Child custody is one of the most important issues in divorce and separation proceedings. This is because the health and well-being of children depends on it, as do parents’ relationships after divorce. The best way to get the custody arrangement you want is to reach an agreement with your spouse. This typically leads to a shorter and less costly process in court. However, when you can’t agree, a Phoenix custody lawyer will be needed to represent your interests. There are several different types of custody, which mainly depend on how physical and legal custody are combined.
A judge will decide the best interest of your child or children, taking a variety of factors into consideration. These include your parenting abilities, the quality of your relationship with your children, your spouse’s ability to care for the children, your living situation and family bonds, whether one parent has a more stable home life or job, and your financial capability to provide for the child or children. Your attorney can help you build your case and present these facts to a judge.
Generally, the judge will award one parent with primary physical custody. This is because a judge believes that this parent can better care for the child or children. However, there are times when both parents will be awarded the same amount of parenting time based on a schedule. This is often referred to as shared custody.
In cases where parents are unable to reach an agreement, the judge will determine custody by conducting a thorough evaluation of the child or children’s needs. The evaluation will include interviews, testing and other research that may be beneficial to the court. A mental health professional, a psychologist or social worker is usually appointed to conduct the examination. This person will take into account the opinions of both parents and any other relevant professionals, such as teachers or doctors.
Your attorney will assist you with a custody arrangement that is in your and your children’s best interests. This includes presenting your evidence to the court, which may include testimonies from outside professionals like a custody evaluator. They will also help you prepare for the possibility of a trial. A Phoenix custody lawyer will also know how to manage all of the deadlines and paperwork involved in a court hearing.
A good Phoenix child custody attorney will be able to help you navigate this difficult process and ensure that your rights as a parent are protected. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your child custody matter. We have years of experience advising clients through these difficult matters. We are dedicated to helping you keep your children safe and happy during this stressful time. Let our knowledge and compassion guide you through this process. We serve clients throughout Arizona. Call Benjamin L. Dodge today to schedule a consultation with our team.