Child custody is a crucial consideration during or after a divorce. The decision of who will make legal decisions for a child can impact that child’s future and health. An experienced Phoenix child custody lawyer will be able to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision. Having a clear and specific plan for distributing parenting time can help ease the process and ensure that you get the best outcome for your family. For details on hiring the best child custody lawyer, please visit www.phoenixfamilylawyers.net/child-custody/.

A parent can request a temporary order, granting him or her a certain amount of access to a child. This can be ordered by the court to help minimize the disruption to the child’s life while the divorce is pending. It can take up to two months to get the judge’s approval.

Often, a child’s wishes play a role in a court’s decision. A court will also consider the parents’ educational background, their employment histories, and the community connections the child has made. Ultimately, the goal of any child custody award is to give each parent as much time as possible with their child.

For example, many courts in Arizona will issue a “joint custody” order, requiring both parents to have equal or nearly equal access to their children. If one parent is unwilling to cooperate with the other, the court may also award sole custody to that parent.

Other options for child custody include shared custody, which is similar to alternating custody. However, both parents may have some involvement in determining the parenting time schedule. When a court awards sole custody, it often means that the other parent is deemed unable to provide for the child’s needs.

Another option is to create a “parenting plan.” Many attorneys and parents have used this to devise a workable solution to their problems. These plans should specify the rights and responsibilities of both parents for a child’s health, education, and personal care. They should also include a procedure for resolving disputes.

When making the decision of whom to assign parental responsibility, it is important to consider the child’s age and developmental stage. While there is no right or wrong answer, a younger child’s needs may take a back seat to older children’s interests. In some states, the “tender years” of a child are considered to be a special time, and judges will want to maximize this by giving them plenty of time with their parents.

A Phoenix child custody attorney will have all the answers to your questions. Aside from providing sound legal advice, an experienced attorney will also be able to smooth out the rough edges of an emotional process. He or she will work hard to ensure that your case ends in your favor.

The process of obtaining visitation rights can be a daunting task. There are a number of options for obtaining the necessary paperwork. The Phoenix child custody lawyers at Dodge & Vega PLC in Arizona will be able to help you determine the best option for you and your family.