During a child custody case, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with emotions and uncertainty about the future. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, and navigating the legal system can be challenging. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the sensitivity and importance of child custody cases. For help, contact Arizona Law Group to schedule a consultation. To help evaluate the circumstances of any divorce case, a divorce lawyer in Peoria can help as well.
Why Hire Arizona Law Group as Your Peoria Child Custody Lawyers?
If you choose to work with Arizona Law Group, you won’t be going into your child custody case feeling alone. Here’s why you should work with us:
- Our team has a combined experience of over ten decades in family law, ensuring that you receive the best possible representation during this critical time in your life.
- When it comes to your child custody case, you don’t just want a lawyer with experience; you want a lawyer who is dedicated to winning. At Arizona Law, we pride ourselves on our commitment to achieving successful outcomes for our clients.
- Our dedication is exemplified through the numerous accolades we have received over the years, including the prestigious Avvo Rating of 10.0.
How a Peoria, AZ Child Custody Attorney Near You Can Help You
Here’s how a lawyer can help with your custody case:
- One of the first things an attorney will do is help you understand your custody rights and the various options available to you. This includes explaining the difference between legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives), as well as the possibility of joint or sole custody arrangements.
- A child support attorney in Peoria, Arizona will help gather and prepare all necessary documents, such as financial statements, medical records, school reports, and more.
- Having an attorney by your side during court hearings or negotiations can greatly increase your chances of achieving your desired outcome. They will present your case in the most favorable light and counter any arguments made by the opposing party.
Emphasizing Alternative Dispute Resolution in Arizona
In Arizona, court proceedings typically prioritize Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as mediation, negotiation, and settlement conferences. ADR is a more collaborative approach to resolving disputes, often resulting in more harmonious and lasting agreements between the parents.
These strategies are intended to encourage parents to collaborate in the best interests of their children while avoiding the stress and cost of court trials. If parents cannot agree on child custody issues through ADR, the court must decide the matter at trial. In these cases, the court will consider several factors in determining the best interest of the child.
Until a written document sets out their rights and responsibilities, parents in Arizona have co-equal rights to physical possession of their child.
Children’s Preferences and the Court’s Decision – Peoria, AZ Child Custody Lawyer Near You
Minor children in Arizona do not have the sole choice of which parent to live with. The court will consider the child’s wishes as one of many factors but not as a determinative factor.
When appropriate, the courts may interview the minor child in private to determine their preference for living with one parent or the other. Although the child’s wishes are considered, the court also takes into account the child’s age, maturity, and reasons for their preference:
“The court may interview the child in chambers to ascertain the child’s wishes as to the child’s custodian and as to parenting time.”
Child Custody Lawyer Case Study: Overcoming False Allegations in a High-Conflict Divorce
Background
Jeff had been married for 14 years and is the father of four children. When his marriage ended, he faced a highly contentious divorce that quickly became complicated by serious false accusations and a restraining order filed against him.
Looking for legal representation, Jeff found the firm through the Yellow Pages and says he immediately felt fortunate to connect with a close-knit team that understood the complexity of his situation. Because custody of his four children was at stake, Jeff knew he needed an experienced child custody attorney who could protect his parental rights throughout the process.
The Challenge
From the beginning, Jeff’s case involved significant legal and emotional challenges. False allegations created immediate complications, including a restraining order that affected his ability to see his children and defend himself.
Over the course of approximately a year and a half, the case involved:
- Multiple evidentiary hearings
- Court-appointed mediators and counselors
- Ongoing custody disputes involving four children
- Frequent legal changes on the opposing side, with Jeff’s ex-wife working with four different attorneys throughout the process
Jeff entered the situation believing the odds were stacked against him. He expected that, as a father, he would likely lose substantial custody rights and much of what mattered most to him.
Legal Strategy & Representation
Jeff was represented by attorney Scott Stewart, whom he credits with quickly taking control of the case and developing a deep understanding of both the legal and personal aspects involved.
According to Jeff, Scott Stewart acted as both a strategic custody lawyer and a strong advocate during every stage of the proceedings.
Jeff says Scott Stewart:
- Quickly understood the details of the family history
- Gained a strong understanding of Jeff’s financial situation
- Carefully addressed the false allegations being made
- Focused on presenting facts clearly during hearings
- Worked to bring important concerns and inconsistencies to light during court proceedings
Jeff says the firm remained focused and strategic throughout every stage of the litigation process, despite the complexity and emotional difficulty of the case.
The Outcome
Despite initially believing he had little chance of success, Jeff says the final outcome exceeded his expectations.
At the start of the case, his ex-wife reportedly wanted him to see the children only once per week. By the end of the proceedings, Jeff says he received nearly everything he had requested in court, including substantial parenting time.
The final custody arrangement resulted in:
- Approximately 40% parenting time during the school year
- Approximately 50% parenting time during the summer
Jeff described the result as life-changing and expressed gratitude for the representation he received from his child custody attorney throughout the process.
Client Perspective
Jeff described the divorce and custody battle as extremely difficult, particularly because it involved his children and ongoing allegations against him. However, he says he ultimately felt very happy with how the process concluded.
“I wouldn’t exchange attorneys for the world.”
— Jeff, on his experience with Scott Stewart
Contact Arizona Law Group Near You in Peoria To Schedule a Consultation
Facing a child custody case is undeniably challenging, but with the right attorney on your side, including a Peoria fathers’ rights lawyer at Arizona Law, you can successfully navigate the process and achieve the best outcome for your family. When you choose Arizona Law, you’re not just choosing experienced professionals; you’re selecting a team that genuinely cares about you and your child’s future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Peoria family attorney.
Other Locations We Handle Child Custody Cases in Arizona:
- Phoenix Child Custody Lawyer
- Scottsdale Child Custody Attorney
- Chandler Child Custody Lawyer
- Gilbert Child Custody Lawyer
- Glendale Child Custody Attorney
- Mesa Child Custody Attorney