questions & answers

Question: I have 2 kids, ages 1 & 2. I have for the same company for 5 years. The father of my kids and I split up about 8 mos ago. Since the split we have shared custody. I drop the kids off before work (4 days a week w/his grandma watching them) and pick them up after work on 2 of the days, the other 2 they usually spend the night there. He has recently filed in court for joint custody and child support. He is unable to hold a steady job for more than a few months at a time. He also has a history of drug use and violence. Am I at risk of loosing custody due to work? Should I put my kids in daycare?

Answer: Under A.R.S. section 25-411, a parent can modify a child custody plan when it is in the best interest of the child. (http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00411.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS). Factors that are taken into consideration when determining the best interest include the child’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being, the wishes of the child, etc. A complete list of factors can be found under A.R.S. section 25-403 (http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/25/00403.htm&Title=25&DocType=ARS). For more information, please visit the Family and Children topic on this website: http://www.azlawhelp.org/subtopic.cfm?mc=1. If a parent is suspected of child abuse or neglect, please contact Child Protective Services at 1.888.767.2445 or through their website: https://www.azdes.gov/child_protective_services/.