Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Child Custody/Support/Reasonable Visitation

The father of my son is named on his SC birth certificate. My son and I moved to Arizona 5 months ago. There was never a custody agreement or child support agreement between his father and I. His father would like my son to visit him for a couple of months this summer but I need to know what kind of legal documents I need to guarantee support, custody and most importatnly my son's return to me at the end of the visit. My funds are limited and therefore I can not afford a retainer at the moment.


Asked on 6/24/99, 5:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

D Patrick Zimmerman Law Offices of D Patrick Zimmerman

Re: Child Custody/Support/Reasonable Visitation

You may initiate Support procedings in the state you are now living . They will in turn initiate inter-state procedings in his state. He will either agree to paternity there or they will commence blood tests. IfW he is father support will follow. Go to your county support office at the courthouse for an appointment. With regard to custody, wait a month then see a lawyer to file for custody. The UCCJA requires six months residency of child for jurisdiction. Once you get an order in your state he will have to follow it or his state court can enforce your order. The federal Parental Interstate Kidnapping Act brings the FBI to enforce illegally taken or kept children. File a Complaint in Custody with a local atty.

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Answered on 7/07/99, 5:57 pm
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Re: Child Custody/Support/Reasonable Visitation

You and the father should agree on support, custody, and visitation. He must also

agree for Arizona to be the state where all of these matters may be decided. Then

put the agreement in writing and take it to the appropriate court in Arizona for

approval. Then and only then should you allow the child out of Arizona.

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Answered on 7/08/99, 11:42 pm


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