Step-Parent Visitation Rights in Arizona

Arizona Divorce Lawyers Helping Preserve Relationships Between Children and Step-Parents in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ

Although a step-parent is not the biological parent of a child, he or she may still be granted certain visitation and custodial rights with the stepchild. At the Law Office of Karen Schoenau, our Scottsdale step-parent visitation rights lawyer will work closely with step-parents to help them preserve their relationships with their stepchildren.

Considering the Best Interests of the Child in Scottsdale Step-Parent Visitation Disputes

A step-parent who enjoys a loving, parental relationship with a nonbiological child can file for visitation, or even child custody. The step-parent must be classified what the legal system refers to as “in loco parentis,” or like a parent. The court will then take into consideration the type of relationship the child enjoys with the biological parents. Ultimately, the court will make a decision based on what it deems to be in the best interests of the child. Our Arizona family law attorney will work for not only the child’s best interests, but for your interests as well.

When Will a Court Grant Visitation Rights to a Step-Parent in Scottsdale?

Anyone who has developed a parental relationship with a child can apply for visitation rights. However, the court will not always grant such rights. Common cases where the court will award custody or visitation rights occur when a step-parent is the only mother or father the child has ever known, such as when a parent passes away or is incarcerated while the child is very young. If the step-parent and biological parent later divorce, the step-parent is likely to be granted some form of custody or visitation.

Of course, this is not the only situation where a step-parent will get some rights. Like every case, a determination is based on the unique set of facts that is presented to the court. At the Law Office of Karen Schoenau, our lawyer has more than 20 years of experience representing the rights of step-parents. We will put this experience to work for you.

Call for a Consultation with a Step-Parent Visitation Lawyer in Scottsdale, Arizona

To learn more about your rights as a step-parent, contact our Scottsdale step-parent visitation rights attorney online or call 480-209-1918 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case. We will guide you through the legal process as quickly and painlessly as possible.