Facing a Custody Battle in Arizona? A High-Conflict Custody Attorney Can Help

Co-parenting with a former spouse or partner can be difficult, even under the most ideal circumstances. Many factors can complicate child custody arrangements and lead to higher levels of conflict between parents. (The word “Custody” is now referred to in Arizona Family Court as Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time but in this article, we will use the more familiar term, “custody.”) During a custody battle in Arizona, de-escalation, if it is possible, is the best way to ensure the well-being of the child or children involved.

A Phoenix high-conflict custody attorney at Frank Amar Matura can evaluate your case and identify actions that can be taken—immediately and as you move forward—to protect your parental rights while at the same time reducing conflict and providing a safe, nurturing environment for your child.

What Is Causing Conflict in Your Custody Battle in Arizona?

Identifying the root cause or causes of conflict in a custody battle is an important first step. For some, a situation that has been relatively low-conflict may become more complex and strained due to a new relationship or relocation. For others, serious and potentially dangerous issues, like domestic violence, substance abuse, or narcissistic and other personality disorders could be the source of the problems. In many cases, finances and/or differences in parenting styles can create a high-conflict situation.

Once all significant sources of conflict have been identified and discussed, your child custody attorney can help you determine the best path forward under Arizona custody laws.

If you believe contact with the other parent exposes your child to serious harm, you can petition for an emergency order to limit or eliminate this exposure. These orders are put in place quickly but temporarily while the Court investigates and decides on permanent parenting time arrangements.

Avoiding High-Conflict Custody Exchanges

Custody exchanges can be tense or contentious when co-parents don’t get along well. Angry arguments and altercations between parents can be emotionally harmful to children, and it is important to try to eliminate or minimize conflict when transferring a child from one parent to the other.

These strategies can help reduce conflict levels during child custody exchanges:

• Including detailed exchange protocols in the established parenting plan (documenting where and when exchanges will take place, transportation responsibilities, etc.);
• Following the plan, keeping a consistent routine, and being on time for exchanges;
• Making exchanges promptly and limiting discussion and interaction between the parents;
• Arranging for drop off and pick up at daycare or school to avoid parent interaction;
• Arranging for supervised exchanges at a location specified by the Court, if necessary; and/or
• Limiting communication to email or text messages if the parties are unable to control their emotions while discussing children’s issues in person or by phone.

Establishing a Parenting Plan for High-Conflict Custody Cases

A detailed parenting plan can help minimize conflict between co-parents. Parenting plans for high-conflict situations should include a detailed parenting-time schedule for daily custody, holidays and special occasions, vacations, and any other anticipated deviations from the normal schedule. A plan should also be established for unexpected and emergency situations.

In Arizona, parenting time (physical custody) and decision-making authority are determined separately. Parenting plans should specify who has the authority to make decisions about the child or children’s education, medical needs, religious or spiritual matters, and other important issues. The plan also needs to detail when the consent or approval of the co-parent is required or not.

A parenting plan for high-conflict custody cases should also include communication guidelines or preferences, custody exchange protocols, how decisions will be made, and procedures for managing disputes if or when they arise.

Setting clear expectations and boundaries helps reduce disagreements and discord. High-conflict custody attorneys have experience in drafting and negotiating parenting plans that clearly establish what is expected and required.

A Phoenix High-Conflict Custody Attorney for Your Custody Battle in Arizona

Conflict between co-parents is stressful and unhealthy for all parties involved. A compassionate, knowledgeable lawyer can help families minimize conflict and move forward more peacefully; and if that becomes impossible, a high-conflict custody attorney will have the skill and experience to fight hard to protect your parental rights in court.

If you are involved in a custody battle in Arizona and need help, reach out to a Phoenix high-conflict custody attorney at Frank Amar Matura. You may contact us by calling 602-922-9989 or completing our convenient online contact form.