Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Re: custodial interference

I'm assuming communication on this issue has broken down, or you wouldn't be asking this question. If your ex is ignoring the decree, the situation is intolerable and you want to take your ex to court, you have two or three choices.

1. Represent yourself. Maricopa County Superior court has a very helpful "self service center" (www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/ssc/info/gen_info.asp), but you'd have to call to see what sort of help is offered in other counties.

2. You can hire a lawyer to help you. Whether your do it yourself or hire someone will depend on a number of variables, like your comfort level with the process, your finances, whether your ex has a lawyer that you would have to contend with, etc.

3. Finally, depending on the problem, you and your ex can avoid court and mediate issues of access and parenting time to try to work out something that you can both live with. Mediation is always voluntary for both parties, so your ex would have to be willing. However, many people will opt for mediation rather than face costly litigation or going to court. Mediation works even where people have been fighting, and is not only for folks who had an "easy divorce."

I'm a lawyer-mediator and just do mediation, but if you need help with a lawyer referal, I'd be happy to give you names of reputable family lawyers in your area. If you're interested in mediation, I'd be happy to answer questions, or you can read more about it on my web site at www.yesmediation.com.