An Arizona child custody case can last quite differently. This depends on a number of different factors, including whether or not the case is contested, the complexity of the issues involved, and newly signed changes in the law involving custody rights and custody agreements.
As of 2025, there are certain revised family laws in Arizona that affect the custody process. Knowing the changes will allow parents to learn more about the system and be able to comprehend child custody arrangements, custody schedules, and visitation schedules more easily.
Average Duration of Custody Cases
Uncontested Custody Cases
An uncontested case of custody is where the two parents have settled on all aspects of the custody arrangement, including the responsibilities of the parents, physical custody, legal custody, joint custody, shared custody, and time with the child
In Arizona’s 2025 family law reforms, all but a few child custody battles are required to go through court-ordered mediation prior to being forwarded to trial. This provision is intended to settle disagreements more harmoniously and in most cases leads to faster, better outcomes, particularly with regard to the best interests of the children.
If the parents reconcile with the help of mediation, they may have the process completed in three to six months. The court will order custody according to the agreed custody schedule, including visitation schedules or supervised visitation when appropriate.
Contested Custody Cases
In a contested custody proceeding, parents cannot mutually agree on one or more of the terms of the child custody provisions. These proceedings usually involve the courts and can include a parent ad litem to represent the best interests of the child.
Contested cases will be 6 to 18 months or longer. The length of time depends on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the case, fights over primary custody, sole custody, split custody, or temporary custody, and recent legislative changes.
Some of the recent developments in Arizona law are a presumption of joint parenting responsibilities and a requirement for mandatory mediation. They are intended to eliminate controversy and speed up the resolution of child custody disputes.
Factors Influencing Case Length
There can be many factors influencing the duration of a child custody case:
Parental Cooperation: Amicable parents are more likely to reach agreement earlier, reducing the need for lengthy litigation.
Complex Issues: Physical or drug abuse, drug dependency, or severe disagreements about significant decisions in the child’s life, extracurricular activities outside school, or where the child lives extend cases because they involve assessments and investigations.
Court Backlog: Court hearing availability dictates how quickly a case moves forward.
Legal Representation: Skilled family law attorneys are able to manage enforcement of custody, draft custody amendments, and offer fair consideration of the interests of noncustodial parents.
Recent Legal Trends in Arizona
Arizona has introduced some changes effective since 2025 that affect child custody arrangements:
Mandatory Mediation: Most temporary orders and emergency custody disputes must be referred to court-approved mediation before trial.
Equal Parenting Presumption: Both parents are considered equal in custody jurisdiction so that children can maintain a relationship with both the parents.
New Child Support Guidelines: New guidelines consider the cost of living and shared parenting. They give adequate support financially to needy children.
Working through the Custody Process
Understanding the steps can help parents formulate expectations:
Filing the Petition: A parent petitions for legal custody, primary custody, or primary physical custody.
Mediation: Necessary in most situations before a court hearing.
Custody Evaluation: Where cases are complex, a judge weighs the child’s desire and the well-being of the child by both parents.
Court Hearings: If mediation is not successful, hearings make orders on interim matters, visitation, or supervised visitation.
Issuance of Custody Order: The court makes a ruling on the kind of child custody in consideration of the best interests of the child.
Role of Family Law Attorneys
- A competent family law lawyer is capable of providing essential guidance:
- Offer advisory services on custody rights, changing custody, or enforcement.
- Advise parents in relation to court hearings or mediation.
- Facilitate the development of comprehensive child custody arrangements and parenting plans.
- Satisfy significant decisions in a child’s life.
The length of an Arizona child custody case depends on whether the case is contested, degrees of complexity in the issues, and legal notices.
By becoming informed on the process and receiving appropriate legal counsel, parents can make wise decisions regarding child custody schedules, visitation schedules, primary custody, joint custody, or shared custody, all in the best interest of the child.
If you’re having a child custody issue, call a family attorney in Phoenix. They can assist you in child custody arrangements, enforcement of custody, and protecting your rights and your child’s welfare.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait to protect your custody rights and secure the best future for your child. Contact Smith & Green Law today to discuss your child custody arrangements, custody schedule, and any temporary or emergency custody concerns. Early action can make a significant difference in achieving a fair and timely resolution.