Scottsdale Contested Custody Agreement Attorney

Resolve Contested Custody Agreements in Scottsdale Divorce Cases

Not all marriages are salvageable. When one or both spouses have decided that it’s best to walk away, the highest priority in establishing a divorce settlement should be to protect the best interests of the children. Yet, parents often don’t agree on what exactly constitutes their children’s best interests. When one parent objects to a proposed child custody arrangement, it is said to be contested.

Contested custody agreements in Scottsdale divorce cases can be particularly challenging given the emotional tension of the situation. At the law office of Karen A. Schoenau, we handle each case with compassion and sensitivity. We’ll explain your parental rights and the legal process, so that you know exactly what to expect.

Understanding Contested Custody Agreements in Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all divorce-related issues, namely spousal support, property division, child custody, and child support. However, if one spouse does not agree with the proposed child custody arrangement (or any other divorce-related issue), then the case is contested and the judge will determine the custody arrangements. At our law office, attorney Karen A. Schoenau provides vigorous legal representation to individuals who wish to contest a proposed child custody agreement, as well as those whose proposed arrangement has been contested by the other parent.

It’s important to note that in Arizona, neither parent has an advantage over the other because of gender. Both mothers and fathers are presumed to have equal parenting rights unless proven otherwise. This means that the court will not automatically prefer the mother when awarding physical or legal custody.

What is the Contested Child Custody Process in Scottsdale?

There are a number of steps that parents must take before contested custody agreements in divorce cases will be decided in an Arizona court. Ms. Schoenau will walk you through each of these, step by step. In every contested custody agreement in divorce cases, Arizona law requires that both parents complete a court-approved Parent Education Program. You must complete this three-hour parenting class within 45 days of the initial divorce filing, and then file the certificate of completion with the court.

While your case is pending, the court will issue a temporary child custody order that dictates where the children will live and who retains decision-making abilities for the children. The judge has the discretion to order both parents to undergo a Full Family Assessment. This means both parents will be interviewed by a mental health professional. You may also have a Parenting Coordinator appointed to your case. The Parenting Coordinator will meet with you and the other parent, evaluate all of the information, and provide recommendations to the judge. You have the right to file an objection to the Parenting Coordinator’s report.

When you become a client at our law firm, we’ll ensure you are thoroughly prepared for your interviews with the mental health professional and the Parenting Coordinator. Our Scottsdale contested custody agreement lawyer works to prove that your proposed arrangement is indeed in your children’s best interests.

Free Case Evaluation With a Scottsdale Contested Custody Agreement Attorney

Family law attorney Karen A. Schoenau has served Arizona families since 1987. Her decades of experience working on complex child custody and divorce cases inform her comprehensive and effective legal strategies. In all matters, the best interests of the children are our highest priorities. Our family law attorney will fight to protect your children’s rights, as well as to safeguard your parental rights. Arizona residents who have contested custody agreements in divorce cases are invited to contact us in Scottsdale at (480) 725-5987 to request a free case evaluation.