There are a huge number of factors that arise when it comes to dealing with child-custody cases in Arizona state courts. While the welfare of the child is the primary concern of all of the parties involved, determining the correct course of action takes into consideration a variety of conditions and possibilities for the future. In order to attain the best possible results for the future of your family, it is critical to have legal expertise and experience on your side in the courtroom. Gillespie, Shields, & Durrant have the experience that every family needs in order to heal wounds and resolve legal matters such as this as quickly and as painlessly as possible. The advice and resources that they can provide to family members has made them a leading Phoenix Child Custody Attorney for decades.

The courts are legally bound to never maintain any biases against either parent due to their age, gender, or race. Unfortunately, that is not always the case in reality. The past has been full of instances in which there were subtle discriminations present towards both sexes based on the conditions of the case. Having a leading attorney on your side can level the playing field, and ensure that justice prevails in the resolution of the case. The factors that courts evaluate are important for parents to consider as the proceedings begin and move forward.

The advisors from Gillespie, Shields, & Durrant can make parents familiar with all of the common criteria by which custody cases are typically judged. Despite the fact that the child is a minor, the state of Arizona does still take their wishes into consideration. Additionally, the wishes of the parents are heard in court as well, allowing the judge to gain appreciation for the desires of the family as a whole.

Once the basic desires for resolution have been presented, the specifics of the child's situation come under scrutiny, including how well the child adjusts to educational surroundings, the living environments that they face, and the potential community in which they will reside. Legal counsel can be critical is defining these parameters in the best possible light for the courts. Extremely serious matters such as any history of physical abuse or domestic violence will then come into play. In addition to legal matters, the mental and physical health of all family members involved will come under consideration well. Finally, evidence must be provided that relates to the willingness of each parent to develop a meaningful relationship with both the child and the other parent.

In the state of Arizona, parents can file for either joint or sole custody of the children in the proceedings. Expert lawyers must handle both of these claims in order to ensure swift closure for all parties concerned. While many parents desire joint custody to be the result of the proceedings, such rulings are only handed down when it is in the best interest of the children. Should joint custody become an option for parents, each parent will be required to sign and submit a written parenting plan in order to move forward.

These kinds of documents can be prepared with the assistance of the lawyers from Gillespie, Shields, & Durrant. Should disputes arise during this process in regard to the rights and visitation times for parents, the lawyer can stand in as a mediator. Extreme circumstances that are present for either parent also demand the services of a lawyer when it comes to child custody. Such circumstances include a history of drug offense, convictions for federal crimes, sexual offenses, and any unresolved legal matters

Contact Details :
Gillespie, Shields, & Durrant
7319 North 16th Street., Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85020
T: (602) 870-9700
F: (602) 870-9783
Website: http://www.gillaw.com/