Parenting Plan; Guidelines: A Parenting Plan outlines for both parents the custody agreements, visitation schedules and all other details concerning the children they share. Both parents should keep a copy of this agreement, or plan, for their own personal files. This form is available in both Word and Rich Text formats.
When it comes to parenting arrangements in Arizona, legal custody refers to the rights and responsibilities of a parent regarding major decisions impacting their child's welfare and upbringing. The term "legal custody with parent" signifies that both parents share the decision-making authority, usually resulting in joint legal custody. In Arizona, there are two types of legal custody with parent: joint legal custody and sole legal custody. In joint legal custody, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities in making important decisions for their child's education, religious upbringing, medical care, extracurricular activities, and general welfare. It emphasizes cooperation, communication, and involvement from both parents, ensuring that significant choices are made together, promoting the best interests of the child. On the other hand, sole legal custody grants exclusive decision-making authority to one parent, typically due to circumstances indicating a lack of ability or willingness of the other parent to cooperate in important matters or if it's in the child's best interest. In such cases, the parent with sole legal custody holds the responsibility of making unilateral decisions regarding the child's upbringing, without requiring the input or agreement of the other parent. It is worth mentioning that legal custody with parent specifically focuses on decision-making authority and responsibilities, rather than physical custody or the child's residence. Physical custody determines where the child primarily resides, whereas legal custody solely pertains to the authority over decision-making in their life. Allowing for joint legal custody with parent aims to ensure that children maintain relationships with both parents and receive the benefits of shared decision-making. The courts in Arizona usually prefer joint legal custody unless proven otherwise, as it is generally believed to promote the child's overall well-being, provide stability, and allow for a consistent upbringing between the parents' households. In conclusion, legal custody with parent in Arizona generally refers to joint legal custody, where both parents have equal involvement in making important decisions for their child's welfare. However, in certain circumstances where cooperation or the child's best interests are at stake, sole legal custody may be granted to one parent. It is essential to understand the distinction between legal custody and physical custody while seeking appropriate arrangements that prioritize the child's needs and best interests.