Child Custody FAQ

Singer Pistiner, PC not only provides personalized advice to clients who are involved in an initial custody case or who need to change custody orders, but our Scottsdale lawyers have also prepared answers to some common questions so parents can learn more about what to expect when it comes to custody issues. 

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan specifies how parents will share the custody of their child. According to A.R.S. 25-403.02, this may include responsibilities regarding decision making, schedules of when the child will be with each parent, and communication between the parents, amongst a variety of other factors.  

What Makes a Parent Unfit in Arizona?

An unfit parent is an individual that is unable to provide necessary care, supervision, and protection to their child. In the state of Arizona, the courts look at a variety of factors to determine if a parent is unfit. 

This May Include:

• If the child was safe when in the parent’s custody – were they exposed to anything that could be potentially dangerous or damaging?
• If the parent has age-appropriate boundaries in place – does the child have supervision? Are curfews in place?
• How the parent interacts and communicates with the child – is the parent involved in the child’s life? Does the child feel like they can communicate with the parent? 
• The history of the parent’s behavior - do they have a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect? Do they share responsibilities for the child?