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MAINTENANCE NOTIFICATION

Our LegalLearn phone line will be temporarily unavailable October 9th between the hours of 11:00am - 2:00pm (Arizona time). For legal help, please apply online at https://azlawhelp.org/accessToJustice.cfm

FAQ - Legal Decision Making and Parenting Time (Custody)

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

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