Child Custody Factors in Arizona
When a divorce involves children, Scottsdale-based Canterbury Law Group fights aggressively to protect the children’s’ future and well being. In fact, we are known for securing the most sensible child arrangements possible at the lowest expense. We first attempt to collaborate with both parents and related experts to design practical provisions for successful co-parenting and child support schedules.
In the event that mutual settlement of these issues is not possible, our no-nonsense litigators will prepare your case with diligence and the utmost attention to detail. Arizona law requires that the best interest of the child be the lead consideration above any other when allocating child custody. Moreover, judges are commanded by statute to maximize the amount of parenting time for each parent. This usually suggests an equal 50/50 parenting time protocol absent parental fitness issues (e.g. drug, alcohol, criminal history, domestic violence) being proven by the other parent by competent and admissible evidence.
Arizona family courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, taking into consideration a great deal of details including:
- The child’s age
- The child’s wishes
- Each parent’s wishes
- The child’s adjustment to home, school and community
- Any history of domestic violence or child abuse by either parent
- Whether the parents have provided primary care of the child
- The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s willingness to foster a meaningful and substantial relationship with the other parent.
If you are thinking about filing for divorce in Scottsdale or Phoenix, call us today to schedule your consultation. Sometimes the best offense in a case is a well positioned, and thought our strategy which is completed weeks or months in advance of formally filing the case.