One of the hardest parts of divorce can be adjusting to spending less time with your children than you did before. You may find yourself wishing things could feel normal again and wondering how long child custody takes in Arizona.
Unfortunately, there is no single timeline that applies to every situation. The length of the process can depend on several factors, including how well the parents work together, the complexity of the issues involved, and whether the court needs to address disagreements over legal decision-making or parenting time. Depending on the circumstances, some matters can be resolved within several months, while more complex or contested cases can take a year or longer.
At Shaffer Family Law, we understand that you want to work through your family law matter as efficiently as possible. However, the goal isn’t simply to get through this quickly. It’s to establish custody arrangements that reflect your child’s best interests and create a practical framework for your family moving forward.
Factors That Affect the Child Custody Timeline in Arizona
- 60-Day Waiting Period: Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the divorce petition is served or accepted. During this period, parents can continue working toward an agreement.
- Parent Education Program: In Arizona divorce cases involving minor children, a court-approved parent education program must generally be completed within the timeframe set by the judge.
- Whether Parents Can Agree: One of the biggest factors affecting the timeline is whether parents can agree on their parenting plan, parenting time, child support, and legal decision-making. If they cannot agree on even one detail, the case can take longer to settle. Generally, the more disagreements that remain, the longer the legal process can take, while reaching consensus on these key decisions can help the case move forward more efficiently.
- Mediation: Parents may participate in mediation or another form of dispute resolution before proceeding to trial to see if the matter can be resolved through negotiation.
- Temporary Orders: Either party can request temporary orders while the case is pending.
- Complex Circumstances: Certain situations can make a case more complicated, including allegations of domestic violence or child abuse, a proposed relocation, or a parent seeking sole legal decision-making. These circumstances may call for further evidence, testimony, and input from qualified professionals, which can extend the process.
- Trial: If the disputed issues remain unresolved, the court may need to make a final ruling. Preparing for trial can add time as each side gathers evidence, prepares witnesses, and presents its position.
Protect Your Family’s Interests with Shaffer Family Law
You may assume that agreeing on what is best for your child will be simple. After all, you and your spouse have likely discussed many of these same issues during your relationship. But once you are going through a divorce, you may have different expectations about parenting time, legal decision-making, holidays, transportation, school, and other aspects of your child’s life. Conversations that once came easily may now be much harder to have.
At Shaffer Family Law, we know how difficult these cases can be. You are making important choices about your future and your family, and those are too significant to navigate alone. Having an experienced divorce attorney by your side can help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and protect your interests throughout the process.
Call us at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online to discuss your situation and learn how we can guide you toward a resolution that serves your family’s needs.