Gilbert Child Custody Attorneys 

Helping Families Seek Child Custody Solutions in Arizona

If you are a parent, your children are probably more important to you than anything or anyone else. While this instinct serves us well most of the time, it can cause problems during a divorce because two people who desperately love the same children are trying to decide which parent gets to be with the kids at which time, and neither wants to compromise.

Unfortunately, child custody disputes can turn an otherwise successful divorce into a drawn-out battle, with children caught in the middle. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. When you hire Signature Law Group, our family law attorneys help you seek custody solutions that protect your children and preserve the future co-parenting relationship with your ex-spouse.

Are you facing a child custody dispute? Call Signature Law Group, PLLC today at  (480) 376-1680 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our child custody lawyers in Gilbert.

Arizona Custody Laws

Knowing what to expect can make the process a lot easier and more successful. First, you should know that Arizona courts are required to base child custody decisions solely on the best interests of the children. Any petitions you make to the court should be focused on that standard.

Second, there are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the power to make major decisions on behalf of your child (such as those relating to religion, education, and health care). Physical custody refers to which parent is with the child at which times. These can be awarded equally or unequally to both parents or given to one parent alone.

Third, judges often find that it is in the best interests of the children to keep both parents actively involved in their lives. Therefore, some form of shared physical custody is common (although the split isn’t always going to be equal). It is possible to petition for and be granted sole custody, but we will need to present compelling reasons to deviate from keeping both parents involved.

Finally, the basis for negotiations is the parenting plan. This document lays out a proposed custody schedule and contains many other important aspects of a custody agreement. Each parent can submit their own or negotiate one together. If you can negotiate a parenting agreement, you are likely to have more control over the final plan, and a judge is more likely to approve it (so long as it meets the best-interests standard).

Negotiating a Parenting Plan

If negotiation with your spouse is possible, this will likely lead to the best outcome with the least amount of conflict. We are ready to help you with all details of the parenting plan, and we will advocate for the terms that are most important to you.

If negotiation is not possible (either because your spouse refuses or there has been a history of domestic violence), our child custody attorneys in Gilbert will help you craft your own parenting plan and present it to the court, along with the information about why your parenting plan is best for your children. We will then vigorously advocate for you and your children in a litigated dispute, fighting to preserve your relationship with and access to them.

Grandparent And Third-Party Visitation Rights

Children often have close ties to grandparents and other adults in their lives, and these ties can be severed by divorce. When appropriate, we can help grandparents and other third parties petition the court to retain visitation rights to the children if visitation would best serve the children’s interests.

How Can a Custody Attorney Help You

A custody attorney can be instrumental in helping individuals navigate the complex legal processes associated with child custody disputes. Here are several ways in which a custody attorney can assist you:

• Legal Knowledge and Expertise: Custody attorneys are well-versed in family law and have a deep understanding of the legal system. They can explain your rights, responsibilities, and legal options, ensuring that you are informed about the relevant laws and regulations pertaining to child custody.
• Objective Advice: Emotions can run high during custody battles, and it's crucial to have an objective professional guiding you. A custody attorney can provide a rational and unbiased perspective, helping you make decisions based on legal considerations rather than emotional reactions.
• Negotiation and Mediation: Many custody cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation rather than going to trial. A skilled custody attorney can negotiate on your behalf, working towards a mutually acceptable custody arrangement. Mediation can also be facilitated by your attorney to help reach an agreement outside of court.
• Legal Documents and Court Filings: Child custody cases involve extensive paperwork and documentation. A custody attorney can assist in preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, ensuring that everything is accurate and complies with the court's requirements.
• Court Representation: If negotiations fail and the case goes to court, having an attorney to represent you is crucial. Your attorney will present your case, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf. They will be familiar with court procedures and protocols, helping to ensure a fair and just resolution.
• Advocacy for Your Rights: Your custody attorney is your advocate, working to protect your rights and interests. They will make sure the court is aware of your concerns, priorities, and any relevant information that could influence the custody decision.
• Modification of Orders: Circumstances can change over time, and custody orders may need to be modified to accommodate these changes. A custody attorney can help you navigate the process of seeking modifications to custody arrangements when necessary.
• Enforcement of Orders: If the other party fails to comply with the court-ordered custody arrangement, a custody attorney can assist in enforcing the order and taking appropriate legal action.
• Child's Best Interests: Custody attorneys are focused on the best interests of the child. They will help you understand how the court determines what is in the child's best interests and work to present your case in a way that aligns with these considerations.

Hiring a custody attorney is a proactive step to ensure that your rights as a parent are protected and that the best interests of your child are prioritized during the legal process. 

Contact Our Child Custody Lawyers Today

If you need skilled legal representation in the Phoenix metro area, contact our Gilbert child custody lawyers at Signature Law Group today. Our team is experienced in handling a variety of family law matters.

 You can call our office in Gilbert at (480) 376-1680 or reach out online to get started with our Gilbert child custody attorneys.