Yes, if full custody is appropriate. In Arizona, there is no legal presumption favoring one parent over the other. Meaning that the Court starts with the presumption that parents should have joint custody. With joint custody, both parents share the responsibility of major decision-making, as well as physical custody and control of the child.
However, if you believe joint custody is not appropriate, you can request sole custody, wherein one parent has final decision-making authority regarding medical, education and religious matters impacting the child, as well as primary custody and control of the child. If you have concerns with the other parent regarding drug or alcohol abuse, child abuse, criminal history, domestic violence or mental health problems, it is probably appropriate to request sole custody of your child. If the other parent does not agree to your request for sole custody, you will need to gather evidence of your concerns and present them for the Court’s consideration. The Court will then make a custody decision based on what is in the best interest of the child.
You can improve your chances of gaining custody by improving your parenting skills and your reliability. Begin making positive changes now and keep making improvements. More recent and more extensive involvement with your child can help balance out a past relationship with emotional distance or absenteeism. Remember that it is never too late to become a better parent.
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- 25-401. Child Custody Jurisdiction A. Jurisdiction for child custody proceedings is governed by chapter 8 of this title. B. A child custody proceeding is commenced in the superior court: 1. By a parent, by...
- Should the Child Decide Custody? When the Child Weighs in on Custody Decisions In some states, the minor child may decide which parent he or she chooses to live with. That is not so in Arizona — the child does not have the...
- Child Custody in Arizona: The Details Child custody in Arizona is best settled through voluntary agreement between the parents. So it is not surprising that only a small percentage of custody disputes are actually decided in...
