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.
What is meant by sole legal decision making?
This means that the court orders one parent to have the legal right and responsibility to make major decisions regarding the care or welfare of the child. Although both parents may discuss these matters, the parent designated by the court as the sole legal decision maker has authority to make final decisions in the event the parents do not agree. An order for sole legal decision making does not allow the parent designated as the sole legal decision maker to unilaterally change a court-ordered parenting time plan.