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FAQ - Legal Decision Making and Parenting Time (Custody)

In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.

Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.

I am supposed to pick up my kids this weekend, but the other parent says I will not be allowed to have them. Can the court make the other parent give me the kids?

The court cannot enforce an order unless the other person has actually disobeyed it. If the other parent denies your parenting time, you can ask the court to enforce the parenting time order.  Your court might have a do-it-yourself packet for enforcement that includes forms and instructions. If not, many courts accept the packet of Maricopa County. Some courts offer special programs, such as counseling, or require additional steps, such as mediation.


Resources:
pdf Planning for Parenting Time: Arizona's Guide for Parents Living Apart (1.22 MB)

pdf Things to Know About Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time (491 KB)

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