Sole vs Joint Legal Decision-Making Authority Process in Arizona

If you’re a parent in Arizona facing custody decisions, you should understand how courts decide between Sole and Joint Legal Decision-Making Authority agreements. The Law Office of Hector A. Montoya can help. Navigating Parenting time agreements can be complex, but we specialize in these types of cases. Our experience and dedication have helped countless families achieve Parenting Time arrangements that work for everyone involved. Read further to learn key details about Parenting time decisions in Arizona.

Understanding Arizona’s Child-Related Family Law

Arizona family courts divide Legal Decision-Making Authority into two major areas. Each case is unique, so understanding how these components interact is crucial:

Legal Decision-Making Authority– This is the authority to make decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare.
Parenting Time – This element dictates when the child will spend time with each parent.

What Is Sole Legal Decision-Making Authority?

Sole Legal Decision-Making authority in Arizona means one parent has exclusive rights to make legal decisions for the child. The other parent may still have parenting time but won’t share legal decision-making authority.

Advantages of Sole Legal Decision-Making Authority

Provides a stable environment if one parent cannot participate in healthy co-parenting
Eliminates conflict over crucial decisions

Challenges of Sole Legal Decision-Making Authority

May limit the child’s relationship with the other parent
Puts all responsibility for crucial decisions on one parent

Defining Joint Legal Decision-Making Authority

Joint Legal Decision -Making Authority allows both parents to share legal decision-making and parenting time. Arizona courts encourage joint legal decision-making authority when it’s in the child’s best interests.

Advantages of Joint Legal Decision-Making Authority

Promotes the child’s relationship with both parents
Shares responsibilities, creating a balanced approach

Challenges of Joint Legal Decision-Making Authority

Requires strong communication and cooperation between parents
Scheduling can be difficult

Legal Decision-Making Factors

Arizona courts evaluate several factors when deciding parenting arrangements, always prioritizing the best interests of the child. Some key considerations include:

The child’s relationship with each parent
Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment
The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
Evidence of domestic violence or substance abuse

Parenting Time and Visitation

Parenting time outlines when the child will live with or visit each parent. The courts aim to establish schedules that foster healthy parent-child relationships. Consistent parenting time is a priority regardless of whether sole or joint legal decision-making is deemed best.

Enforcement and Modification of Parenting Time or Legal Decision-Making Authority Orders

Once a Legal Decision-Making Authority and Parenting Time order is in place, both parents must follow it. If circumstances change, parents may request a court modification. This may happen if one parent relocates or if a substantial or continuing change has occurred.

Rely on Our Experts in Arizona

Whether you’re pursuing sole or joint Legal Decision-Making Authority in Arizona, having an experienced family law attorney on your side makes all the difference. At the Law Office of Hector A. Montoya, we’re committed to helping families find the best solutions for their unique situations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building a brighter future for your family.