Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: If my child's father has filed a custody case do I also need to file?

Answer: Are you the mother?  If so, and you do not agree with the custody order he is asking the court to give him, then you will need to file a response that sets out your position on who should have custody (legal decision-making rights) for the children.  You may want to talk to an attorney.  Be aware, however that you have a limited time to file your response.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  If you are financially qualified for the program, for a $75 fee, Modest Means offers a one hour consult with an attorney.  If you need additional help and the attorney agrees to take your case, the fee charged will not exceed $75 per hour.  The telephone number is (866)637-5341.  Both the Maricopa and Pima County Bar Associations have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult for a fee of $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.  You can find the form needed to file your response on the courts website.  Go to: https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Family-Law-Forms#LDM.