PARENTING PLAN AND LEGAL DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENT

State of Arizona
Superior Court of Arizona, County of [________________________________]

Case Number: [________________________________]

In the Matter of:

[________________________________], Petitioner/Parent A

and

[________________________________], Respondent/Parent B

I. CASE INFORMATION

Date of Agreement: [__/__/____]

Related Case Type:

☐ Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
☐ Legal Separation
☐ Paternity/Parentage Action
☐ Petition to Establish Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time
☐ Modification of Existing Order
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Existing Court Orders Affecting This Plan:

☐ No existing court orders
☐ Order of Protection (Case No. [________________________________])
☐ Prior Parenting Plan or Legal Decision-Making Order (dated [__/__/____])
☐ Child Support Order (dated [__/__/____])
☐ Other: [________________________________]

II. INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHILDREN

This Parenting Plan applies to the following minor child(ren):

Children with Special Needs:

☐ No children have special needs relevant to this plan.
☐ The following child(ren) have special needs that affect this plan:

Child's Name: [________________________________]
Nature of Special Need: [________________________________]
Required Accommodations: [________________________________]

III. PARENT INFORMATION

Parent A

Parent B

IV. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SAFETY SCREENING

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-403.03, the Court must consider whether domestic violence has occurred. Both parents must complete this section truthfully.

A. Domestic Violence Disclosure

Parent A states:

☐ There has been NO history of domestic violence between the parties or involving the child(ren).
☐ There HAS been a history of domestic violence. Details are provided below or in a separate confidential filing.

Parent B states:

☐ There has been NO history of domestic violence between the parties or involving the child(ren).
☐ There HAS been a history of domestic violence. Details are provided below or in a separate confidential filing.

B. Orders of Protection

☐ No Orders of Protection have been issued involving either parent or the child(ren).
☐ An Order of Protection is currently in effect:
- Case Number: [________________________________]
- Issuing Court: [________________________________]
- Date Issued: [__/__/____]
- Expiration Date: [__/__/____]
- Protected Person(s): [________________________________]
- Restrained Person: [________________________________]

C. Rebuttable Presumption — Domestic Violence (A.R.S. § 25-403.03)

If the Court has found that a parent committed an act of domestic violence, a rebuttable presumption exists that an award of sole or joint legal decision-making to that parent is contrary to the child(ren)'s best interests. The parent who committed the act bears the burden of proving that parenting time will not endanger the child or significantly impair the child's emotional development. If that burden is met, the Court shall impose conditions that best protect the child and the other parent, which may include:

☐ Supervised parenting time (see Section XII of this plan)
☐ Exchanges in a protected setting
☐ Completion of a domestic violence intervention program
☐ Abstention from alcohol or controlled substances during and 24 hours before parenting time
☐ Posting of a bond for safe return of the child
☐ Keeping the address of the other parent and child confidential
☐ Other conditions: [________________________________]

D. Substance Abuse Screening (A.R.S. § 25-403.04)

☐ Neither parent has a history of substance abuse or drug-related convictions.
☐ A parent has been convicted of a drug offense under A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 34, or DUI under A.R.S. §§ 28-1381 through 28-1383, within twelve months before the filing of this action or request. The rebuttable presumption under A.R.S. § 25-403.04 applies.

E. Sex Offender Status (A.R.S. § 25-403.05)

☐ Neither parent is a registered sex offender or has been convicted of a dangerous crime against children.
☐ A parent is a registered sex offender or has been convicted of a dangerous crime against children as defined in A.R.S. § 13-705. Restrictions under A.R.S. § 25-403.05 apply.

Each parent acknowledges the obligation under A.R.S. § 25-403.05(B) to immediately notify the other parent if the parent knows that a registered sex offender or a person convicted of a dangerous crime against children may have access to the child(ren).

V. LEGAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-401(3), "legal decision-making" means the legal right and responsibility to make all nonemergency legal decisions for a child, including those regarding education, health care, religious training, and personal care.

A. Type of Legal Decision-Making

☐ Joint Legal Decision-Making — Both parents share the legal right and responsibility to make major nonemergency decisions for the child(ren). Neither parent's rights are superior except as specified below. (A.R.S. § 25-401(2))

☐ Sole Legal Decision-Making to Parent A — Parent A has the sole legal right and responsibility to make major decisions for the child(ren). (A.R.S. § 25-401(6))

☐ Sole Legal Decision-Making to Parent B — Parent B has the sole legal right and responsibility to make major decisions for the child(ren). (A.R.S. § 25-401(6))

B. Decision-Making Domains Under Joint Legal Decision-Making

If joint legal decision-making is selected, the following applies to major decisions:

C. Emergency Decisions

Either parent may make emergency decisions necessary to protect the health and safety of the child(ren) without the prior consent of the other parent. The parent making an emergency decision shall notify the other parent as soon as reasonably practicable and in no event later than [____] hours after the emergency decision is made.

D. Dispute Resolution for Decision-Making Disagreements

If the parents cannot agree on a major decision after good-faith discussion:

Step 1: The parents shall attempt informal negotiation for a period of [____] days.

Step 2: If informal negotiation fails, the parents shall:
☐ Attend mediation with a qualified family mediator
☐ Consult the appointed Parenting Coordinator (see Section XIII)
☐ Petition the Court for resolution

Step 3: If mediation or coordination is unsuccessful, either parent may petition the Court for a determination based on the child(ren)'s best interests under A.R.S. § 25-403.

VI. PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-403.02, this plan provides a practical schedule of parenting time. "Parenting time" means the schedule of time during which each parent has access to the child(ren). (A.R.S. § 25-401(5))

A. Regular Parenting Time Schedule

☐ Equal (50/50) Parenting Time — Select arrangement:
☐ Alternating weeks (Week 1/Week 2)
☐ 2-2-3 rotating schedule
☐ 2-2-5-5 rotating schedule
☐ 3-4-4-3 rotating schedule
☐ Other: [________________________________]

☐ Primary Residence with Parent A / Parenting Time with Parent B
☐ Primary Residence with Parent B / Parenting Time with Parent A

Detailed Weekly Schedule:

Midweek Parenting Time (if applicable):

The non-residential parent shall have midweek parenting time on:
Day: [________________________________]
From: [________________________________] To: [________________________________]

☐ Includes overnight ☐ Does not include overnight

B. Schedule Commencement

This parenting time schedule shall begin on [__/__/____].

C. Make-Up Parenting Time

If a parent misses scheduled parenting time for reasons other than an emergency, the parents shall make reasonable efforts to reschedule the missed time within [____] days. If the parents cannot agree on make-up time, the time is forfeited unless the Court orders otherwise.

VII. HOLIDAY AND SPECIAL OCCASION SCHEDULE

The holiday schedule takes priority over the regular parenting time schedule. Unless otherwise stated, holiday parenting time begins at the time specified and the child(ren) shall be exchanged at the designated Exchange Location.

A. Holiday Allocation

B. Additional Special Occasions

C. Holiday Schedule Clarifications

1. If a holiday falls on a Monday, the holiday period begins Friday at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified above.
2. If a holiday falls during one parent's regular parenting time, the holiday schedule controls.
3. Mother's Day is always with the mother; Father's Day is always with the father, regardless of the regular schedule.
4. The parents shall alternate who has priority in selecting vacation weeks. In even years, Parent A selects first; in odd years, Parent B selects first.

VIII. SUMMER/EXTENDED VACATION SCHEDULE

A. Summer Vacation Parenting Time

☐ The regular parenting time schedule continues through summer.
☐ The summer schedule is modified as follows:

Each parent shall have [____] weeks of uninterrupted summer vacation time with the child(ren).

Selection Deadlines:
- Parent with first selection: Notify the other parent by [________________________________] (e.g., April 1).
- Parent with second selection: Notify the other parent by [________________________________] (e.g., April 15).

Summer Schedule Restrictions:
- Vacation weeks may not include the other parent's holiday time.
- Each parent's vacation time shall consist of no more than [____] consecutive weeks unless otherwise agreed.
- The summer schedule shall begin [________________________________] and end [________________________________].

B. Other School Breaks

IX. TRANSPORTATION AND EXCHANGES

A. Exchange Location(s)

☐ The receiving parent picks up the child(ren) at the other parent's residence.
☐ The sending parent drops off the child(ren) at the other parent's residence.
☐ Exchanges occur at a neutral location: [________________________________]
☐ Exchanges occur at the child(ren)'s school or daycare during school days.
☐ Other arrangement: [________________________________]

B. Transportation Responsibility

☐ The receiving parent (the parent whose time is beginning) provides transportation.
☐ The sending parent (the parent whose time is ending) provides transportation.
☐ Transportation is shared equally.
☐ Other: [________________________________]

C. Exchange Protocols

1. The child(ren) shall be ready at the scheduled exchange time. A grace period of [____] minutes is allowed. If the receiving parent has not arrived or communicated a delay within [____] minutes, the exchange is considered forfeited for that period.

2. Both parents shall ensure that exchanges are conducted in a civil, conflict-free manner. Neither parent shall engage in arguments, confrontations, or discussions of adult issues during exchanges.

3. The child(ren) shall be sent with:
   - Sufficient clothing for the parenting time period
   - School supplies, homework, and any necessary educational materials
   - Prescription medications with instructions
   - Necessary personal comfort items (for young children)
   - Sports or activity equipment if activities are scheduled

4. Both parents shall ensure that all child(ren) travel in age-appropriate, properly installed child safety restraint systems as required by A.R.S. § 28-907.

D. Protected Exchanges (If Applicable)

☐ This section does not apply.
☐ Exchanges shall occur in a protected setting due to safety concerns:
- Location: [________________________________]
- Supervised by: [________________________________]
- Cost responsibility: ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B ☐ Shared equally

X. COMMUNICATION

A. Communication Between Parents

1. The parents shall communicate regarding the child(ren) through:
   ☐ Direct phone calls or text messages
   ☐ Email only
   ☐ A court-approved co-parenting application (e.g., OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents)
   ☐ Other: [________________________________]

2. Both parents shall respond to non-emergency communications regarding the child(ren) within [____] hours.

3. Emergency communications shall be responded to immediately by the most direct means available.

B. Communication Between Parent and Child(ren)

1. The child(ren) shall have reasonable telephone, video, and electronic communication with the non-residential parent. The following schedule applies:

☐ Daily calls/video chats between [________________________________] and [________________________________]
☐ [________________________________] times per week at reasonable times
☐ Unrestricted reasonable contact at appropriate times
☐ Other: [________________________________]

2. Neither parent shall monitor, record, or intercept communications between the child(ren) and the other parent without prior written consent or court order.

3. Neither parent shall limit, interfere with, or discourage the child(ren)'s communication with the other parent.

C. Access to Records and Information

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-408(G), both parents shall have equal access to all documents and other information concerning the child(ren)'s education and physical, mental, moral, and emotional health, including medical records, unless restricted by court order. Each parent shall ensure that schools, medical providers, and other institutions have the other parent's contact information and recognize both parents' right of access.

XI. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

☐ This section does not apply.
☐ Right of first refusal applies as follows:

If the parent exercising parenting time will be away from the child(ren) for more than [____] consecutive hours (excluding school hours and regular childcare), that parent shall first offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the child(ren) before arranging alternative childcare.

Procedure:
1. The parent needing childcare shall notify the other parent at least [____] hours in advance (or as soon as practicable in the event of an emergency).
2. The other parent shall respond within [____] hours of notification.
3. If the other parent declines or does not respond, the requesting parent may arrange alternative childcare.
4. Transportation for right of first refusal shall be the responsibility of: ☐ The parent exercising the right ☐ The parent requesting childcare ☐ Shared equally.

XII. SUPERVISED PARENTING TIME (IF APPLICABLE)

☐ This section does not apply. Both parents shall have unsupervised parenting time.

☐ Supervised parenting time is required for Parent [____] for the following reasons:

☐ Court-ordered due to domestic violence findings (A.R.S. § 25-403.03)
☐ Court-ordered due to substance abuse findings (A.R.S. § 25-403.04)
☐ Court-ordered due to sex offender status (A.R.S. § 25-403.05)
☐ Agreement of the parties due to safety concerns
☐ Transitional arrangement (step-up plan toward unsupervised time)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

A. Supervision Arrangements

B. Supervisor Requirements

The supervisor shall:
1. Be present at all times during the visit and maintain visual and auditory contact with the child(ren).
2. Intervene immediately if the child(ren)'s safety or well-being is at risk.
3. Terminate the visit if the supervised parent engages in inappropriate behavior, is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or violates any condition of supervision.
4. Provide written reports to the Court or attorneys as required.

C. Conditions for Transitioning to Unsupervised Parenting Time

The supervised parent may petition the Court for unsupervised parenting time upon demonstrating the following:

☐ Completion of a Court-approved domestic violence intervention program
☐ Completion of a substance abuse treatment program and [____] months of verified sobriety
☐ Completion of a parenting education course
☐ Favorable recommendation from the supervising agency or therapist
☐ Psychological or risk assessment supporting transition
☐ Other: [________________________________]

XIII. PARENTING COORDINATOR (IF APPLICABLE)

☐ This section does not apply.

☐ A Parenting Coordinator is appointed by mutual agreement of the parties pursuant to Rule 74, Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure.

A. Parenting Coordinator Information

B. Scope of Authority

The Parenting Coordinator shall have authority to:

1. Facilitate agreement on disputed issues relating to the implementation of the parenting plan.
2. Make decisions regarding implementation, clarification, and minor adjustments to the parenting time schedule when parents cannot agree.
3. Address parenting challenges not specifically covered by this plan that the parents cannot resolve independently.

The Parenting Coordinator shall NOT have authority to:

1. Modify child support or spousal maintenance.
2. Change the allocation of legal decision-making authority.
3. Make major changes to the parenting time schedule.
4. Allocate property or debt.

C. Term and Cost

• The Parenting Coordinator appointment shall be for a period of [____] months/years, subject to renewal by mutual written agreement.
• The cost of the Parenting Coordinator shall be allocated: ☐ Parent A: [____]% / Parent B: [____]% ☐ Equally ☐ As ordered by the Court.

XIV. CO-PARENTING CONDUCT AND GUIDELINES

A. General Obligations

Both parents agree to the following standards of conduct in the best interests of the child(ren):

1. Positive Environment. Each parent shall foster a loving, stable, and nurturing environment and shall encourage the child(ren)'s love, affection, and respect for the other parent.

2. No Disparagement. Neither parent shall make negative, derogatory, or demeaning comments about the other parent, the other parent's family, or the other parent's household in the presence or hearing of the child(ren).

3. No Interference. Neither parent shall interfere with the other parent's parenting time or attempt to alienate the child(ren) from the other parent.

4. Punctuality. Both parents shall be punctual for all exchanges and shall notify the other parent promptly of any unavoidable delay.

5. Flexibility. Both parents shall exercise flexibility and reasonableness regarding schedule changes when consistent with the child(ren)'s best interests.

6. Consistency. Both parents shall strive for reasonable consistency in rules, discipline, and routines between households.

B. Information Sharing

Each parent shall promptly share with the other parent:

1. Report cards, progress reports, and educational communications
2. Medical, dental, and mental health information, including treatment plans
3. Extracurricular activity schedules and event notifications
4. School event invitations and school calendar changes
5. Emergency contact information changes
6. Any school disciplinary actions or legal proceedings involving the child(ren)

Information shall be provided within [____] days of receipt.

C. Substance Use Restrictions

1. Neither parent shall consume alcohol or controlled substances to the point of impairment during parenting time or within [____] hours before parenting time begins.
2. No parent shall possess, use, or allow the use of illegal substances in the presence of the child(ren) or during parenting time.
3. Prescription medications shall be taken as prescribed and shall not impair a parent's ability to safely care for the child(ren).

D. New Partners and Household Members

1. Neither parent shall allow a romantic partner to be present during exchanges unless otherwise agreed.
2. Each parent shall notify the other parent within [____] days if any person with a criminal history involving violence, sex offenses, or offenses against children will reside in or regularly visit the household where the child(ren) reside.
3. Each parent has an independent duty under A.R.S. § 25-403.05(B) to immediately notify the other parent if a registered sex offender may have access to the child(ren).

E. Firearm Safety

All firearms, ammunition, and weapons in either household shall be stored unloaded, in a locked container or with a trigger lock, and in a location inaccessible to the child(ren), in compliance with applicable Arizona law.

XV. HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL DECISIONS

A. Routine Medical Care

The parent exercising parenting time may authorize routine medical, dental, and vision care for the child(ren). Routine care includes well-child checkups, sick visits, dental cleanings, and immunizations consistent with the current schedule.

B. Non-Emergency Major Medical Decisions

Elective surgeries, orthodontic treatment, mental health treatment, medication changes, and other significant medical decisions require:

☐ Joint agreement of both parents
☐ Consent of the parent with sole legal decision-making authority

C. Emergency Medical Care

Either parent may consent to emergency medical treatment necessary to protect the child(ren)'s life or health without prior consent of the other parent. The parent authorizing emergency care shall:

1. Notify the other parent within [____] hours of the emergency.
2. Provide the name and contact information of the treating facility and physician.
3. Share all medical records and discharge instructions promptly.

D. Health Insurance

Health insurance for the child(ren) shall be maintained by:
☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B ☐ Both parents (as available through employment)

Unreimbursed and out-of-pocket medical, dental, orthodontic, vision, and mental health expenses shall be allocated:
☐ Parent A: [____]% / Parent B: [____]%
☐ Equally (50/50)
☐ In proportion to income
☐ As set forth in the child support order

E. Prescription Medications

Each parent shall ensure that the child(ren) receive all prescribed medications during their parenting time. When the child(ren) transition between households, the sending parent shall provide:

1. Sufficient medication for the duration of the other parent's parenting time
2. Written instructions for dosage and administration
3. Information about any new prescriptions, changes, or side effects

XVI. EDUCATION

A. School Enrollment

The child(ren) shall attend:

School Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]

Changes in school enrollment require:
☐ Agreement of both parents
☐ Consent of the parent with sole legal decision-making authority
☐ Court order if parents disagree

B. Educational Involvement

1. Both parents are entitled to attend and participate in school activities, parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and school performances.
2. Both parents shall be listed as emergency contacts and authorized for school pick-up.
3. Each parent shall provide the other with copies of all school communications, report cards, and notices received during their parenting time.

C. Extracurricular Activities

1. Before enrolling a child in a new extracurricular activity that impacts the other parent's parenting time, the enrolling parent shall:
   ☐ Obtain the other parent's written agreement
   ☐ Provide reasonable notice of [____] days

2. Both parents shall cooperate in transporting the child(ren) to and from extracurricular activities during their respective parenting time.

3. Costs for extracurricular activities shall be:
   ☐ Borne by the enrolling parent
   ☐ Shared equally
   ☐ Shared in proportion to income
   ☐ As agreed in writing for each activity

XVII. RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING

☐ The child(ren) shall be raised in the [________________________________] faith/tradition.
☐ Each parent may expose the child(ren) to religious activities during their respective parenting time.
☐ Religious training shall be jointly agreed upon.
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Neither parent shall disparage the other parent's religious beliefs or practices in the presence of the child(ren).

XVIII. TRAVEL AND VACATIONS

A. In-State Travel

Each parent may travel within Arizona with the child(ren) during their parenting time without prior consent, provided the parent:

1. Provides the other parent with travel dates, destination, and emergency contact information at least [____] days in advance.
2. Ensures the child(ren) are accessible by telephone or electronic communication.

B. Out-of-State Travel

Out-of-state travel requires:

1. Written notice to the other parent at least [____] days in advance.
2. A travel itinerary, including dates, destinations, accommodations, and emergency contact information.
3. Both parents' written consent (or sole legal decision-maker's consent), except for travel to: [________________________________].

C. International Travel

International travel requires:

1. Written consent of both parents or a court order.
2. At least [____] days' advance written notice with full itinerary.
3. Copies of passports, visa documents, and emergency contact information.
4. The traveling parent shall not take the child(ren)'s passport(s) without written consent or court order.

Passport Possession:
The child(ren)'s passport(s) shall be held by: ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B ☐ The child(ren)'s attorney ☐ Other: [________________________________]

XIX. RELOCATION

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-408, specific notice and consent requirements apply when a parent seeks to relocate the child(ren).

A. Notice Requirement

If a parent intends to relocate the child(ren) outside the child(ren)'s current school attendance area, or more than 100 miles from the other parent, the relocating parent shall provide the non-relocating parent with written notice at least 45 days before the planned relocation. Notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or as provided by the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure.

B. Contents of Relocation Notice

The relocation notice shall include:

1. The intended new address (or the city/state if the specific address is not yet known)
2. The reason for the proposed relocation
3. A proposed revised parenting time schedule
4. The proposed date of relocation

C. Objection by Non-Relocating Parent

The non-relocating parent may file a petition to prevent the relocation within 30 days of receipt of the notice. Pending the Court's determination, neither parent shall relocate the child(ren) without written consent of both parents or a court order.

D. Failure to Provide Notice

Failure to provide the required relocation notice is a violation of A.R.S. § 25-408 and may result in sanctions, including but not limited to modification of legal decision-making or parenting time as the Court determines to be in the child(ren)'s best interests.

XX. CHILD SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

A. Child Support

Child support shall be calculated and ordered separately in accordance with the Arizona Child Support Guidelines (A.R.S. § 25-320). This Parenting Plan does not establish or modify child support.

☐ A separate child support order exists (dated [__/__/____]).
☐ Child support is to be determined.

B. Tax Dependency Exemptions

The right to claim the child(ren) as dependents for federal and state income tax purposes shall be allocated as follows:

☐ Parent A claims all child(ren) each year
☐ Parent B claims all child(ren) each year
☐ Alternating years (Even years: Parent A / Odd years: Parent B)
☐ Divided: Parent A claims [________________________________]; Parent B claims [________________________________]
☐ As set forth in the child support order

C. Extraordinary Expenses

Uninsured and unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, mental health, and agreed-upon extracurricular expenses shall be shared:

☐ Equally (50/50)
☐ Parent A: [____]% / Parent B: [____]%
☐ In proportion to income
☐ As set forth in the child support order

The parent incurring the expense shall provide documentation and receipts to the other parent within [____] days. The responsible parent shall reimburse their share within [____] days of receiving documentation.

XXI. MODIFICATION OF THIS PARENTING PLAN

A. Agreement to Modify

The parents may modify this Parenting Plan at any time by mutual written agreement. Any modification must be:

1. In writing and signed by both parents.
2. Filed with the Court and approved by judicial order to be enforceable.

Temporary, informal schedule changes agreed upon by both parents in writing (including text or email) shall not constitute a permanent modification of this plan.

B. Petition to Modify

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-411:

1. A parent shall not file a motion to modify legal decision-making or parenting time earlier than one year after the date of the order, unless the Court determines based on sworn affidavits that the child(ren)'s present environment may seriously endanger the child(ren)'s physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.

2. Exceptions to the one-year waiting period:
   - At any time, if there is evidence that domestic violence, spousal abuse, or child abuse has occurred since entry of the current order.
   - After six months, if the other parent has failed to comply with the provisions of the order.

3. The Court shall not restrict a parent's parenting time unless it finds that parenting time would seriously endanger the child(ren)'s physical, mental, moral, or emotional health.

XXII. ENFORCEMENT

A. Compliance

Both parents shall comply with all provisions of this Parenting Plan. A willful failure to comply with this plan may result in enforcement proceedings under A.R.S. § 25-414.

B. Remedies for Violation of Parenting Time (A.R.S. § 25-414)

If either parent refuses without good cause to comply with this Parenting Plan, the non-violating parent may petition the Court for enforcement. Within 25 days of service, the Court shall hold a hearing. If a violation is found, the Court may order one or more of the following:

1. A finding of contempt of court
2. Make-up parenting time to compensate for missed time
3. Parent education at the violating parent's expense
4. Family counseling at the violating parent's expense
5. Civil penalties of up to $100 per violation
6. Mediation or alternative dispute resolution at the violating parent's expense
7. Court costs and attorney fees assessed against the violating parent
8. Any other order in the child(ren)'s best interests

C. Emergency Relief

Nothing in this plan limits either parent's right to seek immediate relief from the Court, including temporary orders or Orders of Protection, when the child(ren)'s safety is at risk.

XXIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

A. Governing Law

This Parenting Plan shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Arizona, including A.R.S. Title 25, Chapter 4.

B. Mediation

Except in cases involving domestic violence or imminent danger to the child(ren), the parents shall first attempt to resolve disputes through mediation before filing any motion with the Court. The parents shall:

1. Select a mutually agreeable mediator who is qualified in family law matters.
2. Share mediation costs: ☐ Equally ☐ Parent A: [____]% / Parent B: [____]% ☐ As ordered by the Court.
3. Attend mediation in good faith.

Note: Mediation is not required and may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence (A.R.S. § 25-403.03).

C. Parenting Coordinator

If a Parenting Coordinator has been appointed (see Section XIII), disputes regarding implementation of this plan shall first be referred to the Parenting Coordinator before filing a motion with the Court.

D. Court Proceedings

If mediation and/or coordination are unsuccessful, either parent may petition the Superior Court of Arizona, [________________________________] County, for resolution. The Court retains continuing jurisdiction over all matters related to this Parenting Plan.

E. Attorney Fees

The Court may assess attorney fees and costs against a party who files a modification action that the Court finds is vexatious and constitutes harassment, pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-411.

XXIV. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

A. Severability

If any provision of this Parenting Plan is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable while preserving the parties' intent.

B. Entire Agreement

This Parenting Plan constitutes the complete agreement of the parties regarding legal decision-making and parenting time. It supersedes all prior agreements, negotiations, and discussions on these subjects. This plan does not supersede any existing child support order.

C. Amendment

This Parenting Plan may be amended only by written agreement signed by both parents and approved by the Court, or by court order following proper petition and hearing.

D. Notice

Any formal notice required under this plan shall be sent to the other parent at the address listed in Section III, or to such other address as either parent may designate in writing. Change of address shall be communicated in writing within [____] days.

E. Counterparts and Electronic Signatures

This Parenting Plan may be executed in counterparts. Electronic and facsimile signatures shall have the same force and effect as original signatures.

XXV. BEST INTERESTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Both parents acknowledge that this Parenting Plan has been developed with the child(ren)'s best interests as the paramount consideration, consistent with the factors set forth in A.R.S. § 25-403(A), including:

1. The past, present, and potential future relationship between each parent and the child(ren)
2. The interaction and interrelationship of the child(ren) with each parent, siblings, and other persons who may significantly affect the child(ren)'s best interests
3. The child(ren)'s adjustment to home, school, and community
4. If of suitable age and maturity, the wishes of the child(ren)
5. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
6. Which parent is more likely to allow the child(ren) frequent, meaningful, and continuing contact with the other parent
7. Whether one parent, both parents, or neither parent has provided primary care of the child(ren)
8. The nature and extent of coercion or duress used by a parent in obtaining an agreement regarding legal decision-making or parenting time
9. Whether a parent has complied with the requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.05(B) (notification regarding sex offenders)
10. Whether either parent was convicted of an act of false reporting of child abuse or neglect

Both parents further acknowledge that:

☐ This agreement was entered into voluntarily and without coercion.
☐ Each parent has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney before signing.
☐ Each parent has read, understands, and will abide by the notification requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.05(B).

XXVI. SIGNATURES

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Parenting Plan as of the date first written above.

Parent A

Signature: [________________________________]

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

Parent B

Signature: [________________________________]

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION (IF APPLICABLE)

Attorney for Parent A:

I certify that I have reviewed this Parenting Plan with my client and that it is consistent with Arizona law.

Signature: [________________________________]
Name: [________________________________]
State Bar No.: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

Attorney for Parent B:

I certify that I have reviewed this Parenting Plan with my client and that it is consistent with Arizona law.

Signature: [________________________________]
Name: [________________________________]
State Bar No.: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

JUDICIAL APPROVAL

IT IS SO ORDERED.

This Parenting Plan is approved and incorporated into the Court's order. The provisions of this plan shall be enforceable as a court order.

_______________________________________________
Judge/Commissioner, Superior Court of Arizona

County of [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT (IF REQUIRED)

State of Arizona
County of [________________________________]

On this [____] day of [________________________________], 20[____], before me, the undersigned Notary Public, personally appeared:

[________________________________] (Parent A), and
[________________________________] (Parent B),

known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

Signature: [________________________________]
Notary Public, State of Arizona
My Commission Expires: [__/__/____]

Sources and References

• A.R.S. § 25-401 — Definitions (Legal Decision-Making, Parenting Time)
• A.R.S. § 25-403 — Legal Decision-Making; Best Interests of Child
• A.R.S. § 25-403.01 — Sole and Joint Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time
• A.R.S. § 25-403.02 — Parenting Plans
• A.R.S. § 25-403.03 — Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
• A.R.S. § 25-403.04 — Substance Abuse
• A.R.S. § 25-403.05 — Sexual Offenders; Murderers; Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time; Notification of Risk to Child
• A.R.S. § 25-408 — Rights of Each Parent; Parenting Time; Relocation of Child
• A.R.S. § 25-411 — Modification of Legal Decision-Making or Parenting Time
• A.R.S. § 25-414 — Violation of Parenting Time Rights; Penalties
• Arizona Superior Court — Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time Forms
• Arizona Court Help — Parenting Plans
• Maricopa County Superior Court — Family Court Forms
• Arizona Self-Service Center — Family Law Forms