How to get supervised visitation in Arizona

In Arizona, courts use the terms legal decision-making and parenting time. A parent can ask the superior court for supervised parenting time in a new case or by changing an existing order.

Step by step

  1. Check for an existing case If a court order already covers legal decision-making and parenting time, changes are usually made in that same case. Arizona family cases are filed in the superior court of the county where a parent lives.
  2. Know the residency rules The Arizona Judicial Branch says a divorce needs 90 days of Arizona residency. If children are involved, they must have lived in Arizona for at least 6 months before filing.
  3. Get the right forms The Self-Service Center lists forms for divorce with children, legal separation with children, paternity, and summary consent decrees. Each case with children includes a Parenting Plan, which sets when the child is with each parent and how legal decisions are made.
  4. Say what you are asking for In the petition and parenting plan, describe the parenting time you want. If you want supervised parenting time, state that, who would supervise, the schedule, and who would pay. Arizona law lets the court pick a professional agency or one or more laypeople as supervisor in domestic violence cases.
  5. Change an existing order In Maricopa County, the form is the Petition to Modify Legal Decision-Making, Parenting Time and Child Support (DRMC11F). The county lists reasons such as domestic violence after the order, a child's surroundings that may endanger them, or an order that is over 1 year old and a change serves the child's best interests. Other counties have their own versions.
  6. Complete the Parent Education Program Parents in these cases are usually ordered to take a parent education class. Cost is generally $40 to $50 depending on the provider, and fee waivers are available for eligible people. Ask your county court for approved classes.
  7. Attend the hearing The judge decides legal decision-making and parenting time and can order supervision. Bring your parenting plan and any records the court asks for.
  8. After the order, choose a provider Once supervised parenting time is ordered, contact a supervision provider, complete intake, and schedule visits. Payment terms follow the order.

Forms

Good to know

Sources