Child Custody Archives | Stewart Law Group

How Establishing Paternity Can Impact Your Family Lawsuit

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.  Courts…

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How is a Child’s Best Interests Defined in Arizona?

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…

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birth certificate

How Do I Get My Name on the Birth Certificate?

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…

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Navigating Custody and the Holiday Season

Navigating Custody and the Holiday Season

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…

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Do I need permission to change my child’s last name

Do I Need Permission to Change My Child’s Last Name in Arizona?

Concerns over the children’s last names are rather common. It’s a lot more common when the parents aren’t married and already have a child. Suppose the parents are divorced or legally separated at the time of the baby’s birth, and the mother chooses to give the infant her last name. In that case, the…

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Marijuana impact on child custody

Will Marijuana Use Impact Child Custody?

Arizona Prop 207, which allows adults over the age of 21 to legally possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes, was approved by voters in 2020. Now those over the age of 21 can possess and use marijuana without the fear of prosecution. Arizona residents are now allowed to visit a registered dispensary and…

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Child Custody Evaluations: A List of What to Know

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…

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A Dad’s Guide to Divorce

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…

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Domestic Violence Basis for Modifying Rule 69 Agreement on Arizona Custody

Rule 69 agreement for joint legal decision-making and parenting time was approved and adopted by the court in this Arizona divorce. Once adopted, Rule 69 agreements are binding and must be included in the final decree. Specific findings of substantial domestic violence acts occurring after the agreement was adopted but before the decree is…

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Mother’s Petition for Child Custody Modification Resulted in Award of Sole Legal Decision-Making to Father

Mother filed her petition to modify child custody in Arizona compliant with the state’s law. Father did not file a petition for modification, but motioned for temporary orders requesting he be awarded sole legal custody. The court granted father’s motion for sole legal decision-making. Affirmed on appeal, the mother’s interpretation of Arizona custody modification…

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