Phoenix Child Custody Attorneys Dedicated to Helping You Make Smart Choices for Your Family

Going through a divorce or break up is difficult enough for most parents, but when you add a child custody battle to the mix, the reality of the situation can be overwhelming for many parents. How can you decide how much time each parent gets to spend with their child? Only a custody attorney can fight for your parental rights while protecting your child’s future and current best interests. Our Phoenix Family Law Attorneys, we skillfully navigate these situations every day.

Do You Know What Goes into a Custody Plan?

There is a variety of legal decision making associated with a child custody plan. Connecting with a child custody attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the smartest ways to be sure you understand all of your options early on. Delegating parenting time between two parents is essential for a child’s well-being. For two parents who are unmarried or single and live separately, it’s smart to have a concrete child custody plan in place to raise your child best. Schedule a consultation with a custody lawyer today to learn about physical custody, legal custody, parenting time, and legal decision-making.

If you create a parenting plan, it’s important to understand the types of custody that apply to your family and unique situation. Physical custody and legal custody are separate concepts that are frequently confused. Our Phoenix family law attorneys will attentively listen to your concerns and help decide what works best for you. Every lawyer at Arizona Family Law Attorneys is trained to understand the nuances of child custody law.

What Custody Arrangements Might Be Options?

Child custody laws dictate that shared custody is the optimal plan for co-parenting. Shared custody is the preferred method for many parents because it ensures equal parenting time between the mother and father. With shared custody, parents split their time with their children between each other. If there are no mitigating circumstances, there is a presumption of shared parenting in every separation or divorce. In unfortunate cases where shared custody is not an option, parents opt for shared visitation or sole custody. Child support is reduced under shared custody.

Sole custody means one parent has complete and total designation over the child’s best interest. There are no shared decisions between the parents regarding the child’s wellbeing. Sole custody is typically established when one parent is deemed unable to care for their child. An adult can be deemed unfit to parent for a variety of reasons. If one of the child’s parents is neglectful, abusive, has a drug or alcohol problem, or otherwise is unfit to provide adequate care, the Arizona court will establish sole custody with the more responsible parent. In the case of sole custody, one parent makes every decision for the child in question and does not have to confer with the other parent for approval or advice. This includes medical decisions, religious vocations, and even educational or personal care choices. Speak to an attorney at our law firm today regarding child custody issues for further information.

Custody attorneys can also delegate which parent is best fit to provide physical custody, or parenting time. Physical custody refers specifically to the child’s home and living situation. Parents can share joint custody, but it must be determined where exactly the child will be living, what address they use on legal documents, etc. If parents cannot come to a mutual decision, a judge will decide on their behalf.

What are Some Unique Custody Concerns?

Many single or unmarried parents try to delegate custody on their terms, outside of court without an attorney. While this may seem like an appropriate option for amicable parents, it’s incredibly important to make parenting time and child custody a legally bound obligation via an attorney. The future is unpredictable, and as a child’s needs change over time, the type of care and attention they require will change. The most proactive approach you can take toward caring for your child is establishing a legally sound custody plan that ensures both parents will properly cooperate. Our child custody lawyers offer a consultation to anyone with child custody issues in need of advice. We’ll match you with a child custody lawyer that has your best interests in mind.

A family court judge will make the final determination on how child custody will be arranged. The benefit of working with a child custody attorney is that we will advocate on your behalf before a judge to ensure your concerns are being adequately addressed. Divorce and single parenthood can be complex situations to handle without an attorney, especially when one adult contests the decisions. Again, even if both parents come to agreeable terms outside of court, it’s imperative that you legally solidify your child custody plan to alleviate the risk of nonadherence in the future.

How Can a Child Custody Lawyer Help?

Arizona Family Law Attorneys are skilled in a variety of family law practice areas. Our law firm is dedicated to leveraging Arizona State law to solve custody issues in your family’s best interests. Our legal team provides compassion, perspective, and solutions, backed by effective courtroom advocacy. Our child custody lawyers handle all facets of Arizona child custody law and are proud to represent mothers, fathers, and children in Phoenix, AZ.

Contact our law firm today at 480-448-0608 for a consultation with one of our custody attorneys. Our skilled attorneys are experienced in many practice areas, and they can help solve legal custody issues in you and your family’s best interests.