AZ High-Conflict Custody Lawyer

Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.

When dealing with a family matter issue, you do not have to go at it alone. Give us a call and we can discuss the entire case during a comprehensive attorney consultation.

Let's Discuss Your Case - We're Here For You.

When dealing with a family matter issue, you do not have to go at it alone. Schedule your comprehensive attorney consultation now and we can discuss the entire case.

A boy tears a drawing of two stick figures apart, representing the challenges an AZ high-conflict custody lawyer helps address.

As Arizona (AZ) family law attorneys, we work with clients facing some of the most difficult times in their lives, and child custody is often a particularly emotional issue. In high-conflict custody cases, managing the legal process while your family is in turmoil can be extremely distressing. A compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced AZ high-conflict custody lawyer can help you regain control and balance by explaining what to expect and working with you through the options available and next best steps.

When Do You Need an AZ High-Conflict Custody Lawyer?

Rather than using the broad term “custody,” Arizona law addresses two specific areas of the parent-child relationship: legal decision-making and parenting time. The court will consider multiple factors to determine what is in the best interests of the child or children, then issue orders regarding the allocation of legal decision-making authority and parenting time schedules.

Various factors can lead to high-conflict custody cases in Arizona, and each scenario requires an approach tailored to the specifics of the situation. An AZ high-conflict custody lawyer at Frank Amar Matura can evaluate your case and review the options available under Arizona divorce and child custody laws to seek solutions in the best interests of your child or children.

What You Should Know about High-Conflict Custody Cases

When parents go their separate ways in Arizona and cannot agree on a parenting plan, Arizona law states that each parent must submit a proposed parenting plan to the court. After a trial or court hearing, where the parties can present evidence and testimony, the judge will make a ruling regarding decision-making authority and parenting time. In some cases, Arizona custody mediation—where the parties meet with an independent mediator to attempt to come to an agreement—can be an effective way to resolve issues without a prolonged legal battle.

Circumstances that may create additional conflict or disagreement between parents in Arizona custody cases can include the following:

  • Relocation of a child, especially if a parent is moving out of state or more than 100 miles away, since it can make the logistics of parenting time difficult for both parties;
  • Claims of visitation or parenting rights by a third party;
  • Parental alienation, or allegations that a parent is attempting to turn a child against the other parent;
  • Failure or refusal by a party to comply with court orders;
  • A new spouse or significant other who wishes to have a say in parenting decisions;
  • Military deployments;
  • Domestic violence, economic abuse, or child abuse, or allegations of violence or abuse;
  • Substance abuse, or alleged substance abuse;
  • Physical or mental health issues, including personality disorders such as narcissism or borderline personality disorder;
  • Criminal charges and/or convictions; and
  • Violations of court orders related to visitation and parenting time rights.

If believed necessary or beneficial, the court may interview the child or children involved in a custody case to determine the children’s best interests. When custody is disputed, the court may also appoint a professional with expertise in the issues in question to interview the parties and/or children and conduct an evaluation, and then make a report to the Court with the expert’s findings and recommendations

In high-conflict cases, the Court will make a written order containing all factors considered in arriving at its decisions, and it will document the reasons it believes the plans ordered are in the best interests of the child or children.

What Can You Do about False Accusations and Order Violations in AZ Custody Cases?

When a party to a custody dispute knowingly makes false claims against the other party or violates visitation or parenting time orders, the Court can implement several measures to address this misconduct. These are some of the consequences that can be implemented if the Court finds litigation misconduct or violations of parenting time rights have occurred:

  • Holding the violating party in contempt of court;
  • Ordering monetary penalties in the form of “sanctions,” including ordering the offending party to reimburse the other party for a portion of the attorney fees incurred in bringing the matter to the attention of the Court;
  • Limiting a parent’s contact with a child to supervised visitation, with the cost to be paid by the offending parent; or (in extreme cases) prohibiting a parent from having any contact with a child;
  • Requiring parent education courses, family counseling, or mediation at the cost of the violating party;
  • Ordering makeup visitation or parenting time;
  • Modifying existing legal decision-making and parenting time orders; and
  • Otherwise taking action to protect the best interests of the child or children.

Falsely accusing the other parent or party of misconduct can result in penalties for the party making the accusations, so it is important to understand the laws before taking such actions. Arizona high-conflict custody lawyers can help clients determine if their situation involves litigation misconduct or violations that merit legal action.

Contact an AZ High-Conflict Custody Lawyer at Frank Amar Matura

At Frank Amar Matura, we understand the stress and burdens that come with co-parenting and child custody after divorce. We have decades of combined experience as strong Family Law attorneys and skilled courtroom litigators. We also have an in-depth understanding of Arizona law and the preferences and procedures of the local courts. With offices in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, we serve families in Maricopa County, AZ and throughout Arizona.

To speak to an experienced and caring AZ High-Conflict custody lawyer, contact us by calling 602-922-9989 or completing this convenient online contact form.

Client Reviews


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Family Law Client

I had a very legally and emotionally difficult case and was fortunate enough to have Mr. Frank’s legal assistance. Mr. Frank was extremely professional, reliable, and competent. He always kept me informed of my case, and he gave me great legal insights. His litigation expertise and easy disposition allowed me to be comfortable and less stressed considering the situation. Mr. Frank always treated me with respect and valued my input. I felt part of a collaborative effort rather than the usual attorney-client relationship. It was a pleasure working with Mr. Frank, and I would most definitely recommend him to my friends and family.

I would recommend your services to anyone!

I am very satisfied for all you have done for me throughout my divorce and custody cases. You listened to what was important to me and you made it your number-one priority. The safety of my children meant the world to me and you helped me keep them safe. You are excellent in the courtroom. Throughout all of my court cases and different issues with my ex-husband, you helped me stay calm and grounded. I believe in our justice system since I was lucky enough to have an amazing attorney. Mr Gary Frank, you were a godsend in many ways, and every time I look at my children and know they’re safe I thank God for finding such a great attorney. I would recommend your services to anyone! Thank you once again for all your hard work.

Francesca

I feel re-born!

“I can’t tell you how much I am now enjoying my life. It sounds crazy, but I feel re-born! Of course, I have my days, but they are fewer and fewer. I spend time with family and friends and for the first time in seven plus years, I feel alive and well. I will never be able to thank you enough for all your caring and encouragement throughout this extremely stressful and challenging time in my life. I could not have managed to get through it without your support.”

Noel

A Lawyer That Cares

I chose Hannah to represent me because I know she personally invest herself into each and every client. I could tell she really cared and was ready to fight for me. When I called to schedule for a consult, Hanna received the phone call, not some lawyer’s assistant or front desk person. She has gone above and beyond what was asked of her. She knows what she’s doing. Thank you so much Hanna!

Jonathan

Excellent Lawyer!!!

I was going through a family court case & did not have a lawyer. I needed help filling out paperwork & knowing what to do in court. Mr. Frank met with me on several occasions & helped with properly filling out all of my paperwork & informing me of the correct way to file it. He gave me his cell phone # & always returned my calls promptly.

DANA

Divorce Lawyer

Gary was recommended to me by a relative. I was in a long-term abusive marriage and had had enough and was ready to put an end to it. while being “ready” I was scared to death as I was someone with low self-esteem and so afraid of how my Ex would respond. Gary gave me the courage to stand up for myself and helped me work thru my insecurities so that I was able to testify in court and breath. He walked me through all the steps of what we were going to do so that I understood. he was always ready to answer any questions/concerns I had in a timely manner (and I had a lot). I have recommended Gary to several friends going thru a divorce and I will continue to do so. I can’t thank him enough for his help and what he has done for me.

Annette

When you need better than the best

It is all about passion. Whether you play baseball, run a bakery, or practice law, you will do it better if you have passion. Hanna has that passion. She helped guide me through my trying times during my divorce and custody case. Her impeccable professionalism, humanity, and understanding as well as being tough enough to get things done were beyond what I could ever hope for. I couldn’t ask for a better attorney than Hanna. She not only cared about me, she also cared about the well-being of my daughter. I would highly recommend her to anyone.

Susan

Angels

Gary and Hanna are the most amazing and compassionate attorneys in AZ. They go above and beyond and would highly recommend them to anyone! They work with you and actually care about the well being of your children vs. Money (unlike most others). I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for my own family. Angels.

Erin

Thanks From A Confident Dad

Gary, I see your LinkedIn posts every now and then and just wanted to send you a quick note.  Wow, the last 6 years have been a whirlwind.  I just want to thank you again for the support and guidance you provided to me 6 years ago.  It has made a monumental difference in my life. My son’s mother and I made the mutual decision to move (out of state) about a year and a half ago.  Ironically, we live in the same neighborhood now, we’ve got our parenting plan at about 50% time each, and we walk him to school.  We get along, and it honestly can’t be any better.  My son is now in 1st grade, and he has a brother who is a year and a half.  In the past 6 years, I’ve evolved from the scared, immature, insecure person who sat in your office to a confident father of two boys.  Your input and guidance had a lot to do with that, so, thank you.  I do miss Arizona – in due time, hopefully, I’ll be back.

Family Law Client

Successful Relocation Case

To say I am grateful would not be giving you guys enough credit. I am humbled to have found you and blessed beyond words.

Family Law Client

I Know In My Heart I Chose The Right Attorneys To Represent Me

I appreciate all of you and all that you have done on my behalf. Most of all, I appreciate all of your moral support and your faith in me and my intentions. I know in my heart that I chose the “Right Attorneys” to represent me. I am happy that I chose wisely and trusted my heart & my ‘gut instinct.’

Valerie

Very Honest

November 2009 I retained Mr. Frank for almost two years to represent me in a visitation modification filed by my ex-husband. Mr. Frank quickly and efficiently became familiar with my case and was very honest about all the potential results that could occur. I truly feel that Mr. Frank had my children’s best interests in mind…

Judy K