Before You Start
Use this checklist to think through the details of legal decision-making, parenting time, holidays, school breaks, transportation, communication, travel, healthcare, and future disagreements.
Arizona Law Notes
An Arizona parenting plan is a document for parents who live apart and are parenting a child. It broadly establishes when a child will be with each parent and how legal decisions about the child will be made. Parenting plans must be consistent with the child's best interests. There are specific Arizona requirements for this plan. Details matter. For instance, it must include a reference to this paragraph: Both parents agree to follow the notification requirements of A.R.S. u00a7 25-403.05(B). Each parent must immediately notify the other parent if a convicted or registered sex offender or a person convicted of a dangerous crime against children as defined in A.R.S. u00a7 13-705 may have access to the child. Notice must be provided by first class mail return receipt requested, by electronic means, or by other communication accepted by the court.
Interactive Checklist
Work Through the Steps
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1. Weekly Parenting Time Schedule
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2. Holidays and Special Days
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3. Legal Decision-Making
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4. School and Activities
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5. Healthcare
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6. Parent Communication
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7. Child Communication
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8. Travel, Moves, and Safety
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9. Dispute Resolution
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FAQs
Common Questions
What should an Arizona parenting plan include?
It should include a parenting time schedule, legal decision-making terms, holiday schedules, transportation details, communication rules, and practical provisions for school, healthcare, travel, and disputes. It is also required to notify about sex offenders and have a process for resolving disputes before any court filing in the future.
Can parents create their own parenting plan?
Yes, parents can agree on a parenting plan, but it should still be clear, complete, and consistent with the child's best interests. It must also comply with Arizona rules or the judge will reject it.
What happens if a parenting plan is vague?
It might be rejected by the court and you will have to work on it again. Vague plans often cause conflict. If the plan does not address details about exchanges, holidays, school breaks, or decisions, parents may end up back in mediation or court.
Does the parenting plan affect child support?
Yes. Parenting time and certain child-related expenses can affect child support calculations under Arizona's Child Support Guidelines. The guidelines are partially based on where the child lives the majority of the time.
Talk With Best Law Firm
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
A clear parenting plan can prevent future conflict. Our Arizona family law team can help you create, review, or modify a parenting plan that fits your child's needs.
This checklist is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Arizona family law can be fact-specific, and court procedures may vary by county. If you are preparing to file, respond, negotiate, mediate, or appear in court, speak with an Arizona family law attorney about your situation.