Violations that Impact Custody in Phoenix

Gillespie, Shields & Associates

In recent years, there have been several different changes to child custody laws in Arizona. One of the biggest changes pertains to cases that involve domestic violence. When parents choose to divorce or break up, the court will have to decide who gets joint or sole custody of the children. In cases where one parent has been convicted of domestic violence or has been a perpetrator of domestic abuse in the past few years, the court may deny that parent custody or visitation.

In Arizona, domestic violence is a criminal violation that impacts custody case outcomes. In these types of cases, the court will usually award sole legal and physical custody to the parent who was the victim. The court must always make a decision that is in the best interests of the child. That is why many parents who are convicted of domestic abuse are not allowed to have child custody privileges.

In some cases, the domestic violence offender may appeal the court’s decision or prove to the court that he/she has changed for the better. The parent may demonstrate that he/she can provide a safe and nurturing relationship for the child if he/she is able to:

show the relationship is in the child’s best interest
show that he/she has completed a treatment program to correct prior abusive behaviors
show that he/se completed a drug and/or alcohol treatment program
show that he/she participated in parenting classes
show that he/she adhered to the terms of all restraining order and orders of protection, if these orders were issued

Arizona Domestic Violence Lawyers

Proudly Serving Clients throughout Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler & Gilbert

If you are a parent who has been convicted or accused of domestic violence and you wish to obtain custody of your child, it is important that you speak with a Phoenix domestic violence lawyer that as a great understanding of custody violations. Contact Gillespie, Shields & Associates to review your domestic violence case today!