Scottsdale Child Custody Attorneys

Scottsdale Child Custody Lawyers Work for What’s Best for You and Your Kids

Protecting the rights of parents in Scottsdale, Arizona

Divorce is often hardest on children, who do not understand what is happening and sometimes blame themselves. It is important for parents to work out a child custody (legal decision-making authority) agreement that is in the best interest of their children.

Increasingly, Arizona courts are recognizing the rights of both parents on a level playing field toward an equal interest for both parents, rather than one parent trumping the other. However, every case has unique circumstances that affect how child custody is ultimately determined. At the Scottsdale child custody attorneys of Clark & Schloss Family Law, P.C., we clarify the issues so you can make reasoned decisions.

Child custody, now known as “legal decision-making authority,” may involve:

  • Sole legal decision-making authority. In a sole custody arrangement, one parent makes all the decisions about how the child will be raised.
  • Joint legal decision-making authority. In a joint arrangement, both parents are equally involved in deciding how the child will be raised.
  • Physical custody. This term is no longer used by the Arizona Courts as the physical presence of the child relates to parental time.

Arizona Legal Decision-Making And Child Custody

Arizona law uses the term legal decision-making when addressing a parent's authority to make important decisions for a child, including matters involving education, healthcare, and other major areas of the child's life. Scottsdale parents may share legal decision-making responsibilities or, in some circumstances, one parent may receive sole legal decision-making authority. When parents cannot agree, the court considers numerous other factors that consider the best interests of the child when establishing a custody arrangement.

Scottsdale Lawyer Establishes Parenting Time And Parenting Plans

Parenting time determines when and where a child will spend time with each parent and can include regular weekday and weekend schedules, holidays, school vacations, and special occasions. A well-designed parenting plan can provide children with stability while clearly defining each parent's responsibilities. Our Scottsdale child custody attorney can help parents develop a practical parenting plan that addresses transportation, communication, holidays, decision-making, and other issues that may arise.

Child custody arrangements can be modified

People change, and the child custody agreement you made years ago might not work today. We recognize that child custody issues evolve over time and can help you negotiate a child custody modification that reflects your change in circumstances. We are committed to helping Arizona families navigate child custody issues.

During a divorce, emotions are often running high. Later when both spouses and their children are in a new routine, it becomes obvious that a change is needed to better serve a child.

Contact a Scottsdale child custody attorney now

Complicated matters involving decisions that impact a child’s well-being should be consulted with an experienced child custody lawyer in Scottsdale, Arizona. For advice about a child custody agreement or modification, Clark & Schloss Family Law, P.C. offers a consultation at our Scottsdale office. You can reach us by phone at 602-789-3497 or online. We serve families in Scottsdale, North Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County with skilled and experienced legal counsel.