Child Custody Lawyers Serving Tempe & Chandler, AZ

Going through a divorce is hard on its own, but when kids are involved, it adds another layer of concern. Parents naturally worry about how their separation will affect their children’s lives and well-being. They want to ensure their kids are cared for, and they desperately want to protect their parenting rights. In Arizona, child custody laws are designed with the best interests of the child in mind, aiming to ensure that children continue to thrive even after their parents part ways.

At Blake & Pulsifer, we’re committed to guiding parents through the complexities of child custody. The well-being of your children is at the forefront of everything we do. Our Tempe child custody lawyers understand how crucial it is for you to maintain a meaningful relationship with your kids during and after the divorce, and we’re here to help make that happen.

At the law firm of Blake & Pulsifer, we believe in making the client the central focus of the representation. We believe this philosophy of client centered lawyering fosters integrity, communication, and long term relationships. We are located at 2177 E Warner Rd., Suite 107 • Tempe, AZ (Open in Google Maps).

Google Review:
“As recent clients of Sarah Randolph, we are pleased to share our high level of satisfaction with her expertise, professionalism and comprehensive handling of our family trust. Sarah is resourceful and does not hesitate to offer her opinion based on years of experience. We are confident that we made the right decision in hiring Blake & Plulsifer to update the trust we established in 2016. It was not just an update. It was a thorough overhaul, with improvements in many areas. Our recommendation is sincere. Sarah is the 3rd trust attorney we’ve worked with over the years, and, in our estimation, she is top notch and well qualified to handle complex family matters. We trust Sarah with our estate planning and hold her in high esteem.“
Review by Natalie W.

If you’re going through a divorce or child custody battle, please know that our law firm will work tirelessly to protect your parental rights and ensure your children grow up in a solid and stable home environment.

Child Custody in Arizona

In Arizona, the way we talk about child custody has changed to focus more on the specific roles parents play in their children’s lives. Now, we use terms like “legal decision-making” and “parenting time” to describe these roles.

Legal decision-making is all about who gets to make the big decisions for the child. It includes decisions like what school they go to, the kind of health care they receive, and how they’re brought up religiously.

Parenting time, meanwhile, is about how much time the child spends with each parent. This shift in language helps clarify the distinct but equally important contributions each parent makes to their child’s upbringing, emphasizing that both decision-making and spending time with the child are vital for their growth and happiness.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Arizona

Arizona recognizes several types of custody arrangements, which can be customized to fit the unique needs of the child and the family’s circumstances:

• Joint Legal Decision-Making: Both parents share the authority to make significant decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. Sometimes one parent is given the authority to make the final decision after consultation with the other parent.
• Sole Legal Decision-Making: One parent has the exclusive right to make major decisions about the child’s life.
• Parenting Time: Parenting time schedules vary greatly based on the best interests of the children. Children may spend significant time with both parents or the child may reside with one parent most of the time. The Court may also order supervised visitation.

Factors Considered in Custody Determinations

When determining legal decision-making and parenting time, Arizona courts consider many factors to identify what serves the child’s best interests. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• The relationship between the child and each parent.
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
• The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
• The child’s wishes regarding custodial arrangements, if they’re old enough.
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse by either parent.

Arizona courts believe that it is in the child’s best interest to maintain a relationship with both parents. Children thrive better after divorce when both parents are involved. However, the courts recognize that some parental relationships are unhealthy and even inherently dangerous. As such, Arizona courts will consider all factors when deciding about legal decision-making and parenting time.

At Blake & Pulsifer, our child custody lawyers can help you protect your parenting rights through the divorce process. If there are mental health, domestic violence, or substance abuse issues involved, we will will work tirelessly to protect your children and their safety.

Modifying Child Custody Orders

In Arizona, the arrangements for legal decision-making and parenting time—what we used to think of as custody orders—aren’t locked in forever. Life changes and the law recognizes that. Whether it’s a job relocation, a significant change in health, or another major life event, these shifts can mean that the original agreement might not serve the child’s best interests anymore.

When a parent feels that adjustments are needed, they may bring this up in court. However, it’s not just about stating the change; the parent asking for the modification must demonstrate how these changes impact the child and why a new arrangement would better meet the child’s needs. The court revisits many of the same considerations as in the initial agreement—focusing on what will best support the child’s well-being, stability, and happiness.

At Blake & Pulsifer, we’re here to help you through this process, providing the guidance and support needed to navigate these changes. We understand how important it is for your parenting plan to reflect your current situation and ensure the best possible environment for your child to thrive.

Contact Our Child Custody Attorneys

At Blake & Pulsifer, our child custody lawyers serve Tempe, Chandler and the Greater Phoenix Metro area to ensure that your voice is heard and that child custody outcomes reflect what’s best for your children. Whether navigating legal decision-making, parenting time adjustments, or modifying existing orders to suit the changing dynamics of your family better, we’re here to help.

We understand the stakes are high, and the impact is profound. That’s why we’re committed to offering compassionate, comprehensive support every step of the way. If you’re facing a child custody battle or looking to modify an existing order, we’re here to help guide you through with clarity and confidence.

Don’t navigate this path alone. Contact our team of Arizona child custody lawyers at Blake & Pulsifer today to schedule a consultation. Let us be your advocates, your advisers, and your allies as we work together to secure a brighter, more stable future for you and your children. Call us today at 1-480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

Our Child Custody Lawyers: