A dependency hearing determines whether children should be taken from their parents and cared for by the state. A parent can appeal an initial determination of dependency, but cannot appeal every order after dependency. Which...

A parent has the right to notice and an evidentiary hearing before her custody rights are modified. This includes both rulings regarding parenting time and those concerning legal decision-making authority. In Cruz v. Garcia,...

The term “habeas corpus” is generally used in criminal proceedings to test the legality of a prisoner’s detention. What does it mean in custody cases? Are criminal or custody procedures followed? In Smart v. Cantor, 574...

Mrs. Uppen married in Chile, in 1972. Two years later, she became pregnant and her husband abandoned her. The child was born in Chile in 1974 and has remained in Chile all of his life. The father has not communicated with...

In the unpublished case of Eaton v. Eaton, Ms. Eaton (Mother) filed an appeal after the family court granted a post-decree order to modify parenting time. On appeal, the record was considered to ascertain facts of the case...

The Arizona Court of Appeals in the unreported decision in the case of Thompson v. Vaughan addressed the requirements that must be met to file a motion to modify a child custody order in Arizona. The court of...

Five Tips on Protecting Children from a Hostile Parent During a Divorce in Arizona It’s all very fine to talk in terms of spouses working together in a divorce for the good of the children. But civility is not always easy,...

If you are involved in a divorce or a child custody case in Arizona, you need to know the specifics of Parenting Plans in Arizona divorce and child custody cases. The two most basic components of an Arizona Parenting Plan are...

You may long to read studies announcing that an impending marital split won’t affect the kids. Most divorcing parents would love to find evidence that a divorce will not hurt their kids. But even common sense tells you that...

When a child is born out of wedlock, a man who acknowledges paternity is presumed to be the child’s father. He is entitled to custody and visitation rights and is obligated to contribute to the support of his child. But...