Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: I am not married and want to establish custody and child support. How do i do this?

Answer: Your question does not indicate whether you are the mother or the father of the child.  If you are the mother, your name will appear on the birth certificate. You can file a petition in Superior Court for legal decision-making (custody) and child support.  If you are the father, does your name appear on the birth certificate?  If so, you are the legal father and have the right to proceed by filing a petition for legal decision-making and child support in Superior Court.  If you are not on the birth certificate, you will first have to establish paternity.  The forms and instructions are on the court's website if you intend to handle this on your own.  Go to https://www.azcourts.gov/AZ-Courts/Superior-Court.  It would be a good idea to at least meet with a lawyer and get some advice before you begin.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is  $75 per  hour.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa and Pima Counties have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers its 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.