How to Prepare for Your Child Custody Case in Arizona
Child custody cases in Arizona can be extremely complex, and often such a case is only decided after long bouts of litigation. If you are the custodial parent or if you believe that your child should not be placed with the other parent due to domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, etc., it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who will fight for what’s best for your family.
Consult with an Experienced Family Law Attorney
The best and most efficient method to prepare for your case is to work with an expert attorney who is well-versed in Arizona child custody law. Although there are many helpful tools accessible to people representing themselves, including our firm’s blog, when it comes to preparing your case on your own, you will be limited by your own knowledge and expertise. Years of education and experience have taught an experienced attorney how to help you in your position. It is not practicable to compensate for that level of experience by reading blogs online, seeking for pleading templates, or conducting your own legal study. Do not put your child in danger.
An attorney will be able to provide you with particular recommendations for your situation that will assist you in preparing for your case. The attorney will review the facts of your case and devise a strategy that highlights the strengths of your case. If you would like to meet with the Law Office of Tad Davis to learn more about how to prepare for your hearing, please contact us right away.
Be Responsible and Take Your Parental Role Seriously
Child custody proceedings are centered on how you behave as a parent. Any blunder or negative event might be brought up at the child custody court. For example, while your case is pending, you should avoid getting into legal or criminal difficulties. You should also avoid arguing or fighting with the other parent. When both parents are slinging barbs back and forth, screenshots of text message conversations aren’t ideal exhibits.
Maintain a record of your interactions with your children.
In a child custody proceeding, the judge will closely examine your position as a parent. It will be critical to demonstrate that you care about your children. It’s a good idea to keep track of the activities you perform with your child on a regular basis. These could include:
- Daily routines (to show continuing, consistent involvement)
- Activities at school (parent-teacher meetings, school plays, sporting events, etc.)
- Taking your youngster to the doctor’s or dentist’s office
- Participating in family and other social activities with your child (groups like Girl Scouts, church activities, play dates, etc.)
- Vacations or day trips with your children
The more involved you are in your child’s life and the more good contacts you have, the more probable it is that you will receive a favorable verdict in your custody court.
Understand What to Expect at Your Hearing
Knowing what to expect at your child custody hearing will not only allow you to effectively prepare, but it will also reduce your stress levels prior to the trial. Child custody proceedings are expected to be focused on the child’s best interests, which implies that other material is likely to be rejected. The Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure are a good starting point for understanding what is expected of you in terms of preparing for and holding a hearing on this matter.
When it comes time for your hearing, keep in mind that there will be no jury. These cases will be decided only by a judge. This means that your approach to presenting information and proof will differ from that of other types.
You should be prepared to put your exhibits into evidence, examine any witnesses you call on direct examination, question any witnesses the other parent calls on cross examination, and testify yourself if you have crucial testimony to offer with the court making the judgment.
Preparation is key to a successful case. To ensure that you are fully prepared, it’s best to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can help answer any lingering questions and guide the way in this unfamiliar territory.
Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?
The decision of child custody is one that needs to be made with careful consideration. One might think it’s a simple matter, but there are many responsibilities and decisions involved in the process. The courts will want to know who has cared for your children most often; how much time you spend together as parents each week; if either parent abuses drugs or alcohol excessively (or have done so in the past); where would your kids live best – near their other family members? 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. 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 all of your 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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