domestic violence is an issue, the court will consider the safety of the child and the victim in making decisions about custody. The court may order supervised visitation or limit the time the perpetrator spends with the child.Conclusion
Phoenix child custody laws are designed to ensure that the best interests of the child are the primary concern in any custody arrangement. The court considers a variety of factors in making decisions about custody and visitation, and can modify orders as circumstances change. References: Arizona State Legislature. (2020). Title 25: Domestic Relations. Retrieved from: https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=25 Arizona Supreme Court. (2020). The Arizona Child Support Guidelines: A Guide for Parents. Retrieved from: http://www.supreme.state.az.us/dr/css/ National Conference of State Legislatures. (2020). Grandparent Visitation Rights. Retrieved from: https://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/grandparent-visitation-rights.aspx U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Domestic Violence and Custody. Retrieved from: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence-and-custodyAdditional References: https://posts.gle/DjpGwo
