Divorce can turn into a stressful situation for both parties involved, including any children the couple may have together. Child custody — which usually brings child support with it — is often the most contentious part of a divorce for people who have children.
When Arizona parents get divorced, child custody often becomes the primary issue. Once an arrangement is reached, parents are expected to abide by it. Some circumstances, however, may warrant a change in child custody. An example of a situation that may be grounds for a child custody change recently occurred near Arizona.
An Arizona man accused of taking his 5-month-old daughter from her mother’s home without permission was arrested in Utah on Wednesday, police said. The 47-year-old father, who happens to be a captain with the local fire department, took the baby after a custody disagreement with the child’s mother, according to the local police department. Police said the father does not have custodial rights.
The father was stopped by the local highway patrol a few miles from the Arizona border, police said. The baby was found unharmed in the backseat of his truck. Police believed the man was headed toward Montana with the baby. Police said he is facing probable custodial interference and/or kidnapping charges.
The interests of children are almost always best served by the agreement of both parents. Divorced parents who can gather together to work out parenting plans and later modify them to include the needs of everyone involved – whether those needs include changing the schedule, moving, or some other issue – do their children a great kindness.
Arizona residents facing child custody issues should not feel overwhelmed. There are family legal professionals who can help in making the process a more peaceful, smooth transition. It is important for those facing child custody issues to seek answers and make sure their rights — and the rights of their children — are protected.
Source: kgun9.com, “Man arrested at Ariz-Utah border in custody case” Rikki Mitchell, Sep. 18, 2013
