Custody
Legal decision-making and parenting time.
Forms to establish, respond to, or modify custody arrangements in Arizona.
Overview
In Arizona, the courts use the terms “legal decision-making” and “parenting time” instead of “custody.” These orders determine who makes important decisions for a child (such as education, healthcare, and religion) and how much time each parent spends with the child.
When Custody May Apply
Parents are divorcing or legally separating
Unmarried parents want to establish custody and parenting time
A parent wants to modify an existing custody order due to changed circumstances
One parent needs to enforce current orders for parenting time or decision-making
Forms You’ll Need
To establish, modify, or enforce custody, you may need to file:
Petition to Establish Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time
Parenting Plan form
Petition to Modify Custody or Parenting Time
Response to Petition (if contesting)
Emergency or Temporary Orders (in urgent situations)
(Exact forms vary by county—check with your local Superior Court or the Arizona Courts self-help center for the most up-to-date forms.)
Key Considerations for Fathers
Best interests of the child: Arizona law requires judges to base custody decisions on what’s best for the child, not the parent.
Parenting time and child support: Parenting time often impacts child support calculations.
Equal rights: Fathers have the same legal right as mothers to seek decision-making authority and parenting time.
Modifications: Custody orders can be changed if there’s a significant shift in circumstances (income, relocation, child needs, etc.).
Resources & Support
The information offered on this site is made available as a public service and is not intended to take the place of legal advice. If you do not understand something, have trouble filling out any of the forms, or are not sure these forms and instructions apply to your situation, see an attorney for help. Consult a state Law Library or the Legal Aid Resources page for information on free or reduced cost legal aid for more information.
Not all forms may be accepted in all Arizona courts – you should contact the clerk of the court in which you will be filing to confirm the use of a particular form, determine whether any additional forms are required and verify the filing fees. The Arizona Bar Foundation assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents.