Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: how long do I have to respond to child custody order

Answer: I am not 100% sure what you are asking.  If the judge has already issued the custody order, that means a petition was filed and you were served with that petition and given an opportunity to respond.  If you responded, there would have been a hearing before an order was issued.  Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 25-1064 allows you to appeal a custody order. You must file a notice of appeal in family court pursuant to Arizona Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rule 3. That notice must be filed within 14 days of the final order (Rule 4). If, on the other hand, the petition has been filed and served by you, but no order issued, you will need to promptly file a response.  You can find the forms you need and instructions in the self-help center on the Superior Court's website:www.azcourts.gov