Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

The biological father does have visitation rights. However, a court could declare that they have abandoned the child and forfeited those rights by not properly caring for a child, trying to be involved in their life, etc., for a certain prolonged period of time. And just because he has now been ordered to pay child support does not affect his visitation rights. He has visitation rights either way unless, as stated above, a court has relinquished his parental rights or he has voluntarily done so. If the father lives out of state, then yes, the child could be transported to that state and back for visitation. Let me know if there is anything else I might be able to help you with. Best of luck!

You can resist any efforts he may pursue for visitation based upon the child's best interests. he will have to convince a Judge that, despite his lack of involvement, it is in the child's best interests to visit out-of-state. I would not like his chances until he shows a pattern of responsible involvement. Paying child support has nothing to do with it.

We can certainly help you consider and then pursue your options.

One of our attorneys can explain the issues and procedures better in person. As you can imagine, there is too much to cover via email. We offer free 1/2 hour consultations, in which we can discuss your matter in detail.

Please call us directly to discuss the specifics of your matter, or contact my assistant Gloria or my paralegal Jennifer to schedule your free 1/2 hour consultation

/s/ Rich J. Peters

RJ PETERS & ASSOC., P.C.

1422 North 2nd Street, Suite 100

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

602-254-7251

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