Basic Guidelines on AZ Child Custody

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Legal )



AZ child custody is determined in accordance to the best interests of the child. The Arizona court does not prefer one sex over the other. Many factors are considered before an Arizona court decides to whom custody should be awarded to. The court takes into account the wishes of the parents and the child with regard to Arizona child custody, the physical and mental state of both parents and the child, how a child would adjust to home, school and community, the relationship of the child with their siblings and parents, whether any primary care has been provided to the child, any spousal, child or drug abuse that has taken place, the ability of both parents to allow the child to visit them both and whether there has been any threat in obtaining a custody agreement

The court may award an AZ child custody to only one parent, or at times both parents depending on certain circumstances. There are two kinds of Arizona child custody:

Legal custody provides someone the legal right to decide on the child’s schooling, healthcare and religion.

Physical custody refers to the physical responsibility of the parent/s. Being awarded physical custody refers to whose home the child will stay in.

The Arizona court can decide to award joint child custody to both parents under the condition that they provide the court with a parenting plan. The parenting plan should outline the amount of time that the child can spend with both parents including holidays and transport arrangements (including who pays for the expenses) of the child when there is a need to travel. The plan should also indicate the method of resolving any disputes, and the procedure for communication between parents. Most parenting plans also list the responsibilities of each parent for the welfare of the child which would include schooling, day to day care, emergency decisions, childcare, any expenses on extra curricular activities, medical and dental expenses and religious upbringing.

With joint AZ child custody, the responsibilities are divided between the parents: both parents decide which school the child will go to, what religion to practice, etc.

Being awarded sole custody can only allow the parent who has physical custody of the child to move residences within a 100 mile radius of the state of Arizona. If a residential move is planned beyond the 100 mile radius, a written notice should be sent to the other parent by registered mail within 60 days of the planned move. This will then provide the other parent 30 days to file any motions to oppose the move.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.