Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: I need to get an order for child custody

Answer:

Under Arizona law, "child custody" is called "legal decision-making and parenting time." A.R.S. 25-403.  The law states that a decision will be made either when an original petition is filed, meaning when there is currently no order for custody in place, or a petition for modification. A petition is a document initially filed with the court, when a person requests a court to do something, in this case to "issue an order." The law states that a decision will be made "in accordance with the best interests of the child" and lists factors that a court will consider when making a decision. A.R.S. 25-403.  The Arizona Supreme Court's website  has a Court Locator to find the court with jurisdiction in the various counties in Arizona, and the site also has a resource document titled "Planning For Parenting Time."   There may also be forms in the self help section of the Superior Court of the county where the petition is to be filed. Additionally, AZLawhelp has a useful article titled "Things You Should Know About Custody and Parenting Time."