Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: i need to know if it is legal for my husband to keep my kids away from me. were in the middle of a divorce and there is no custody order what can i do?

Answer: Because you are currently in the midst of a divorce, you have the right to file a motion with the Court requesting temporary orders that include legal decision-making and parenting time with the children.  Custody and visitation are now called legal decision-making and parenting time by the courts.  Your husband will be required to comply with such a court order if he wants to be considered a good parent.  Get legal help if you need it.  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.