questions & answers

Question: I have 3 children. They live with their mother in Arizona. I live overseas (with military wife). Our next base is in Japan. My childrens mother and I agreed to let the kids come with my wife and I to Japan for 4 years. I have joint custody of my kids. But they live with their mother full time. Do we just need a court order stating they will come with us and their mother agrees? Or do we need to change custody? please help.

Answer: You will definitely need good documentation.  Your best bet is to have your current wife discuss the issue with a JAG lawyer.  JAG should know exactly what you will need.  If JAG recommends a court order, it will be in your best interests to discuss the issue with a local lawyer familiar with family law.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  For a $75.00 fee, the Modest Means Program will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341. Both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Pima County Bar Association have lawyer referral services that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $40.00. The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.