Child Custody Attorney in Tempe

Board-Certified Family Law Representation for Tempe Parents

Arizona doesn’t use the word “custody” the way most people do. What matters in court is who holds legal decision-making authority and how parenting time is divided. These determinations shape your child’s daily life and your relationship with them for years to come. At BDB Law, our attorneys bring over 80 years of combined family law experience to Tempe parents navigating these disputes, with clear guidance and skilled representation at every stage.

If you’re facing a legal decision-making dispute or parenting time matter in Tempe, call our child custody attorneys at (602) 878-3133 to schedule a consultation.

Credentials That Matter in a Contested Custody Case

Founding attorney William D. Bishop is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Both credentials are held by a small fraction of family law practitioners in Arizona. Board certification requires demonstrated trial experience, peer review, and a rigorous written examination. Fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is by invitation, based on years of practice and professional standing.

Our firm holds top rankings from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting recognition from peers and other legal professionals. Our attorneys are listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 Edition, including a “Lawyer of the Year” honor. When you’re deciding who should represent you in a matter this important, recognition from other lawyers and judges carries real weight.

How Arizona Law Defines Legal Decision-Making & Parenting Time

Under Arizona law, “legal decision-making” refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s education, health care, and religious upbringing. “Parenting time” governs when the child lives with or visits each parent. Courts evaluate these two issues separately and can structure them differently depending on the family’s circumstances.

Under A.R.S. § 25-403.01, a court may award sole legal decision-making to one parent or joint legal decision-making shared between both. Joint legal decision-making doesn’t automatically mean equal parenting time, and sole legal decision-making doesn’t eliminate the other parent’s right to time with their child. Understanding that distinction helps parents set realistic expectations before entering the process.

What Arizona Courts Weigh: The Best-Interests Standard

A.R.S. § 25-403 requires courts to base legal decision-making and parenting time determinations on the best interests of the child. The statute lists specific factors judges must consider.

Statutory factors under A.R.S. § 25-403 include:

• The past, present, and potential future relationship between each parent and the child
• The child’s interaction with parents, siblings, and others who significantly affect their well-being
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• The wishes of the child, if the child is of suitable age and maturity
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
• Which parent is more likely to allow frequent, meaningful, and continuing contact with the other parent
• Whether domestic violence, spousal abuse, or child abuse has occurred, under A.R.S. § 25-403.03

In contested cases, the court must make specific findings on the record, addressing all relevant factors and explaining why the decision serves the child’s best interests. Preparation and documentation matter significantly in these hearings.

Child Custody Matters We Handle for Tempe Clients

Our family law practice covers the full range of legal decision-making and parenting time issues Tempe parents face, from initial determinations through enforcement and modification.

Legal Decision-Making Authority
We help parents pursue or defend arrangements governing major decisions about education, health care, and related matters. Whether the circumstances call for joint or sole authority, we build a case grounded in the statutory factors.

Parenting Time Schedules
We work with clients to establish detailed parenting plans covering routine schedules, holidays, vacations, and communication. A well-drafted plan can reduce future conflict by anticipating the situations that typically send families back to court.

Order Modifications
When circumstances change after an order is entered, we help parents petition for a modification. The timing rules under A.R.S. § 25-411 apply in most situations, and understanding those rules before filing is essential.

Child Relocation
Parents who want to relocate with a child face specific notice and court approval requirements under Arizona law. We assist with both relocation petitions and opposition to proposed relocations.

Interstate Jurisdiction
When parents live in different states, determining which court has jurisdiction under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act can be complicated. We handle these cross-state matters for Tempe families.

Paternity & Unmarried Parents
For unmarried parents, establishing paternity is the necessary first step before custody, parenting time, and child support can be addressed. We assist fathers and mothers through that process.

Grandparent & Noncustodial Parent Rights
Grandparents and other significant people in a child’s life may have standing to seek parenting time in certain circumstances. We advise clients on whether those rights apply to their situation.

Representation Options That Fit Your Needs & Budget

We offer pay-as-you-go, consultation-based, limited-scope, and full representation, so Tempe parents can access skilled counsel at a level that fits their circumstances. The right time to understand your position under Arizona law is before decisions are made, not after.

Contact BDB Law at (602) 878-3133 to speak with a child custody lawyer about your Tempe case.