Custody and child support
A parenting plan built around your children’s weeks
The court decides two things about children: who makes the big decisions, like school, doctors and religion, and when each parent has them. It also sets child support, using a formula based on both parents’ income and what the children need.
Many custody cases end with a plan both parents signed rather than a ruling. When the other parent won’t agree, I take it to the judge, and I prepare you for every question before you’re asked.
What we work out for your children
The big decisions
School, health care and religion: whether you decide them together or one parent has the final word.
Parenting time
Weekdays, weekends, holidays, summers and who drives to the exchange, written down so nobody has to argue it again.
Child support
Figured from both incomes, health insurance and child care, the way the court’s worksheet figures it.
Changes later
A new job, a move or a child who’s grown: plans and support can be changed when life changes.
What Yuma parents ask about custody
Does the mother always get custody?
No. Judges look at what’s best for the children, not at which parent is the mother or the father. Many plans share time between both homes.
We were never married. Do I still need a court order?
It helps. Without an order, neither parent has a schedule the police or a school will enforce. If paternity hasn’t been established, we start there.
The other parent lives in Mexico. Can we still make a plan?
Often, yes. Plans can cover visits across the border, video calls and who keeps the passports. Bring whatever papers you have from either country.
Can my child choose where to live?
A judge may listen to an older child’s wishes, but the child doesn’t decide. I’ll explain how children are heard without putting them in the middle.
Start a plan your children can count on
Bring your work schedule and theirs. We’ll sketch a plan at the first meeting.