Pursuing Fair and Appropriate Parenting Plans
Are you concerned that your ex is going to try to restrict your time with your children or pursue more parenting time than you believe is healthy? If so, you should consult a lawyer to discuss your rights and responsibilities under Arizona child custody law.
I'm Kyle Scoresby, an experienced divorce and family law attorney. My staff and I at Scoresby Family Law in Scottsdale and Mesa have helped many clients pursue their child custody goals, both during divorce and in other contexts. To learn more about your options, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Understanding How Parenting Time Is Divided
Child custody and visitation are the traditional terms for what is now, in Arizona, referred to as parenting time. Typically, in a divorce or paternity case, parenting time will be split between the parents in accordance with a parenting plan.
The family courts consider several factors when making parenting time determinations or approving parenting plan settlements, including:
- Are both of the parents capable of raising and caring for the child?
- How much room is there in the parents' schedules for child care responsibilities?
- Does either parent have a history of substance abuse or domestic violence?
- Does either parent have a new relationship with someone who is a bad influence?
Problems that exist between the parents — including infidelity or mismanagement of funds — very rarely have any impact on the child custody determination. The focus is on the best interests of the child, not punishing or rewarding the parents.
Setting Up Structures for Joint Decision-Making
A separate issue from parenting time is legal custody over the child, which is the authority to participate in decisions about things like education, health care and religious upbringing. Barring serious substance abuse or domestic violence concerns, legal custody is usually shared jointly.
Many legal custody orders and settlements include mechanisms for resolving disputes, such as mediation or the involvement of a psychologist or other expert as a parenting coordinator. This can be a good way to keep parents and children from repeatedly returning to court.
To discuss any concerns you may have about child custody and visitation — including concerns about parental relocation and other custody modifications — don't hesitate to contact us.
