Arizona Parenting Plan

PARENTING PLAN

State of Arizona
In the Superior Court of the State of Arizona
In and For the County of [________________________________]

Case No.: [________________________________]
ATLAS No.: [________________________________]

In Re:

[________________________________], Petitioner/Parent A

and

[________________________________], Respondent/Parent B

IMPORTANT ARIZONA TERMINOLOGY: Since January 1, 2013, Arizona law replaced "custody" with "legal decision-making" and "visitation" with "parenting time" (A.R.S. § 25-401). This Parenting Plan uses Arizona's current statutory terminology throughout.

MANDATORY FILING: Arizona requires the filing of a parenting plan in all proceedings involving legal decision-making or parenting time. Under A.R.S. § 25-403.02, this plan must address each of the eight mandatory elements set forth in the statute. Failure to submit a compliant plan may result in the court imposing its own plan.

SECTION 1 — PARTIES AND CHILDREN

1.1 Parent Information

Parent A:

• Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
• Current Address: [________________________________]
• City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
• Home Phone: [________________________________]
• Cell Phone: [________________________________]
• Email: [________________________________]
• Employer: [________________________________]
• Work Phone: [________________________________]
• Work Schedule: [________________________________]

Parent B:

• Full Legal Name: [________________________________]
• Current Address: [________________________________]
• City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
• Home Phone: [________________________________]
• Cell Phone: [________________________________]
• Email: [________________________________]
• Employer: [________________________________]
• Work Phone: [________________________________]
• Work Schedule: [________________________________]

1.2 Children Covered by This Plan

1.3 Other Children in the Household

List any other children residing in either parent's household (stepchildren, half-siblings, etc.):

SECTION 2 — LEGAL DECISION-MAKING (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(1))

Mandatory Element 1: Designation of legal decision-making as joint or sole.

2.1 Designation

☐ Joint Legal Decision-Making — Both Parents share equally the right and responsibility to make major life decisions for the child(ren). Arizona presumes that joint legal decision-making is in the child's best interest when both parents request it, absent a finding of domestic violence (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(B)).

☐ Sole Legal Decision-Making to Parent A — Parent A has the exclusive right and responsibility to make major decisions for the child(ren). Parent A ☐ shall / ☐ is not required to consult with Parent B before making decisions.

☐ Sole Legal Decision-Making to Parent B — Parent B has the exclusive right and responsibility to make major decisions for the child(ren). Parent B ☐ shall / ☐ is not required to consult with Parent A before making decisions.

2.2 Definition of Major Decisions

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

SECTION 3 — RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(2))

Mandatory Element 2: Description of each parent's rights and responsibilities for personal care and decisions regarding education, health care, and religious training.

3.1 Education Decisions

School Address for Enrollment: The child(ren) shall be enrolled in school based on the address of: ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B

Both Parents shall have the right to access school records, attend parent-teacher conferences, attend school events, and communicate directly with teachers and school administrators.

3.2 Healthcare Decisions

Emergency Medical Decisions: The parent exercising parenting time may authorize emergency medical treatment when immediate action is required to protect the child's health or safety. That parent shall notify the other parent as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 24 hours after the emergency.

Health Insurance: ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B ☐ Both Parents shall maintain health, dental, and vision insurance for the child(ren). The parent maintaining insurance shall provide insurance cards and information to the other parent.

Access to Records: Both Parents shall have equal access to all medical, dental, mental health, and prescription records for the child(ren) and may communicate directly with healthcare providers pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-408(H).

3.3 Religious Training

☐ Joint decision — Parents shall jointly determine the child(ren)'s religious upbringing and training.
☐ Parent A shall determine the child(ren)'s religious training.
☐ Parent B shall determine the child(ren)'s religious training.
☐ Each parent may involve the child(ren) in their own religious practices during their own parenting time.
☐ The child(ren) shall continue attending: [________________________________]

3.4 Personal Care Decisions

Routine Day-to-Day Decisions: The parent exercising parenting time shall make routine daily decisions, including meals, bedtime, homework, hygiene, and age-appropriate discipline, without consulting the other parent.

SECTION 4 — PARENTING TIME SCHEDULE (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(3))

Mandatory Element 3: A practical schedule of parenting time for the child, including holidays and school vacations.

4.1 Regular School-Year Schedule

Select the applicable schedule:

☐ Equal (Week-on/Week-off): Parent A has the child(ren) from [____] on [________] through [____] on [________]. Parent B has the child(ren) the alternating week on the same schedule.

☐ Equal (2-2-3 Rotation): Monday and Tuesday with Parent A; Wednesday and Thursday with Parent B; Friday through Sunday alternating (Parent A in Week 1, Parent B in Week 2).

☐ Equal (5-2-2-5 Rotation): Monday and Tuesday with Parent A every week; Wednesday and Thursday with Parent B every week; Friday through Sunday alternating.

☐ Primary Residence with Parent A:

• Parent B's parenting time: Every other weekend from Friday at [____] to Sunday at [____]
• Midweek: ☐ One weeknight ([________]) from [____] to [____] ☐ One overnight ([________]) from [____] to [____] the following morning
• Other: [________________________________]

☐ Primary Residence with Parent B:

• Parent A's parenting time: Every other weekend from Friday at [____] to Sunday at [____]
• Midweek: ☐ One weeknight ([________]) from [____] to [____] ☐ One overnight ([________]) from [____] to [____] the following morning
• Other: [________________________________]

☐ Custom Schedule: [________________________________]

4.2 Summer Vacation Schedule

☐ The regular school-year schedule continues through summer.
☐ The summer schedule is modified as follows:

• Parent A's summer parenting time: [________________________________]
• Parent B's summer parenting time: [________________________________]
• Each parent is entitled to [____] consecutive weeks of uninterrupted vacation time with [____] days' advance written notice.
• Summer vacation requests must be submitted by [________________________________] (e.g., April 1) each year. If dates conflict, ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B has first choice in even years and the other parent has first choice in odd years.

4.3 Holiday Schedule

Holidays take priority over the regular parenting time schedule. Specific times for pick-up and drop-off shall be as indicated.

Arizona-Specific Holidays: ☐ Cesar Chavez Day / AZ Statehood Day — [________________________________]

Religious Holidays: [________________________________]

4.4 Special Occasions and School Events

Both Parents are entitled to attend all school events, extracurricular activities, performances, and award ceremonies regardless of whose parenting time it falls on. Parents shall conduct themselves civilly at all shared events.

4.5 Schedule for Children of Different Ages

☐ All children follow the same schedule.
☐ Different schedules apply based on age or developmental needs:

• Child(ren) under age [____]: [________________________________]
• Child(ren) age [____] and older: [________________________________]

SECTION 5 — EXCHANGES OF THE CHILD (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(4))

Mandatory Element 4: A procedure for the exchanges of the child, including location and responsibility for transportation.

5.1 Exchange Location

☐ The child(ren)'s school (during school days)
☐ Parent A's residence
☐ Parent B's residence
☐ Neutral public location: [________________________________]
☐ Safe exchange location designated by the court pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-403.10: [________________________________]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

5.2 Transportation Responsibility

☐ The receiving parent shall pick up the child(ren).
☐ The delivering parent shall drop off the child(ren).
☐ Parents shall meet at the midpoint between their residences.
☐ Other arrangement: [________________________________]

5.3 Exchange Protocols

1. The child(ren) shall be ready at the scheduled exchange time. A grace period of [____] minutes shall apply.
2. If a parent will be more than [____] minutes late, that parent shall notify the other parent as soon as possible.
3. If a parent fails to appear within [____] minutes of the scheduled time without notice, the waiting parent may leave and the late parent forfeits that parenting time session.
4. Each parent shall ensure the child(ren) have all necessary items at exchanges, including medications, school materials, clothing appropriate for the weather, and comfort items for young children.
5. Neither parent shall use the child(ren) as a messenger to deliver communications, documents, or payments to the other parent.
6. New romantic partners, extended family, or other individuals ☐ may / ☐ may not assist with exchanges.

5.4 Supervised Exchanges (if applicable)

☐ Not applicable.
☐ Exchanges shall be supervised by: [________________________________]
☐ Exchanges shall occur at a supervised exchange facility: [________________________________]

SECTION 6 — DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND BREACH PROCEDURES (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(5))

Mandatory Element 5: A procedure by which proposed changes, disputes, and alleged breaches may be mediated or resolved.

6.1 Informal Resolution

Parents shall first attempt to resolve any disagreement through direct, respectful communication. If a parent proposes a change to the parenting plan, the proposal shall be made in writing (email or co-parenting app), and the other parent shall respond within [____] days.

6.2 Mediation

If direct communication fails to resolve a dispute, the Parents shall participate in mediation with a qualified family law mediator before filing any motion with the court. Each parent shall bear ☐ one-half of the mediation costs ☐ costs as follows: [________________________________]

The following disputes are exempt from the mediation requirement:

• Emergency situations involving the child(ren)'s immediate safety
• Allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect
• Requests for temporary emergency orders under A.R.S. § 25-404

6.3 Conciliation Court Services

The Parents acknowledge that the Arizona Superior Court, [________________________________] County, provides Conciliation Court services, including family counseling and mediation, that may be used to resolve parenting disputes.

County-specific resources:

• Maricopa County: Conciliation Services — (602) 506-1501
• Pima County: Conciliation Court — (520) 724-3200
• Pinal County: Conciliation Court — (520) 866-5425

6.4 Parenting Coordinator (if applicable)

☐ Not applicable.
☐ The Parents agree to use a Parenting Coordinator to resolve day-to-day parenting disputes. The Parenting Coordinator is: [________________________________], who shall have authority to make binding decisions on the following limited issues: [________________________________]

6.5 Court Intervention

If mediation is unsuccessful, either parent may file a petition with the Superior Court of Arizona, [________________________________] County, Family Court Division. The court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-324.

6.6 Alleged Breaches

A parent who believes the other parent has breached this Plan shall:

1. Document the alleged breach in writing, including date, time, and specific provision violated.
2. Send written notice to the other parent identifying the breach and requesting a remedy.
3. Allow [____] days for the other parent to respond and cure (except for emergencies).
4. If not resolved, pursue mediation as described above.
5. If mediation fails, file an appropriate motion with the court.

SECTION 7 — PERIODIC REVIEW (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(6))

Mandatory Element 6: A procedure for periodic review of the plan's terms by the parents.

7.1 Annual Review

The Parents shall review this Parenting Plan at least once per year, on or about [________________________________] (e.g., the beginning of each school year), to assess whether it continues to serve the child(ren)'s best interests and to address any needed modifications.

7.2 Review Triggered by Life Changes

In addition to the annual review, the Parents agree to discuss potential modifications when:

• A child begins kindergarten, middle school, or high school
• Either parent's work schedule changes significantly
• Either parent plans to relocate (subject to A.R.S. § 25-408 notice requirements)
• A child's developmental or medical needs change significantly
• A child reaches an age where the child's preferences should be considered (A.R.S. § 25-403(A)(5))
• Either parent remarries or cohabitates with a new partner

7.3 Modification Standard

Any modification to legal decision-making or parenting time must comply with A.R.S. § 25-411, including the one-year waiting period and the requirement to demonstrate adequate cause unless an exception applies.

SECTION 8 — PARENT COMMUNICATION (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(7))

Mandatory Element 7: A procedure for parents to communicate with each other about the child, including methods and frequency.

8.1 Primary Communication Method

☐ Co-parenting application: ☐ OurFamilyWizard ☐ TalkingParents ☐ AppClose ☐ Other: [________________________________]
☐ Email
☐ Text message
☐ Telephone
☐ Other: [________________________________]

8.2 Communication Guidelines

1. All communications shall be child-focused, respectful, and businesslike.
2. Non-emergency messages shall be responded to within [____] hours.
3. Emergency messages (involving child's health or safety) shall be responded to immediately.
4. Parents shall share relevant information about the child(ren), including:
   - School performance and issues
   - Medical appointments and health concerns
   - Behavioral or emotional concerns
   - Upcoming events and activities
   - Changes in contact information or address (within 10 days of any change)
5. Neither parent shall record telephone conversations with the other parent without consent, except as permitted by Arizona's one-party consent law (A.R.S. § 13-3005).

8.3 Parent-Child Communication During Other Parent's Time

Each parent shall facilitate reasonable communication between the child(ren) and the other parent during their parenting time:

☐ Daily telephone or video call at approximately [____] for up to [____] minutes
☐ Reasonable telephone or video calls at the child(ren)'s or calling parent's request
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Neither parent shall monitor, interfere with, or restrict the child(ren)'s private communications with the other parent, except as appropriate for the child(ren)'s age and safety.

SECTION 9 — A.R.S. § 25-403.05(B) NOTIFICATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT (A.R.S. § 25-403.02(A)(8))

Mandatory Element 8: A statement that each party has read, understands, and will abide by the notification requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.05(B).

Each parent certifies:

☐ I, [________________________________] (Parent A), have read, understand, and will abide by the notification requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.05, subsection B.

☐ I, [________________________________] (Parent B), have read, understand, and will abide by the notification requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.05, subsection B.

SECTION 10 — RELOCATION (A.R.S. § 25-408)

10.1 Notice Requirements

A parent who intends to relocate with the child(ren) out of Arizona or more than 100 miles within Arizona must:

1. Provide written notice to the other parent by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 45 days before the proposed move.
2. Include in the notice: the intended new address (city and state if exact address is unknown), the date of the intended move, the specific reasons for the proposed relocation, and a proposed revised parenting time schedule with transportation arrangements.

10.2 Objection Process

The non-relocating parent may petition the court to prevent relocation within 30 days of receiving notice. Until the court rules on the petition, the existing parenting time schedule remains in effect and the child(ren) shall not be relocated.

10.3 Moves Under 100 Miles Within Arizona

For moves within Arizona of less than 100 miles that do not trigger A.R.S. § 25-408, the relocating parent shall provide [____] days' written notice to the other parent and the Parents shall negotiate in good faith regarding any necessary schedule adjustments.

SECTION 11 — DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONSIDERATIONS (A.R.S. § 25-403.03)

☐ No domestic violence findings. Neither parent has been found to have committed an act of domestic violence as defined in A.R.S. § 13-3601.

☐ Domestic violence finding exists. The court has determined that [________________________________] committed domestic violence. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-403.03, there is a rebuttable presumption against awarding joint legal decision-making to that parent. The following safety provisions apply:

• [________________________________]
• [________________________________]

☐ Significant domestic violence finding. The court has found significant domestic violence pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-403.03(D). Joint legal decision-making is not available.

SECTION 12 — ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

12.1 Right of First Refusal

☐ Not applicable.
☐ If either parent will be absent from the child(ren) for [____] or more consecutive hours during their parenting time, that parent shall offer the other parent the right to care for the child(ren) before engaging a third-party caregiver. The other parent shall respond within [____] hours.

12.2 Introduction of New Partners

Neither parent shall introduce a new romantic partner to the child(ren) as a household member until the relationship has been established for at least [____] months. Overnight stays by romantic partners ☐ are / ☐ are not permitted while the child(ren) are present during the first [____] months of the relationship.

12.3 Non-Disparagement

Neither parent shall make disparaging, negative, or derogatory remarks about the other parent, the other parent's family, or the other parent's household in the presence or hearing of the child(ren). Neither parent shall allow third parties to do so.

12.4 Substance Use

Neither parent shall use illegal controlled substances or consume alcohol to impairment during parenting time or within [____] hours before the start of parenting time.

12.5 Firearms Safety

All firearms in either parent's home shall be stored in a locked container, unloaded, with ammunition stored separately and inaccessible to the child(ren), consistent with A.R.S. § 13-3111 (minors and deadly weapons).

12.6 Travel

Domestic Travel: Each parent may travel with the child(ren) within the United States during their parenting time, provided the other parent is notified of the destination, travel dates, and emergency contact information at least [____] days in advance.

International Travel: International travel requires ☐ written consent of the other parent ☐ court approval. The traveling parent shall provide the itinerary, flight information, hotel accommodations, and emergency contact information at least [____] days in advance. Each parent shall cooperate in obtaining/maintaining a passport for the child(ren).

12.7 Parenting Education (A.R.S. § 25-351 et seq.)

☐ Both Parents have completed the mandatory Parent Information Program (PIP).
☐ Parent A completed PIP on [__/__/____]. Parent B completed PIP on [__/__/____].
☐ The court has granted a waiver for: ☐ Parent A ☐ Parent B.

12.8 Additional Terms

[________________________________]

SECTION 13 — EXECUTION

The undersigned Parents certify that this Parenting Plan has been prepared jointly, that each provision has been carefully considered, and that this Plan serves the best interests of the child(ren) under the factors set forth in A.R.S. § 25-403.

PARENT A:

Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
Address: [________________________________]

PARENT B:

Signature: _________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
Address: [________________________________]

ATTORNEY SIGNATURES (if applicable)

Attorney for Parent A:
Signature: _________________________________
Name/State Bar No.: [________________________________]
Firm: [________________________________]

Attorney for Parent B:
Signature: _________________________________
Name/State Bar No.: [________________________________]
Firm: [________________________________]

ORDER OF THE COURT

The Court, having reviewed the foregoing Parenting Plan and finding that it complies with the requirements of A.R.S. § 25-403.02 and serves the best interests of the minor child(ren) under A.R.S. § 25-403, hereby APPROVES and ADOPTS this Parenting Plan as an order of the Court.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Date: [__/__/____]

_________________________________
Hon. [________________________________]
Judge/Commissioner, Superior Court of Arizona
[________________________________] County

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• A.R.S. § 25-403.02 — Parenting plans
• 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. § 25-403.03 — Domestic violence and child abuse
• A.R.S. § 25-403.05 — Sexual offenders; notification of risk
• A.R.S. § 25-403.10 — Safe exchange locations
• A.R.S. § 25-408 — Relocation of child
• A.R.S. § 25-401 — Definitions
• A.R.S. § 25-351 — Domestic relations education
• A.R.S. § 25-411 — Modification of legal decision-making or parenting time
• Maricopa County Superior Court — Parenting Plan Information
• Pima County Conciliation Court — Parent Education
• Arizona Court Help — Custody Considerations