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.
AZ legal custody with final decision-making authority refers to the legal arrangement where one parent is bestowed with the right to make major life decisions on behalf of the child. In Arizona, there are different types of legal custody with final decision-making authority, namely sole legal custody and joint legal custody with final decision-making authority. Sole legal custody with final decision-making authority in Arizona implies that one parent has the exclusive right to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, religious practices, and extracurricular activities. The non-custodial parent may be granted visitation rights, but they do not have the authority to make decisions affecting the child's welfare. On the other hand, joint legal custody with final decision-making authority in Arizona means that both parents have an equal say in major decisions affecting the child's life. This arrangement requires parents to collaborate and reach a consensus before making decisions related to education, medical treatments, religious activities, and other significant aspects of the child's upbringing. However, in circumstances where joint custody is not possible due to parental conflict or other issues, the court can grant one parent final decision-making authority. The determination of legal custody with final decision-making authority in Arizona primarily focuses on the best interests of the child. The court considers various factors such as the parents' ability to cooperate, their willingness to facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent, the child's preference (if old enough), and the physical and mental well-being of both parents. It is essential to note that legal custody with final decision-making authority does not relate to physical custody or the child's living arrangements. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily resides, while legal custody specifically deals with decision-making authority. Overall, AZ legal custody with final decision-making authority refers to the legal framework in Arizona that determines which parent is responsible for making significant life decisions for the child. The two distinct types include sole legal custody, where one parent has exclusive decision-making power, and joint legal custody with final decision-making authority, in which both parents share the responsibility of making important decisions.
