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At Arizona Law Group, we frequently advise parents who are unsure whether access to a child can be limited or denied. The answer depends entirely on whether a court order exists. When There Is No Court Order When no custody or parenting time order is in place, there are no enforceable rules governing a…

At Arizona Law Group, we regularly speak with parents who believe that paternity testing requires mutual consent. In Arizona, that is not the case. When paternity is properly before the court, a mother cannot permanently refuse genetic testing. Understanding how Arizona courts handle paternity disputes helps parents avoid decisions that may negatively affect their…

  At Arizona Law Group, we represent many fathers who fear losing custody or parenting time. In the Arizona family court system, parental rights are rarely terminated entirely, but parenting time can be reduced when a child’s safety or well-being is at risk. Substance Abuse Is a Leading Factor Ongoing, untreated substance abuse is…

  At Arizona Law Group, we frequently handle cases involving disputed paternity. Whether a judge can deny a paternity test depends on whether legal paternity has already been established. When Legal Paternity Has Not Been Established If a father is not listed on the birth certificate and legal paternity has not been established, courts…

What is the 80 20 rule in custody? At Arizona Law Group, we frequently hear parents reference an 80/20 custody rule. This is a common misconception. Arizona does not use percentage-based custody formulas to determine parenting time. Arizona Does Not Allocate Custody by Percentage Arizona custody statutes do not assign parenting time based on…

  At Arizona Law Group, one of the most common concerns we hear is whether Arizona courts favor mothers or fathers in custody cases. While this stigma is widespread, it is not supported by Arizona law. Custody decisions are not based on gender, income, or traditional family roles. Courts focus on the child’s best…

  At Arizona Law Group, we regularly speak with parents who are worried that something they have done, or failed to do, may hurt their child custody case. Many parents want a simple list of behaviors or statements they can review in order to prevent looking bad in court. However, Arizona custody cases do…

When traditional co-parenting isn’t working because communication with your ex leads to constant conflict, parallel parenting offers an alternative that protects your children while keeping both parents involved. This structured approach minimizes direct contact between parents, allowing each to focus on their relationship with their children without the stress and damage of ongoing battles….

TL;DR Marijuana use is legal in Arizona, but it can still impact child custody cases. Parents should be cautious about using marijuana around their children or in public. Habitual use or addiction could harm custody prospects, similar to alcohol abuse. Despite its legality, marijuana use may carry a stigma that affects court decisions. Legal…

TL;DR Changing a child’s last name in Arizona requires court approval based on the child’s best interests. A name change is more likely if both parents agree or if one parent is unavailable. Courts may deny a name change if one parent objects and both parents are involved in the child’s life. Factors like…

TL;DR Arizona family court can modify protective orders if they conflict with parenting time. Modifications are allowed only if parenting time won’t endanger the child’s well-being. Protective orders can’t address custody or parenting time in divorce cases. Family court determines if parenting time risks emotional harm to the child. Violating protective order terms may…

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with? This is one of the most common questions parents ask during divorce or custody disputes. Under Arizona law, children cannot make this decision independently until they reach adulthood at 18. However, their preferences may influence the court’s analysis as part of the…

Custody mediation is not only about expressing your preferences, but also about how those preferences are delivered. Tone and phrasing can influence the flow of the discussion. What not to say in child custody mediation can make a real difference in whether the conversation remains productive or turns tense. At Arizona Law Group, we…

After a separation or dispute, many women want to provide their children with a stable, secure place to grow. Figuring out how to get full custody of a child as a mother involves more than intent—it means understanding how Arizona courts make custody decisions. Judges look at your involvement in daily routines, the home…

Fathers have rights in Arizona family court cases, including child custody cases and other family-related legal matters like child support obligations and visitation rights. But unlike mothers, for whom parentage is clear upon childbirth, fathers in Arizona court cases may not have presumptive parenting rights if they are not married to a child’s mother. …

Facing a divorce with child custody as a factor can be an intimidating experience for parents. No parent looks forward to a judge deciding when they can spend time with their own children, but when parents separate or divorce, it breaks one household into two, making a decision for child custody and parenting time…

If your name is not on your child’s birth certificate, Arizona law provides a procedure to add it. Depending on the mother’s marital status and whether the parents agree on paternity, the process can be simple, or it can be more complex. If you are interested in learning how to establish your paternity or…

As the holidays approach, it can be challenging to want to share custody of your children. Disagreements over custody around the holidays are common, even when parents are able to co-parent effectively for most of the year. This is especially true if one parent plans a special trip or other activities with the child…

Child custody evaluations are a frequent occurrence. Nonetheless, despite their commonality, it may be a highly nerve-racking struggle for a parent. To alleviate those worries and provide sufficient preparation for the process, parents should gather information about custody evaluations and their impact on child custody proceedings. Child Custody Evaluation 101 In general, a child…

Divorce can be a stressful and frustrating process. We understand that you may be concerned about what it means and how it will affect you, your children, and your connection with them. But you should be aware that, as a responsible and loving father, you have plenty of legal rights in Arizona. Is it…