Resolving Legal Decision-Making Issues
At the Law Office of Katherine Kraus, PLLC, we represent mothers and fathers in all aspects of child legal decision-making (custody) and parenting-time matters. As your attorneys, we will work to secure a parenting-time agreement that fully accommodates your needs and provides the access to your children that you are entitled to under the law.
In 2013, Arizona removed the phrase child custody from its statues, replacing that phrase with legal decision-making and parenting-time.
The court believes it is in the best interests of minor children for both parents to make decisions jointly and for the child to spend the maximum amount of time with both parents.
There are key issues that need to be addressed in each case, and custody proceedings can become very heated.
Read: Arizona’s Guide For Parents Living Apart
Understanding Legal Decision-Making And Parenting-Time
Legal decision-making authority means the right to make major decisions that affect the child’s life, including education, health care and religion.
Examples of the kinds of decisions involved include:
- What church, if any, should the child go to?
- Should the child undergo extensive orthodontic work?
- Should the child be on a college prep track in school?
Evaluating Decision-Making And Parenting-Time Plans
Courts sometimes order independent evaluations when parents are unable to resolve differences. Evaluations involve a court advisor who determines, based on observation and interviews, what decision-making and parenting-time arrangement will be best for the child. The advisor passes on these recommendations to the court.
Modification Of A Decision-Making Or Parenting-Time Order
As your lawyers, we can advocate for you during divorce or afterward, seeking modifications to existing court orders. As in all other matters, a case for modification must clearly consider the child’s best interest.
We help clients arrive at legal decision-making and parenting time agreements that have the child’s best interests in mind and that both parents can get behind.
Contact us today to discuss your child custody questions with a lawyer. You can reach us in Peoria by phone at 623-239-0015 or by email to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.