The right approach to child custody issues

In most family law and divorce cases, there are common issues: property division, alimony, child custody and child support. For many parents in Arizona who are going through a divorce, the primary concern is child custody. After all, every parent wants what is best for their children. Disagreements arise, however, over what, exactly, is best for the child in question.

The right approach to child custody issues is to focus on the child, rather than on the conflicting ideas between divorcing or separating couples. Yes, a divorce is going to sever a form of a relationship with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, but you will be forever connected as parents of the child. Attempts to work out child custody arrangements that are beneficial and workable for all involved are encouraged in most cases.

Fortunately, many divorcing couples are able to negotiate out-of-court agreements on child custody that work. However, when a courtroom hearing on this issue is needed and a judge is put in a position to make a decision, several factors will be considered. Those factors include: who has, primarily, cared for the child’s everyday needs; the unique relationships between the child and each parent; the child’s wishes, if the child is old enough; and the wishes of the parents, even if those wishes are conflicting.

At our law firm, we work with parents in Arizona who are trying to solve their unique child custody puzzle. In some cases, negotiations between the parties works. In others, courtroom litigation is necessary. For more information about how we attempt to help our clients in Arizona with these issues, please visit the child custody and visitation overview section of our law firm’s website.