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)

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:

1. Past, present, and potential future relationship between each parent and child
2. The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
3. Each parent's mental and physical health
4. Which parent is more likely to allow frequent and meaningful contact with the other parent
5. Whether one parent has provided primary care of the child
6. Natural cohabitation of siblings
7. Whether either parent was convicted of certain crimes
8. 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.