Child custody refers to who has the legal authority to make decisions on the care, maintenance and control of a child. This decision-making authority is typically in regard to significant life issues such as health, education, religion and activities.
Child custody issues are among the most sensitive and heated in divorce cases—even if divorcing couples are generally able to agree on almost every other aspect of the case. Child custody cases can be contentious and complex, particularly when one party purposefully tries to drag out the proceedings in order to get back at the other party.
In such situations, working with the trusted Phoenix child custody attorneys at Goldman Law, LLC is critical to protecting both your rights and the best interests of your children.
Critical Factors in Child Custody Cases
While it may seem ideal for two parents to agree on child custody agreements, this is unfortunately not always the case. A family court judge must then make the final determination on how both custody and child custody payments are to be awarded.
Judges generally take specific factors into consideration when determining child custody. These factors include:
- The wishes of the child, provided that the child is mature enough to express his or her wishes
- Whether the child is currently established in a specific city or area due to school or community involvement
- The relationship between both parents, and whether or not one parent is likely to promote a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent
- The distance between the residences of both parents
- Any history of abuse associated with either parent
- Any previous history of mental health issues, addiction problems or criminal activities associated with either parent
When it comes to child custody, it is important to know that rulings in such cases may be changed or modified in the future if circumstances warrant the change. Parents, however, may not alter or refuse to comply with the court-ordered custody arrangements without consent from the court. Parents must first have to file official petitions with the court in order to get changes made to the child custody agreement, and any official modifications or changes must be handed down by the family court. A parent, for instance, cannot simply decide to violate the custody agreement because the other parent failed to make child support payments.
Contact the Phoenix Child Custody Attorneys at Goldman Law, LLC
If you are going through a divorce that involves child custody issues or if you need modifications to be made to an existing child custody order, call our attorneys at Goldman Law, LLC. We are ready to help you resolve your case as favorably as possible.
We understand how distressing and contentious divorce can be. When you choose to work with Goldman Law, LLC, you can rest assured that we will provide superior legal representation and stand up for your rights. We will also provide you with personalized attention, constant updates throughout the course of your case, and honest answers about your best options at every phase of the divorce process.
Call Goldman Law, LLC at (602) 698-5520 or email us using the contact form on this page to schedule a professional case evaluation and learn more about your rights. We serve clients in Phoenix and all throughout Arizona.
