Candid, Compassionate Phoenix Child Custody Attorneys
At the firm of Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC, we take pride in helping parents, grandparents and other guardians tackle all issues involving child custody and parenting time. Our Phoenix child custody lawyers, Amy Duenas, Carrie P. Cravatta and Dorian Eden, have more than 60 years of combined experience in family law.
Some people confuse aggression with passion, skill or dedication. We believe that aggressive tactics do not necessarily yield the best results or protect the health of the family. While we are indeed assertive, we use compassion, honesty and integrity to reach the solutions that you need.
Relocation And Child Custody In Arizona
A relocation can impact the amount of time that you or your co-parent spend with your children. You may need to modify your custody order if you are considering moving out of Arizona or even to the other side of town. Obtaining a modification of a custody order is not always easy; an attorney can assist you in navigating the administrative procedure, appearing in court and presenting your side of the story.
Do I Really Need An Attorney?
Many parents wish to use private negotiations or mediation to reach a mutually satisfactory decision. Even if you and your co-parent agree on the terms of custody and parenting time, you should still bring a lawyer in to finalize things. A Phoenix child custody attorney can explain the law and help you understand your options ahead of time.
There is another aspect to consider: Child custody is an area that can quickly become contentious, especially if allegations of domestic abuse, substance abuse or mental illness are involved. Attorneys know how to handle complex issues such as these and can stand up for the best interests of you and your children.
Are you a member of the LGBTQ community? You may face unique problems involving child custody and should consult one of our attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody In Arizona
Because Arizona family laws are so complex, many families do not know about their legal rights. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our child custody attorneys at Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC, have been helping Phoenix-based families get the solutions they need. One of the many services we provide families is answers to their questions. Here are some frequently asked questions we have answered:
How do courts determine custody in Arizona?
In Arizona, courts consider what is in a child’s best interests when determining custody. Because every child’s needs are unique, courts have to consider many small and large factors that could affect a child’s upbringing. Some of the factors that courts consider may include:
- The relationship between parents and their children
- Each parent’s ability to provide for their child’s needs
- A child’s special needs and each parent’s ability to meet those needs
- A child’s access to education
- Each parent’s physical and mental health
- Each parent’s ability to cooperate for the benefit of their child
- Each parent’s history of criminal activity, drug abuse, violence and neglect
Parents can attend a custody hearing to provide evidence that they can support their child or demonstrate how the other parent may lack the ability to.
What if there are changes needed in the custody order?
The courts are not quick to change a child custody order and will only do so when either everybody agrees that the change is necessary or there has been a significant change in circumstances that affects the best interests of the child. Significant changes that may warrant a custody change can include a child’s developmental needs, a parent’s need to relocate or change jobs, or problems related to the child’s current living situation.
What if I need to move from Arizona with the kids?
If a parent wants to move from Arizona with their child, they will need to first obtain the court’s approval. A court can decide how a child’s well-being is affected by the proposed move. A child custody attorney can help present the objectives of the move in the light most favorable to the child’s best interests.
Learn More About Custody And Parenting Time From Our Team
You do not have to face child custody issues on your own. Work with us at Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC, and we can help you make the decisions that are best for you and your family. To schedule your initial consultation with us, call 480-637-0668 or send us an email.