Tucson Child Custody Attorney

Compassionate Representation for Custody & Visitation

At Karp & Weiss, P.L.C., we understand how stressful and emotionally draining divorce can be. 

Custody battles can also be incredibly contentious, and can seriously impact your children's sense of well-being and sense of security. As a father who was raised by a single mother, we know firsthand how devastating it can be to grow up without a father. 

We know how important it is to be a father who is actively involved in your children's lives. We also know how important it is for parents to be able to maintain a relationship with their children after divorce. Our family law firm can help you fight for shared or sole custody, as well as for visitation rights. We can also help you protect your parental rights.

Call Karp & Weiss, P.L.C. at (520) 645-8500, or contact us by email, to schedule a consultation with a child custody attorney in Tucson, Arizona.

Child Custody Agreements

Our Tucson child custody attorneys can help you negotiate and draft a comprehensive parenting plan with your spouse. We can also help you fight for your parental rights in the event that your spouse is trying to limit or deny your access to your children.

Types of Child Custody in Arizona Explained

When navigating child custody matters, it’s crucial to understand the various types of custody arrangements available. Each type serves different needs and can significantly impact your family's future. At Karp & Weiss, we believe that informed clients make better decisions, so let’s break down the primary types of child custody:

• Legal Custody: This type grants a parent the right to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, health care, and religious training. Legal custody can be joint or sole.
• Physical Custody: This refers to where the child lives. A parent with physical custody has the child living with them, while the other parent may have visitation rights.
• Joint Custody: In a joint custody arrangement, both parents share the responsibilities and decision-making for the child. This can include both legal and physical custody, allowing for a balanced approach to parenting.
• Sole Custody: In this arrangement, one parent has exclusive rights to make decisions and care for the child. This may be granted in situations where it’s deemed in the best interest of the child.

Understanding these types of custody can help you advocate for your parental rights and ensure that any custody agreement serves the best interests of your child. Our experienced attorneys at Karp & Weiss are here to guide you through the complexities of custody arrangements and help you find the best solution tailored to your family's needs.

Is Arizona a 50/50 Custody State? 

Arizona law prefers a 50/50 parenting plan as the default option. However, the court may pursue an alternative arrangement in some circumstances. The child's best interest is the overarching concern.

Consulting with a qualified custody lawyer is essential when facing child custody matters in Tucson. These legal professionals understand the intricacies of Arizona family law and can guide you through the process. They will advocate for your parental rights and work towards a child custody agreement that prioritizes your child's best interests. 

Feel free to schedule a consultation with a custody lawyer in Tucson to discuss your situation and secure solid legal representation.

Protecting Your Parental Rights

We can also help you fight for your parental rights in the event that your spouse is trying to limit or deny your access to your children. We have extensive experience in dealing with unilateral agreements and are familiar with the requirements for making them legally binding.

Who Can File for Custody in Arizona? 

At Karp & Weiss, our Arizona child custody lawyers understand the complexities surrounding custody battles and are dedicated to helping families navigate these challenging legal waters. If you find yourself wondering, "Who can file for custody?" we have the answers you seek. In Arizona, various parties can file for custody, not just biological parents. While biological parents naturally have the right to seek custody, other individuals may also be eligible under specific circumstances. 

For instance, grandparents may petition for custody if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the child due to parental unfitness or abandonment. Additionally, stepparents who have formed a significant emotional bond with the child may pursue custody rights. Moreover, Arizona law recognizes the possibility of a non-parental, third-party custody arrangement. In such cases, concerned relatives or family friends who have played a substantial role in the child's life, providing care and support, may file for custody.

Ultimately, the court's primary consideration is the best interest of the child. Factors such as the child's emotional and physical well-being, stability, and the ability of the prospective custodian to provide a nurturing environment are all taken into account.

Can One Parent Keep a Child From the Other Parent Without Court Orders in Arizona?

Yes, in Arizona, a person can be charged with custodial interference if they take, persuade, or withhold a child from the other parent, even before a court order regarding legal decision-making or parenting time. 

This brutal offense can hurt your prospects for custody when the issue goes to court. 

The only exception would be for a parent who is acting in good faith to protect the child from witnessing domestic abuse or being a victim of abuse.

Contact Our Tucson Family Law Firm Today for Support

Our experienced Tucson family law attorneys can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process, ensuring your voice is heard and the child's welfare remains the central focus. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or concerned individual seeking custody, we are here to provide compassionate legal representation and fight for your rights in Arizona family court.

To discuss your situation with a Tucson child custody lawyer, call Karp & Weiss, P.L.C. at (520) 645-8500, or contact us online to schedule a consultation.