Child Custody Lawyer in Phoenix

When filing for divorce in Phoenix, there are a number of important decisions you have to make, especially if you have children. Child custody arrangements and parenting plans are some of the most sensitive issues that arise in a divorce, and it may be difficult to ensure that your child’s rights are protected.

If you need assistance with a child custody case, the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau can help. Our family law attorney has over 20 years of experience representing complex child custody cases in Arizona and can guide you through this process.

Why Choose Us

• Our family law attorney, Karen A. Schoenau is dedicated to protecting your child’s best interests during each stage of your case. Attorney Karen A. Schoenau has handled complex child custody cases and is an experienced Phoenix child support lawyer.
• Our family law firm has extensive experience handling a range child custody cases and can provide you with the knowledge, resources, and skills you need to reach an optimal resolution and appropriate parenting plan.
• Our Phoenix divorce attorney has won multiple awards recognizing her dedication to our clients, including the 2019 Maricopa County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers’ Program Attorney of the Year.

How Do Phoenix Courts Award Custody?

When you are seeking custody arrangements, you have two options to resolve your case: through trial or through divorce mediation in Phoenix. A custody trial involves a judge making custody order decisions after reviewing evidence from both parents, while you and your former partner attempt to create a parenting plan agreement between yourselves during mediation.

There are several factors that an Arizona court may consider when determining custody:

• The physical and mental wellness of both parents and the child
• The relationship that the child has with each parent
• How a child may adjust to changes at home, at school, or in the community
• Whether either parent has a history of domestic violence or child abuse
• Whether either parent made a false report of child abuse or neglect to the court
• The child’s best interests and preferences
• Whether a parent is likely to encourage a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent
• Any other factors relevant to the custody arrangement

Types of Child Custody in Phoenix

There are two types of custody in Arizona: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s legal right to make decisions on behalf of the child. Courts often grant joint legal custody between the parents, although the judge may allocate legal custody to one parent in certain circumstances.

Physical custody, on the other hand, involves parenting time. Courts may award joint physical custody where equal parenting time is shared between the parents. In some cases, the court may provide more than 50 percent of the custody to one parent, who will become the custodial parent. The other parent in this situation will be the non-custodial parent but will be awarded reasonable parenting time. In some cases, the court may grant sole physical custody to one parent.

Why You Need a Child Custody Lawyer

If you are entering child custody proceedings, you need an attorney who is familiar with Arizona custody laws on your side. A Phoenix child custody lawyer from the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau will handle all aspects of your case on your behalf and reduce your stress through the process. Your child custody lawyer can also help you reach an optimal resolution in your case quickly, assisting with expert legal decision making and eliminating preventable errors that could jeopardize your case.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Phoenix Child Custody Lawyer

The Arizona child custody process can be a complex and highly sensitive process. The Phoenix child custody lawyer at the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau can advocate for your rights and support you through this process. Message us to schedule your free consultation and discuss your child custody issues with our dedicated and knowledgeable lawyers. Call 480-467-3435 to speak to our Scottsdale family law attorney and find out how we can help today.