What court handles child custody in Arizona?

The Family Court hears cases involving divorce, paternity & maternity actions, legal decision-making, parenting time, and child support.

How can a mother lose custody in AZ?

A parent will usually not lose custody of a child unless it is found that having custody is not in the best interest of the child , such as in cases of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, refusal to co-parent, parent alienation, or a violation of a court order.

At what age can a child refuse to see a parent Arizona?

A child can only refuse a court-ordered visitation or custody schedule when they turn 18 . Before that time, the court may take into account a child's preference, but it is not required to.

What is a Rule 11 hearing in Maricopa County?

Rule 11. The Forensics Services Division evaluates defendants for competency in criminal cases . If found competent, they return to trial court; if found incompetent but restorable, they receive treatment in a Restoration to Competency (RTC) program or an Outpatient Treatment Program.

What is parent intervention program?

As defined here, a parenting intervention is a structured set of activities for children's primary adult caregivers that is intended to positively influence parenting behaviors and achieve positive outcomes for children .

What is a motion to continue in Arizona superior court?

The motion and order to continue will be sent to the Judge for review . The Judge will review the motion, if approved the Judge will sign the order granting the continuance and reschedule the hearing to a following date.

How is child custody determined in AZ?

Best Interests of the Child The child's best interests come first in any custody decision. This encompasses their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The court evaluates the child's age, health, emotional ties, and more to determine what's best for them .

How to file for child custody in Arizona?

Both may be referred to as litigants. Step 1: Complete forms. You can download the forms to open your case from the state's self-help website or your county's website. ... Step 2: Submit forms and pay filing fees. ... Step 3: Serve papers. ... Step 4: Wait for the other parent's response.

Is Arizona a 50/50 custody state?

Are There Certain Situations Where the Court Would Not Grant 50/50 Custody? Although Arizona law prefers a 50/50 parenting plan as the default option , some circ*mstances can prompt the court to pursue an alternative arrangement. As always, the child's best interest is the overarching concern.

How long does a child custody case take in Arizona?

Child custody cases in Arizona can take three months to a year to conclude because of the many things that influence the case. It can take longer than that if both parents do not discuss an agreement.

Family Conciliation Services | Maricopa County Superior Courts (2024)

About Conciliation Services

Conciliation Court Services is offered by the Superior Court under the authority of Arizona law (ARS § 25-381) for married parties who are considering or who are in the process of divorce. The focus of this brief conference is to assist parties in making an informed and thoughtful decision regarding their marital relationship. Upon completion of the conference, the parties may be referred to community-based services for further assistance if they indicate such an interest.

Petition for Conciliation

This conference is initiated by the filing of a Petition for Conciliation in any of the Conciliation Services regional offices. It is not necessary to have a divorce pending to file the Petition for Conciliation. Once a Petition for Conciliation has been accepted neither party may file for legal separation or dissolution for a period of 60 days. If such an action was filed previous to the acceptance of the Petition for Conciliation, the case may not be advanced until the 60 day "cooling off" period has expired.

When jurisdiction of the Court has been invoked by the acceptance of a Petition for Conciliation, both parties are required to attend the scheduled conferences. These conferences are conducted by a trained marriage and family professional, are held in private, and are confidential. During the process, no coercion is used to try to force a reconciliation. The final decision regarding the marriage is made by the spouses themselves.

Get Petition for Services

Evaluation Services (Parenting Conference)

Evaluation services allow the court to determine the best interests of the child(ren) involved in a potential separation or divorce. A Parenting Conference Conciliator, assigned by Conciliation Services, does this through non-confidential conferences with both parties. Factors considered include residential arrangements, time spent with each parent, and decision-making responsibility. The process identifies areas of agreement and significant disputes related to legal decision-making and parenting time.

Step 1 - Initial Referral

During a court hearing, both parties are ordered by the judge to attend a parenting conference. There is a $300/person service fee for the conference.

Step 2 - Collateral Information

The assigned Conciliator may review Department of Child Safety, law enforcement records, and other relevant information. Additional sources may be collected as needed, with documents requested by Conciliation Services and provided directly to the Conciliator.

Step 3 - Appointments

The Parenting Conference includes joint and individual parent meetings, and possibly child interviews. Other parties may be interviewed at the Conciliator's discretion. If an agreement is reached and deemed in the child(ren)'s best interest, the Conciliator may recommend it to the court and address any concerns in the report.

Step 4 - Written Report

The written report aims to provide the Court with information for determining legal decision-making and parenting time orders in the child(ren)'s best interest, considering relevant factors. The Conciliator submits the report within 60 days or 14 days before scheduled hearings, delivering it to the Court, counsel, or self-represented parties.

Mediation Services

Mediation in Maricopa County allows parents to make decisions about their children following separation or divorce. With a focus on the future, it directly involves both parents in developing a parenting plan, addressing decision-making responsibilities and time spent with each parent. Although mediation is encouraged and often required in Family Court actions involving child-related disputes, it does not pressure parents to reach an agreement and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Post Decree Petition Packet

Parental Conflict Resolution Class

The Parental Conflict Resolution Class (PCR) is a four-hour course taught at the court, specifically designed for parents in high-conflict situations. The class addresses research-backed strategies that parents can use to reduce conflict and minimize its negative impact on their children. A $50 fee is required to attend the class, and parents must attend separate sessions. Payment must be made five days prior to the class date. For questions, rescheduling, or any additional information, parents can call 602-506-6124.

Parental Information Program

The Parent Information Program in Maricopa County is a mandatory course for parents involved in a divorce, legal separation, or paternity cases where legal decision-making, parenting time, or child support is being determined. The program educates parents on their children's experiences during these challenging times. The fee for the class is a maximum of $50 per person, with completion certificates filed by the approved class provider. Classes are available through various community-based providers and online.