Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: I am unmarried mother who has sole decision making of children. Father has no parenting rights. Ordered by court, can i move state without letting father know, I have a job offer and mother lives in state I want to move to

Answer: When you say that father has no parenting rights, do you mean that his parental rights have been severed?  Do you mean you have sole custody (legal decision-making) and he has no visitation rights with the children?  If dad's parental rights have been severed, you are free to move where ever you like without notifying him of the move.  If he has some visitation rights, you may be required to notify him.  Your legal requirements depend on understanding exactly what your situation is.  If his rights have not been terminated, you may want to take your custody papers to a lawyer for specific advice.  There are three programs in Arizona that you can use to get inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the modest means program.  You will need to apply for the program and meet the financial qualifications.  Once you are qualified, Modest Means will send you a list of attorneys whose practice covers your area of concern.  You select a lawyer from the list and will be entitled to a one hour consultation for $75.  If you need additional help and if the lawyer agrees to take your case, the most you will be charged is $75 per hours.  the telephone number is (866) 637-5341.  Both Maricopa County and Pima County have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney for $40.  The telephone number is  (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute attorney consult for $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.