Scottsdale Custody and Visitation Order Modification Lawyer

Divorce settlements in Arizona are not always permanent. This is especially true when it comes to issues related to children. Children grow and change; a custody and visitation order that may have worked at one time may no longer be in the child’s best interests and may require modification. In addition, one parent might disregard the stipulations of a child custody and visitation order, requiring the other parent to take steps to enforce the provisions of the agreement.

At the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau, family law attorney Karen Schoenau develops solutions to problems arising from complicated Scottsdale family law matters, such as changing or enforcing child custody and visitation orders. She uses her more than three decades of experience protecting children and advocating for her clients’ needs after their divorce is final. Clients depend on her to advise them about their rights and legal options while seeking the solution that works best for both child and parent.

Why Choose Us

• Our attorney, Karen Schoenau, has represented Arizona residents in their complex custody and visitation order modification cases for over 20 years.
• We understand that child custody matters can be highly complex and sensitive. Our Scottsdale divorce lawyer provides passionate and supportive representation throughout your case.
• Our law firm prioritizes your child’s best interests during each stage of your modification case. We will work diligently to create a comprehensive strategy that benefits your family.

Issues in Custody and Visitation Enforcement & Modification in Scottsdale, AZ

There are many reasons that parents seek to enforce or modify child custody and visitation orders—or prevent them from being changed. Such issues include:

• Incarceration.
• Illness.
• Drug use or alcoholism.
• Relocation.
• Changes in the needs of the child.
• Domestic violence or child abuse.
• Death of one parent.
• Need for supervised visitation.
• Changes in work or school schedules.
• One parent refusing to grant access/visitation ordered by the court.

Issues such as these are frequently behind a request to modify or enforce a custody and visitation court order. However, parents should know that courts are unlikely to grant requests for changes unless the situation is clearly an emergency or unless at least one year has passed since any previous court-ordered modification. Essentially, Arizona family court judges want to see evidence of a significant reason for requesting a change in a child custody or visitation order.

How to Modify Custody Orders in Scottsdale

In Arizona, you can modify a child custody order if you can show that the change would be in the best interest of your child and that there is a substantial and continuing change of circumstances. Courts typically will not allow you to modify custody orders until one year after the decree was entered unless your case involves child abuse, spousal abuse, or domestic violence. You can also ask a court to modify a custody order earlier than one year if you can prove that your child’s current environment poses a risk to his or her physical, mental, emotional, or mental health.

The court will modify a custody order in accordance with the child’s best interests. It will consider a number of factors in your case, including the following.

• The presence of abuse or domestic violence
• The physical and mental health of all parties
• The parents’ preferences for custody
• The child’s preferences for custody
• The relationship between the child and each parent
• How the child would adjust to changes in his or her home, community, or school
• Whether each parent would allow the child to develop relationships with the other parent
• Whether a parent made a false report of child abuse or neglect

Can You Modify a Visitation or Child Support Order?

In addition to child custody orders, you can also ask the court to modify child support payments or visitation arrangements. In cases involving child support, you will need to show that you or the other parent saw at least a 15 percent change in income, resulting in the need for modification. You will also need to prove that the income change is substantial and will continue in the future. 

If you wish to modify visitation agreements, you will need to show that a major change occurred in your life or your spouse’s life that may affect your child. In some cases, a court may modify visitation if a parent violates court orders. Health issues, substance abuse, child abuse, and relocation may be grounds for custody modification in Scottsdale. 

Why You Need a Scottsdale Custody Modification Lawyer

If you need to modify a child custody order, visitation arrangements, or child support payments in Scottsdale, you need an attorney on your side. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the modification, you may need to prove that your spouse committed an act that puts your child in danger. You may also need to defend yourself against false accusations of abuse that could put your relationship with your child at risk.

By hiring an attorney from the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau to represent your case, you can work to achieve the best possible outcome for your child. Our Scottsdale child custody and visitation order modification lawyer will work tirelessly to develop a strong case strategy in your favor, representing your child’s best interests during each stage of the case.  

Contact an Experienced Scottsdale Divorce Lawyer

If you want to change or enforce a custody or visitation order, or if you hope to oppose the efforts of the other parent to modify or enforce visitation or child custody, contact our Scottsdale modification and visitation attorney today for advice about your rights and legal options. Call the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau to speak with attorney Karen Schoenau at (480) 209-1918. You can also contact us online.