questions & answers

Question: My husband has 3 girls from a previous marriage (joint custody) and I have one son from a previous marriage. We moved into my 1800 sq.ft. home with 3 bedrooms as it is affordable for us without straining and comfortable as we see it. My son is in one room and the girls have the second bedroom with a bunk bed with a third trundle bed so each is able to sleep alone. However, thier mother is arguing that we don't have enough space for them and they aren't allowed to share a room. Is there a law or any grounds to this? Is our living arrangement acceptable?

Answer: Courts are concerned with the best interests of the child when custody is at issue. Factors the court will consider in determining the best interests of a child are listed under A.R.S. § 25-403. The statute does not list any requirements for living arrangements; rather, it focuses on how well a child is adjusted to the home and looks at the relationship between the parent and the child. If the children are well adjusted to the living arrangements, it is probably a non-issue. However, you may want to consult an attorney to advise you further if you feel your custody of the children will be challenged.