questions & answers

Question: My husband and I have been married for 9 months and I am 7 months pregnant. My husband has a daughter from a previous relationship. His parents (my in-laws) have stated they plan to file for grandparents rights. I know they have no rights over our son since we are married, however will they lump both kids together or not since they have two different mothers? They will try for time for our son, I already know that. I guess my concern is will they get any time with him?

Answer: For information concerning your specific situation please contact an attorney. See the following site: //www.azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?mc=5&sc=36&articleid=151. 
In Arizona, custody of a child is based on the best interests of the child. Arizona family court looks at matters in list below to decide child custody:
•    The parent and child's wishes
•    The child's change to the different environments
•    Any history of domestic violence or child abuse
•    Who has delivered primary care of the child
•    The mental and physical health of everyone involved
•    A child's relationship with either parent
•    A parent's desire to have a meaningful and generous relationship with the other parent
In Arizona, a court may give parents either sole or joint custody. According to best interest, an Arizona court may order joint legal custody and not order joint physical custody.  A court will use the problems below to decide:
•    Views by the parents for joint custody agreement according to best interest
•    If a joint custody planning is possible
•    Each parent's ability to connect and unite with each other on custody
Arizona court does not give custody or visitation to a parent when there is a big risk of danger to the child. Counseling sessions may be offered. Courts consider:
•    A parent's history of drug offenses
•    If a parent has a murder conviction
•    If a parent is a convicted sexual offender
For information on custody in Arizona see the following: http://azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?sc=11&mc=1&articleid=68