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 Stewart Law Group to schedule a consultation. To help evaluate the circumstances of any divorce case, a Peoria divorce attorney can help as well.
Why Hire Stewart Law Group For Your Child Custody Case?
If you choose to work with Stewart 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 Stewart 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 an Attorney Can Help You With a Child Custody Case?
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 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, 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
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.”
Contact Stewart Law Group To Schedule a Consultation
Facing a child custody case is undeniably challenging, but with the right attorney on your side, you can successfully navigate the process and achieve the best outcome for your family. When you choose Stewart 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.