Many changes come with divorce, and one of the hardest can be adjusting to spending less time with your children than you were used to. What some states still refer to as “visitation” is called parenting time under Arizona law, a more neutral term that refers to the schedule outlining when your children are in each parent’s care.
Arizona courts prioritize the child’s best interests and generally encourage arrangements that allow the child to maintain a strong, meaningful bond with both parents when it is safe and appropriate. In some situations, this may result in schedules that are equal or nearly equal, but that outcome is not guaranteed. That’s why having the right legal guidance matters. Custody disputes can quickly become emotional and legally complex, and even small mistakes can have a lasting impact on your child’s life and on your relationship with them for years to come.
At Shaffer Family Law, we bring clarity to a confusing process by helping parents better understand how parenting time works in Arizona custody cases, so they feel more prepared for the legal process and better equipped to make decisions that support both their child’s future and their own.
How Arizona Courts Determine Parenting Time
First, parents are generally required to submit a parenting plan in Arizona custody cases that outlines legal decision-making, parenting time schedules, communication guidelines, and any special circumstances. If both parties agree to the terms, the judge will review the agreement before entering it as a court order. However, if they can’t, the court will make a final determination based on the child’s best interests.
Some factors they may consider include:
- The child’s age and health
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s work schedule and availability
- The distance between the parents’ homes
- The child’s school schedule and routine
- The suitability of each parent’s home environment
- The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and consistent environment
- The mental and physical health of all parties involved
- Each parent’s willingness to support a positive relationship with the other parent
- Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
- The child’s wishes, depending on age and maturity
The court’s primary objective is to create a parenting arrangement that promotes the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental well-being.
Protect Your Parental Rights in Arizona with Shaffer Family Law
For years, Shaffer Family Law has proudly served Maricopa County, guiding families and individuals to navigate all aspects of family law and providing strong advocacy during some of their most difficult times. Whether you need assistance crafting a parenting plan, modifying an existing agreement, or representation in court when necessary, we are here to stand by your side. And when a co-parent fails to follow a court-ordered parenting schedule, we help you pursue enforcement through the Arizona family court system, including documenting missed visits and communication issues to support and strengthen your case.
If you’re facing a divorce or believe a custody dispute may be on the horizon, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to prepare. Call us today at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online to get started and discuss your legal matter.
Sources:
https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00403.htm
https://azcourthelp.org/faq/legal-decision-making-and-parenting-time/396-custody-considerations