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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.

What if the parents want to have joint legal decision making?

If the parents request joint legal decision making, they must submit to the court a written parenting plan indicating how they will cooperate to raise and care for the child. The court may order joint legal decision making without ordering equal parenting time. The court may order joint legal decision making even if one parent objects, but the decision of the court must be made in the best interests of the child.

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