Arizona Dissolution With Children — Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time (2026)
Arizona overhauled its child custody terminology in 2013. If you are looking for "custody" provisions in Arizona forms, look for "legal decision-making authority" and "parenting time" instead.
Arizona Terminology (Since 2013)
| Old Term | Arizona Term |
|---|---|
| Custody | Legal decision-making authority |
| Visitation | Parenting time |
| Custodial parent | Primary residential parent |
| Non-custodial parent | Non-primary residential parent |
Legal Decision-Making Authority (ARS §25-403)
Legal decision-making authority covers decisions about the child's:
- Education (school selection, special services)
- Non-emergency medical and dental care
- Religious upbringing
- Personal care decisions
Joint legal decision-making: Both parents share decision-making authority. Most Arizona courts default to joint unless there is a history of domestic violence, abuse, or the parents cannot cooperate.
Sole legal decision-making: One parent has sole authority. Awarded when joint is not in the child's best interests.
Best Interest Factors (ARS §25-403)
Arizona courts evaluate the child's best interests using all of the following factors:
- Past, present, and potential future relationship between each parent and child
- The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
- Each parent's mental and physical health
- Which parent is more likely to allow frequent and meaningful contact with the other parent
- Whether one parent has provided primary care of the child
- Natural cohabitation of siblings
- Whether either parent was convicted of certain crimes
- Evidence of domestic violence or child abuse
Parenting Time Schedule
The Parenting Plan must specify a detailed schedule:
- Weekday and weekend schedule during the school year
- Summer schedule
- Holiday schedule (each named holiday, alternating years or split)
- Spring break, winter break
- Exchange times and locations
- Communication between child and non-primary parent
"Reasonable parenting time" is not acceptable — courts require specificity.
Child Support (ARS §25-320)
Arizona uses the Income Shares Model — both parents' incomes are combined, and the child support obligation is allocated proportionally.
Factors:
- Both parents' gross monthly incomes
- Number of children
- Parenting time adjustment (significant time with non-primary parent reduces obligation)
- Health insurance premiums
- Work-related childcare costs
- Other children the parents support
Calculate using: The Arizona Child Support Guidelines worksheet, generated through the Self-Service Center (selfservecenter.azcourts.gov).
Duration: Arizona child support continues until the child turns 18 and graduates high school — but not beyond age 19.
Required Parenting Education
Arizona requires parents in a dissolution involving children to complete an approved parenting class before the Decree is entered. Fee: typically $30–$75.
The Self-Service Center generates a Notice Regarding Parenting Classes with your packet.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | ARS §25-403 (best interests) | ARS §25-320 (child support) | "Legal decision-making authority" not "custody"
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.