Divorce with Minor Children FAQ

Legal decision-making (Arizona's term for legal custody) refers to the right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, and religion. Parenting time refers to the actual schedule of when each parent spends physical time with the child. Arizona courts address both separately in every divorce involving minor children.

Arizona courts base all custody decisions on the best interests of the child, as outlined in A.R.S. Section 25-403. Factors include each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and school, and each parent's willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent. Neither parent is favored based on gender.

Yes. Arizona courts can award joint legal decision-making, where both parents share responsibility for major decisions, or sole legal decision-making to one parent. Joint arrangements are common when both parents can communicate effectively and cooperate in the child's best interest.

A parent wishing to move with a child must provide the other parent at least 45 days written notice before the planned relocation. The non-relocating parent can file a petition with the court to prevent the move. The court will then evaluate the relocation under the best-interest-of-the-child standard.

There is no set age at which a child can independently choose their living arrangement in Arizona. However, courts may consider the reasonable preference of a mature child as one factor among many under A.R.S. Section 25-403. The judge retains full discretion over the final decision.

Yes. Arizona law requires all divorcing parents to submit a parenting plan as part of the dissolution process. The plan must address both legal decision-making authority and a detailed parenting time schedule, including holidays and vacations. If parents cannot agree, the court will create a plan for them.

A parenting plan should cover the regular parenting time schedule, holiday and school-break schedules, decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and religion, and procedures for resolving future disputes. It should also address transportation arrangements and how parents will communicate about the child.

Yes. Most Arizona Superior Courts require both parents to complete a court-approved parent education class, often called a "Parent Information Program." The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Proof of completion is typically required before the divorce is finalized.

If parents cannot reach agreement, the court may order mediation to help resolve disputes. If mediation fails, a judge will hold a hearing and issue a parenting plan based on the best interests of the child under A.R.S. Section 25-403. Contested custody cases significantly increase the time and cost of divorce.

Yes. Either parent can petition the court to modify a parenting plan if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. The court will again apply the best-interest-of-the-child standard when evaluating any proposed modification.

Arizona uses the Arizona Child Support Guidelines to calculate support, which considers both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, each parent's parenting time, and costs such as health insurance and childcare. The formula is designed to ensure children maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce.

In Arizona, child support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but no longer than age 19. Support may also be extended if the child has a disability. Either parent can request a modification if financial circumstances change significantly.

Arizona is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equitably between spouses upon dissolution. Property division is handled separately from child-related issues; however, the division of the family home can directly impact parenting arrangements and housing stability for the children.

Costs vary widely based on complexity. A DIY divorce with children typically runs $400–$600 in court fees. An attorney-assisted uncontested divorce ranges from $1,500–$3,500. A contested custody case can cost $15,000–$30,000 or more. Agreeing on a parenting plan before filing is the most effective way to control costs.

Yes. An Arizona court may award spousal maintenance independently of child support if one spouse lacks sufficient income or property to meet their reasonable needs. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and whether one parent reduced their career to care for children.

At least one spouse must have lived in Arizona for a minimum of 90 days before filing for dissolution of marriage. After filing, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. The petition is filed at the Superior Court in the county where either spouse currently resides.