Home » Change Circumstances to Change Custody in Arizona

Change Circumstances to Change Custody in Arizona

Item: Hildebrand Law, PC
Rating: 5
Author: Chris Hildebrand

Posted on : April 20, 2016, By: Chris Hildebrand

Change in Circumstances to Change Child Custody in Arizona

In Arizona, a parent must establish there has been a significant and recurring change in circumstances to modify a child custody order in Arizona before a court will do so. In Arizona, changing an order regarding legal decision making, parenting time and/or child support that is already in place requires that a Petition to Modify be filed.

Either party may request the modification. In considering such a request, the court must determine whether the filing the requested modification met his or her burden of proof of establishing a significant and continuing change in circumstances to justify modification of the order already in place.

In the unpublished Arizona Court of Appeals case of Boatley v. Mixon, the court found the parties were the parents of twin girls born in 2010. Previous proceedings had occurred in both the family court and the juvenile court regarding the parties’ children.

In October 2013, an order was issued in both the family court and juvenile court granting Mother visitation with the girls. At an evidentiary hearing regarding a petition Father filed to establish orders for legal decision making authority and parenting time, a report from a psychiatrist who evaluated Mother was considered by the court.

The trial court affirmed Father’s sole legal decision making authority over the children and ordered Mother to have no contact with the children, Father or the children’s stepmother. In support of its decision, the family court cited the psychiatrist’s diagnosis of Mother with Antisocial Personality Disorder describing it as likely the condition would interfere with her ability to offer the children a “safe and secure environment.”

The court also noted that the psychiatrist was of the belief that Mother was not likely to demonstrate minimally adequate parenting skills, and that a child in her care would be at risk for abuse. One of the twins died a tragic death after which Mother filed a petition to modify legal decision making, parenting and child support.

She stated that her daughter’s death was due to a lack of medical care and false reporting of her well being. She alleged that her surviving daughter was in danger due to Father’s and stepmother’s “criminal and domestic violence backgrounds.”

The court sought additional information from the Phoenix Police Department as well as the Department of Child Safety (DCS) after which the court dismissed the petition. The court concluded that while the death of one of the children was tragic, there was no basis for the court to attribute the child’s death to misconduct on the part of Father or stepmother or that the remaining child in their care was seriously endangered.

The trial court also noted serious concerns regarding the mental stability of the Mother and her ability to care for the parties’ child. For these reasons, the court dismissed Mother’s petition. Mother appealed.

Change In Circumstances and the One Year Year in Arizona

On appeal, Mother raised a number of arguments that were not related to the dismissal of her petition for modification. As the review on appeal is limited to the rulings specified in the notice of appeal, those issues were disregarded by the Arizona Court of Appeals.

The Arizona Court of Appeals reviewed the requirements of A.R.S. Section 25-411(A), which prohibits filing a motion to modify a legal decision-making or parenting time decree earlier than one year after the legal decision-making order was issued, unless there is reason to believe the present environment of the minor child leaves them in serious danger.

Mother’s petition was filed only six months after the previous order was issued and included only general allegations about Father without any supporting evidence. Claims that the deceased child did not receive adequate medical care appear to be contradicted by medical records attached to the petition that state the child was admitted to the hospital with “sickle cell crisis” and there were “no abuse concerns, no…neglect.”

If you need information about changed circumstances to change child custody in Arizona, you should seriously consider contacting the attorneys at Hildebrand Law, PC. Our Arizona divorce attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience successfully representing clients in child custody cases in Arizona.

Our family law firm has earned numerous awards such as US News and World Reports Best Arizona Family Law Firm, US News and World Report Best Divorce Attorneys, “Best of the Valley” by Arizona Foothills readers, and “Best Arizona Divorce Law Firms” by North Scottsdale Magazine.

Call us today at (480)305-8300 or reach out to us through our appointment scheduling form to schedule your personalized consultation and turn your Arizona child custody case around today.

The One Year Rule and Child Custody Modification.

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Hildebrand Law, PC

4.3

Annie Goodwin

16:50 18 Sep 20

Chris Hildebrand was an excellent consult regarding an estate matter for my Montana client who owns property in Arizona. Chris was knowledgeable and responsive to my inquiry. My office has an wonderful resource in Arizona!

cindie hastreiter

06:14 21 Aug 20

Kip Micuda is an amazing attorney who always made me feel protected. I highly recommend Kip. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Could not be happier.

MissTiny Stockton& CaseyJohn

01:24 10 Apr 20

Michael Clancey is experienced and just the right of everything. I found Michael on the fly. Needing a lawyer in less than a week. Michael was organized and intuitive, efficient and worth every penny. Highly recommend!!!❗❗❗❗

Joel McGraw

18:51 10 Mar 20

Carlos is patient, extremely personable and knows how to explain complex legal issues to a layperson.

Lisa Vincent

06:29 04 Mar 20

I have used their service. They are very loyal and honest. Best Wishes for them.

Jim Tweedy

19:06 06 Jan 20

Was great source of information in regard to Arizona family law. Promptly responded to messages with accurate information. Highly recommend.

George Wilson

06:45 21 Dec 19

I want to say it was really a great blessing meeting you Doctor Stella, you have done so much for me which I can't even tell it all, all I just want to say is that am really grateful and I pray for more long life and prosperity for you and your family. My wife left me for another man, I tried so many things to bring back home, nothing was working not until I read about Doctor Stella and I contacted her, she told me to calm down, relax my mind that everything will be ok, she told me to give her three days and she will get back to me. I was waiting and after three days she called me and told me she is done with the work and I should expect her back home in four days time and I should have her trust that she won't leave me anymore, really after four days my wife packed home, apologize, accepted her back because I love her and she has three kids for me, I am so happy up till now we are not having any issues anymore, she love me more than before and she now cares more than it was before. What are you still waiting for, why can't you contact Dr now and tell her that which bothers you and she will help you and I assure you this, contact her doctorstellaidemudia@gmail.com and doctorstellaidemudia@yahoo.com whatsApp +2348157471852 Website - doctorstellaidemudia. weebly .com

Michael Gerity

19:25 22 Nov 19

Chris Hildebrand is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who does well both in and out of the courtroom. My experience with Chris is that he's a strong advocate for his clients and a knowledgeable attorney. I never hesitate to recommend him for any legal matter.

Jerry Thompson

14:17 03 Oct 19

Very professional, kind and understanding.

Michelle Harrington

20:54 24 Jul 19

I hired Michael Clancy just when I was about to give up on an existing post-decree case which I started with a different attorney over a year ago. Michael is knowledgeable, upfront and personable; he gave me the confidence to continue and settle my post decree case. I knew he was secure, capable and could handle my case and represent me well. He did everything he could to ensure a great outcome for the modification of my current court orders to help my son have a more stable mental, social and physical well-being, which to me is priceless! I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to be in the best possible hands during one of the most stressful events that could happen to any parent that wants the best for their child/children. Thank you Michael for fighting for my son's safety!! Also, his paralegal, Alison, was awesome and very helpful!

Shari Abbit

21:15 12 Apr 19

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience with Hildebrand Law. I have been working with Chris and the firm for about 6 years now, and I always feel like my concerns, issues and questions are addressed in a thorough and timely manner. They definitely have my best interests at heart. I recommend Chris whenever anyone asks me who I used as my divorce attorney. Great firm and great results!

Shari Abbit

21:15 12 Apr 19

Brandi Slaybaugh

13:11 05 Apr 19

Compassionate and patient and helped so much. The best attorney I've ever dealt with. Nothing but good things to say about Chris. So grateful.

Rick Cabral

23:23 22 Jan 19

Chris Hildebrand is one of the sharpest and effective attorneys that I have encountered in my 27 years of business. Doing business on the East Coast, as well as Southern California and Arizona has afforded me countless opportunities to work with legal minds from various parts of the country. Needless to say, Chris is by far one of the most honest, intelligent and street smart attorneys I have encountered. I have referred a number of people to Chris and everyone has been fully satisfied. 100% recommend him!

Rick Cabral

23:23 22 Jan 19

Niko RedMoon

02:57 18 Jan 19

This is not only a great law firm that cares about their clients but also the results they get for their clients. Great people and attorneys, I highly recommend this firm!

Richard Sipan

23:51 18 Oct 18

I first should comment on how I found this law firm. I am an attorney myself, though never licensed in Arizona. I moved to Arizona to rejoin my wife and son, who had moved out to Arizona ahead of me. Things soured. I don't know why, but they did. There was a particular issue for me with inherited property. I did some basic Internet research, and Hildebrand's name kept coming up as the author of scholarly articles on the issue concerning me. I asked that Hildebrand be assigned to my case. This was not possible, but his second in command, Mr. Micuda, took over, and Mr. Micuda knows his business. The initial scheduled 1 hour meeting ran for an hour and 45 minutes, and facts, law, and strategy were fully discussed. Throughout the case, everything was explained to me clearly, both verbally and in writing. Proceedings went forward without delay. Because I had selected one of the most prominent Domestic Relations firms in town, there was no serious opposition. This ended up being an essentially co-operative divorce between the two sides, the reasoning being to conserve assets rather than enrich lawyers. Through a series of 3 or 4 payments, I put up about $10,000 for fees and costs. I found the Hildebrand law firm's billings to be fair. They billed for work done; no padding. I am getting about 25% of what I paid in back, as a refund. The matter was done in about 6 months: divorce, agreed property settlement, agreed support provisions as to my son. My matters were handled by an attorney and paralegal team, and handled efficiently. Mine was not a "big" case in terms of its economic value to anyone, but I did not feel like a second or third class citizen; I was treated with the same respect, even though the dispute was over a condo, as opposed to, say, a Scottsdale mansion with land. This may sound strange, but i was actually somewhat sorry that the matter had to come to a conclusion. I felt that I had been treated like a friend, not just an anonymous customer. Being a practical man, I realize it's down to sending a Christmas or other seasonal card. As I said at the outset, I found this place by dint of my own research. I feel I am a lucky man that I did.

Jim Caryl

22:53 26 Jul 18

I interviewed several firms and selected Hildebrand Law for my difficult military divorce as a direct result of their whole family concern and integrity. During the interview process the professionals at Hildebrand Law were as concerned for the well being of my children as I was and ensured that they presented several options along the way to ensure that we protected my children's needs as well as my financial situation. At each decision point they laid out a clear path, how it impacted the children, the financial situation. They even reminded me that my ultimate stated goal was the best interest of my children each time the other party got particularly challenging and my frustration was getting the better of me. The owner handled my case personally and was exceptionally well versed in the unique aspects of a divorce involving the military and associated benefits. Won't need them again (fingers crossed!!! :) ) but would totally recommend them to anyone!

sandi rigney

17:19 28 Jun 18

We had a fairly complicated case in Family Court and Juvenile Court. Kip was an excellent attorney. He covered every base there was to cover and left no stone unturned. I would highly recommend him to anyone going through custody proceedings. Hildebrand Law is an excellent law firm and I am confident that Kip or any of their other attorneys would do an excellent job! Thanks Kip and Hildebrand Law!

PrinceAiden Johnson

17:15 13 Jun 18

The firm of Hildebrand Law is top notch. It's necessary to state again that Kent Millward is the epitome of excellence in a vast community of attorneys and will fight valiantly for you. We hired Kent and discovered a very good attorney with a good heart. For great family law representation and more this is the Law Firm for you. To Chris, Kent, Alison and all of Hildebrand Law, Thank you so much!

Bassam Ziadeh

21:20 02 Apr 18

I retained Hildebrand Law after interview a number of firms in the valley. Working with Michael C. was incredibly easy and informative. My case progressed in such a organized and thought out way to ensure that my needs were met. Michael was incredibly proactive and was able to see far ahead into my case to steer clear of some roadblocks. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael Clancy, and Hildebrand Law in general, to anyone.

Larry Flint

21:53 27 Feb 18

I have worked with Hildebrand law for about 8 years. They are always ready to serve, provide guidance and give you a few options. When they provide you options they also take the time to walk you through the pros and cons of each and give you a recommendation of what is best, but will listen to you and support whatever course you choose after making and educated choice. I’d recommend them to my closest friends and feel Chris Hildebrand is now a friend to me.

A Google User

16:03 22 Nov 17

Dear Stacey and Kip, How can I ever thank you enough for helping me through the most difficult time in my life? I couldn't put into words my heartfelt gratefulness. You both were so compassionate and professional at every given moment throughout this process with me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You helped me to regain my freedom.

A Google User

21:41 07 Nov 17

I just want to again thank the Firm for working with me all that it has. I could not have done anything without everyone's assistance. You, Chris and Stacey have been and continue to provide me with compassion and hard work towards my case. Also a very special thanks to Kip for taking my case in the beginning. Also continued support from him and his dedication to providing me with his expertise in this matter.

A Google User

18:16 18 Sep 17

Chris is a smart and aggressive attorney for his clients. Chris always tries to reach a fair settlement of his cases. I’ve represented clients when Chris was the opposing counsel and while he is professional and amicable to work with, he does not back off on what he needs to do for his client

Lindsay Donoian

06:53 27 Sep 14

I cannot express enough how thankful I am that I found Hildrebrand Law. Chris Hildebrand is an excellent attorney who has my best interests in mind and always encourages me to do the right thing regardless of what the opposing party is doing. Chris knows family law very well and relies on that knowledge to format options and solutions for each situation that may arise. He knows what the Court expects and what will and will not be tolerated. He has attempted to settle this case quickly and as inexpensively as possible from the start. His paralegal, Laura, is remarkable. She is organized, quick to respond, and compassionate. Chris is well prepared with a binder full of detailed and organized information and that is likely due to her thorough skills and expertise. While getting a divorce that was unexpected is a painful and difficult process, Chris and Laura treat my family and I like friends rather than another just "client." I am hopeful that I do not need to recommend divorce lawyers to anyone in the future but if I do, Hildebrand Law will be a recommendation I would give hands down.

Sam Franchimone

22:09 12 Sep 13

Despite the unfortunate situation I found myself in, Chris Hildebrand @ Hildebrand Law helped me maneuver every step with professionalism, expertise, and even a sensitivity that was an added bonus. Chris and his staff helped me even when I didn't know I needed the help. In other words. . . they made sure we did not leave anything undone. And in the rare instance we needed the expertise of another professional, Chris knew exactly who to recommend. Chris also knew, because of his experience, what to anticipate down the road of litigation. That meant we were better prepared to meet the challenges head on, which lead to a more equitable and fair outcome. I appreciated that Chris did his best to meet my every need in a timely fashion, even if I had a simple question that required only a phone call or e-mail or if we needed to talk face-to-face. I highly recommend Chris Hildebrand @ Hildebrand Law, PC.

Next Reviews

Change Circumstances to Change Custody in Arizona

Change in Circumstances to Change Child Custody in Arizona

Change In Circumstances and the One Year Year in Arizona

More Articles About Child Custody in Arizona

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