Visitation and Parenting Time
Protecting Your Right to Time With Your Child
Creating Time That Matters—For You and Your Children
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important questions to answer is: How will we share time with our children? At Hernandez Family Law, we believe every child deserves a meaningful relationship with both parents—and every parent deserves time to be present in their child’s life.
Whether you’re creating a new parenting time agreement or trying to enforce or modify an existing one, we’ll help you protect your rights and do what’s best for your child.
What Is Parenting Time?
In Arizona, “parenting time” refers to the time a child spends with each parent. It’s often called visitation, but Arizona law uses the term parenting time to reflect a more active and equal role in a child’s life.
Parenting time can be:
- Equal (50/50 or nearly so)
- Unequal (where one parent has primary time and the other has scheduled visits)
The schedule may be detailed (with exact dates, times, and holidays) or more flexible, depending on the needs of the child and the parents’ ability to cooperate.
How Parenting Time Is Decided in Arizona
If you and your co-parent can agree on a parenting time plan, the court will usually approve it—so long as it supports your child’s best interests.
If you can’t agree, the court will make the decision. Arizona judges consider many factors, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
- Each parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent
- The mental and physical health of all parties
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s wishes (depending on age and maturity)
Our Approach to Parenting Time Agreements
- Prioritize your child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs
- Minimize conflict and confusion
- Account for holidays, vacations, and school breaks
- Are realistic and enforceable
Whether your goal is equal parenting time or a schedule that gives your child consistency and stability, we’re here to help you craft the right solution.
When Parenting Time Plans Break Down
Unfortunately, some co-parents don’t follow the plan—or circumstances change.
You may need help if:
- Your ex is denying visits or refusing to return your child on time
- The schedule no longer fits your child’s needs
- One parent is alienating the child from the other
- You’re facing a relocation or major change in schedule
- You want to enforce or modify an existing parenting time order
We can help you resolve these issues through negotiation or in court, depending on what’s best for your situation.
What If There’s a Safety Concern?
Parenting time orders must always protect the child’s safety and well-being. If there’s a concern about:
- Abuse or neglect
- Substance use
- Domestic violence
- Unsafe living conditions
We can help you request supervised visitation, emergency orders, or other legal protections. Your child’s safety comes first.
Why Choose Hernandez Family Law?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all parenting plans. Every family is different—and your child deserves a parenting schedule designed with care, thoughtfulness, and legal skill.
At Hernandez Family Law, we combine empathy with expertise. We listen to your goals, explain your options clearly, and fight for a result that helps your child thrive.
Your Time with Your Child Matters
Let’s Make It Count
If you need help with a parenting time plan—whether you’re starting fresh, modifying an existing one, or dealing with violations—we’re here to guide you.
📞 Call us today to take the next step toward a parenting time agreement that works.
Ready to Talk?
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll explain how the process works, help you determine if it’s right for your situation, and guide you toward the path that best supports your family’s well-being.
Send us message.
Let us know how we can help you.
