questions & answers

Question: My children's father is a registered sex offender, and was awarded supervised visitation in May 2009. He paid for two visits in July 2009. As of September 25, he has three warrants out for his arrest and is considered an absconder. He is running from authorities. I would like to make the family court aware of the situation and change the supervised visitation that was awarded in May 2009. What steps should I take? How do I Petition the court for a status conference?

Answer:

If a parent wants to modify a prior custody decree on their own, the forms and informational pamphlets are available either online or through the self service centers at the courts. Not all courts have self service centers. However, you may want to contact your local family court to see if there is a self service center there. Maricopa County, Pima County and Coconino County have forms and information on child custody arrangements online. The self service centers may be able to give you additional information.

Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes contain the laws pertaining to family law.  The child custody and visitation statutes start with A.R.S. § 25-401. A.R.S. § 25-411 deals with modification of a custody decree. A.R.S. § 25-403.01 discusses sole and joint custody. A.R.S. § 25-403.05 discusses registered sex offenders.

If you want to speak with an attorney about your situation, you can see the where to find an attorney for specific legal advice section of this website.