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.
Legal Decision Making and Parenting time is more commonly known as custody. Please be aware that custody can be a difficult thing for parents to set up and agree to. You are encouraged to Visit a Law Library for general guidance.
Prior to filing a custody order you will need the following:
- Time and patience
- Names and dates of birth of children
- Proof of paternity (birth certificate, acknowledgment signed by the father, adoption order listing both parents, or a court order establishing paternity)
- Social security numbers for parents and children
- Current employer information for both parents (if known)
- Addresses and phone numbers for the both parents
- Know what parenting time agreement you wish to have
- Know what decision-making agreement you wish to have
- Know who will be responsible for the payments on medical, dental, and vision insurance
- ATLAS number (if applicable)
- Case number on child support papers
- If an interpreter is needed, you make the request when filing occurs
You can set up a court order for legal decision-making and parenting time (custody) if:
- You are the natural or adoptive parent of the minor child
- You are not legally married to the other parent
- Paternity has been decided
- The child has lived in Arizona for at least 6 months (or from birth) before you file
- You want a court order saying what state the child lives in or who is the decision maker when it comes to the child