ARIZONA FAMILY LEGAL SERVICES
CHILD CUSTODY
Child Custody Modification in Arizona
If you’ve recently gotten divorced, you may know how hard it is to agree on a custody arrangement. One of the more hotly contested issues in any divorce is child custody. Your Phoenix child custody lawyer may have spent many hours negotiating this agreement with your ex-spouse’s attorney. That’s why having your child custody arrangement modified can be a dauting task.
There are two (2) ways your Phoenix child custody lawyer can get your child custody arrangement modified. One way is to come to an agreement with your ex. If the two of you have a good c-parenting relationship, you may be able to work something out with your ex directly. If that’s possible, you’re in a much better situations than a lot of other parents. Often times, it’s near impossible to get your ex to agree to modify your current custody plan. IF that’s the case, you’ll need to file a motion with the court. While you’re certainly allowed to do this yourself, it may be a good idea to have your Phoenix child custody lawyer handle it for you.
Your Phoenix Child Custody Lawyer Needs to Know Your Current Arrangement
A lot of people choose to use the same attorney who handled their divorce when it comes to modifying child custody. For others, that isn’t the best option. If that’s the case, you should talk to a seasoned Phoenix child custody lawyer first. Let them know what your current custody arrangement is. You’ll also need to let them know why you want to change your current plan. You need to have a legitimate and significant reason to do this. Otherwise, the court is not going to entertain your motion to modify child custody.
Why Do You Want to Change Your Custody Agreement?
There are all sorts of reasons why a parent would want to change their child custody arrangement. It could have to do with a move or a change in employment. Maybe your schedule at work has changed and you now have to work weekends. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to be prepared to outline your reasons for the court. Your Phoenix child custody lawyer can help you do this when you file your motion. Some of the legitimate reasons why someone would want to modify custody include the following:
- You have changed jobs and need to change the custody schedule to accommodate your new job
- You now live closer to your ex and want to spend more time with your children
- Your living situation has changed, and you now have more time to devote to your children
- You feel that your ex is not the best person to parent your children full-time
- Your ex is now working more hours and you want to have your children 50% of the time
Whatever the reasons may be, your Phoenix child custody lawyer will draft a motion outlining why you want to change your arrangement. The certification that they attach to your motion will spell out your particular reasons for wanting a change.
Your Phoenix Child Custody Lawyer Must Show it is in the Best Interests of the Children
Even if your reasons are legitimate, the court is going to consider the best interests of the children first. You may want more time with your kids. But if the judge feels that a change in the custody arrangement will cause a significant disruption in your kids’ lives, they may deny your motion. Your Phoenix child custody lawyer will need to demonstrate that your proposed custody plan is in the best interests of the children. Like it or not, the judge isn’t as concerned with what you or your ex want. They are only concerned with your children’s well-being.
How Does Your New Custody Arrangement Impact Child Support?
It’s important to keep in mind that your new custody arrangement will likely impact child support. If you are looking to offer your ex more time with the kids, your support will go up. If, on the other hand, you wish to have your kids more often, there is a chance that your child support will go down. It always depends on your particular circumstances.
Call to Discuss Your Concerns with an Experienced Phoenix Child Custody Lawyer
If you’re looking to modify your current child custody arrangement, you should call and talk to a seasoned Phoenix child custody lawyer. They can review your case and let you know how best to proceed.
Related Articles
Get Your Free Consultation
Services
Recent Posts
