After a divorce, some parents in Arizona have a custody battle that results in one having sole custody. However, it may be possible for the other parent to win back custody.
First, the parent needs to be honest about why the judge decided this would be in the best interests of the child. The parent may have been wrongly accused of neglect or abuse or may have violated a court order. In some cases, a parent may be required to fulfill certain obligations in order to get custody restored. This might include a parenting class or a treatment program for alcohol or drug abuse. The parent may also want to seek an attorney at this stage.
When the parent is working on fulfilling or has fulfilled court-ordered obligations, the parent can request an in-home evaluation from the court. A current home assessment may help in regaining custody. Parents should make sure to attend any court hearings or meetings with a mediator as well take advantage of any visitation time they have with their children. They should be courteous during any pickups or dropoffs and make an effort to avoid conflict. Parents might also want to consider whether they would be willing to share joint physical custody with the other parent rather than trying to win sole custody.
Disagreements over child custody are one of the more difficult aspects of divorce. Although parents want to do what is best for their children, it may be hard for them to accept spending less time with their children. However, they may be able to negotiate a child custody arrangement that suits them. If their children are older, the kids might also be involved in the decision. If the parents must go to court to decide, the standard that the judge will use is the best interests of the child.