If you’re going through a divorce and have children, custody is probably one of your biggest concerns. In Arizona, there are certain factors that the court will consider when deciding who will get primary custody. Here are 7 important tips to help you understand how child custody works in this state and what you can do to ensure that your rights are protected during the process.

1. The first thing to know about Arizona child custody laws is that custody may be awarded to either parent based on various factors including each parent’s physical and mental health, work schedules, history of domestic violence or abuse, and more.
2. Joint legal custody can be awarded if both parents are deemed fit by the court – meaning they have equal decision-making rights when it comes to their children.
3. Physical custody may be joint or sole, meaning the child will live with one parent most of the time and visit the other parent on specific days according to a parenting plan. These visitation schedules are determined by the court based on many factors, including each parent’s work schedule, the child’s age and needs, and so on.
4. Child support is usually paid to cover basic expenses for your child such as food and clothing – it’s not tied to who gets physical custody of them. In Arizona, if you have primary physical custody of your child, you can expect to pay around 15% of your net income in monthly child support payments while those with less than 50% of custody usually pay around 20%.
5. If your spouse has a history of domestic violence or abuse, you can request supervised visitation at the court’s discretion. This means that an adult must be present with your children while they visit their other parents to ensure their safety and well-being.
6. In addition to custody and support orders, the court can also issue a protective order if necessary to protect you and your children. These orders can forbid the other parent from coming near you or contacting you, but only if it’s warranted by the circumstances.
7. If you have any questions or concerns about child custody in Arizona, be sure to contact a family law attorney for guidance and advice on how to proceed. With the right legal support, you can ensure that your rights and your children’s needs are both protected during this difficult time.

These are just some of the things that you should know about Arizona child custody laws and how they might affect your divorce proceedings. By being informed, you can make smart decisions for yourself and your children during this time.

The Different Types of Child Custody in Arizona

There are a few different types of child custody in Arizona, including joint legal custody, sole legal custody, and joint physical custody.

• With joint legal custody, both parents have an equal say in important decisions relating to the child’s upbringing, such as healthcare and education. This can be helpful if you and your ex-partner are able to work together and remain on good terms.

• With sole legal custody, one parent is typically given full control over all important decisions relating to the child’s upbringing. This can be a useful option if your ex-partner is unwilling or unable to communicate effectively with you about important issues relating to your child.

• Finally, with joint physical custody, both parents are given significant amounts of time with the child. This can be a good solution if you and your ex-partner are able to work together to ensure that your child has frequent interactions with both parents.

Even though the rules and regulations may evolve over time, there is one thing that will never change: the fact that your children will be your top priority. Be sure to keep up with any changes in child custody laws that may occur so that you can make decisions that are beneficial for your family in the long run.

Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?

The attorneys at GillespieShields are well-versed in a variety of different legal fields, ranging from family law to civil suits, employment disputes and probate cases. Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. We believe in giving families peace of mind no matter their situation, and we fight hard to maintain that peace. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.  During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer and and all of our questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. Contact us today for your consultation!

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