Facing a court hearing for child custody is often a unique experience for every parent. While this is one of the major decisions for both the child and parents, it usually occurs during one of the worst times in a family’s life. Not only are you occupied with issues related to the divorce agreement, but you also need to consider the best interests of the child. In this article, we provide a brief guide on how to prepare for a child custody hearing in Phoenix, Arizona, and what to expect.
What to Expect in a Child Custody Hearing in Phoenix, AZ
Legal cases related to family law are handled under the Arizona family court system. They include cases such as divorce, child custody, alimony, and other domestic relations matters. In these cases, the court prioritizes the best interests of children and aims to resolve family disputes with reasonable solutions that can satisfy both parties. The procedure usually follows these steps:
- Trial preparation: Your child custody lawyer files all petitions in the correct jurisdiction
- Review: The lawyer goes over the process, evidence, and your testimony with you in preparation for the hearing date
- The trial date arrives.
- Attorneys present opening arguments: During the trial, both parties share their arguments, with the petitioner presenting first.
- Evidence and witness presentation: The testimony and evidence from both sides are submitted to the judge.
- Closing arguments: both sides summarize their arguments and reiterate their stance
- Final decision: After reviewing all the evidence and testimony, the judge presents a final decision on all points in the petition within 60 days
Although this process is clearly laid out, court cases often come with a few anticipated surprises. This is why you should prepare for the process with an experienced attorney to ensure you understand what to expect and have all your evidence and testimony ready.
How to Prepare for a Child Custody Hearing in AZ
As you prepare for your child custody hearing in AZ, make sure you are completely upfront with your lawyer so they understand your specific circumstances and do not face any unexpected revelations during the hearing.
It is normal to feel anxious and stressed about your child custody hearing. The attorney ensures that you understand what to expect and the proper way to respond to the proceedings. They will also help you prepare all the information needed before the hearing and show you how to best conduct yourself for the best outcome.
How to Prepare for a Custody Hearing Without a Lawyer
In addition to preparing your testimony and evidence with a child custody lawyer, you also need to make sure you are physically and emotionally ready for your hearing. It is best to observe another trial presided over by the same judge in your case to understand their thought process and help you feel more comfortable and prepared on your hearing date. It also helps to research rules and regulations for the family court in your jurisdiction to get a better understanding of what to expect.
On your hearing day, wear professional business attire as you would when attending a job interview. A dignified and conservative appearance is the expected norm in the courts. Choose neutral colors and solids, and avoid prints. Also, make sure you do the following on your hearing date:
- Arrive early: This helps you to easily find parking or log in early in the case of a virtual hearing.
- Always refer to the judge as “Your Honor.”
- Do not bring new romantic partners with you to family court
- Take your time and speak clearly when answering questions.
- Ask for clarification if you are confused about a question
- Don’t interrupt others and always show respect
- Be well-organized for your hearing.
Get an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer
Before your child custody hearing in Arizona, you need to be thoroughly prepared. Proper preparation ensures you understand what to expect. It also helps you to stay calm and present a confident image that can benefit your case. Get in touch with our experienced attorney at Schill Law Group to help you prepare and increase the chance of a favorable outcome of your child custody case.
