In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
If we agree on joint legal decision making what paperwork do we need to complete?
You will need a parenting plan, signed by both parents that includes:
• A designation of the legal decision making as joint or sole as defined in A.R.S. § 25-401.
• The rights and responsibilities of each parent for the personal care of the child and for decisions in areas such as education, health care and religious training.
• A practical schedule of parenting time for the child, including holidays and school vacations.
• A procedure for the exchanges of the child, including location and responsibility for transportation.
• A procedure by which proposed changes, disputes and alleged breaches may be mediated or resolved, which may include the use of conciliation services or private counseling.
• A procedure for periodic review of the terms of the plan by the parents.
• A procedure for communicating with each other about the child, including methods and frequency.
• A statement that each party has read, understands and will abide by the notification requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.05, subsection B.
Resources:
pdf
Planning for Parenting Time: Arizona's Guide for Parents Living Apart
(1.22 MB)
pdf
Things to Know About Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time
(491 KB)
Sexual offenders; murderers; legal decision making and parenting time A.R.S. § 25-403.05, subsection B