New Year, New Parenting Plan
As the New Year begins, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on whether your parenting plan still fits your child’s growing needs. From our experience as a family lawyer in Arizona, even small adjustments can make a big difference in maintaining stability and peace of mind. Taking time to review your options now can help you move forward with confidence and clarity for the year ahead.
Why Parenting Plans Need to Evolve Over Time
Parenting plans are designed to provide structure and consistency, but they are not meant to be static. As children grow, their needs change and so do parents’ work schedules, living arrangements, and responsibilities.
Some common reasons parents consider modifying a parenting plan include:
A child starting school or moving to a new grade level
Changes in a parent’s work hours or job location
A child developing new medical, emotional, or educational needs
Increased involvement in sports or extracurricular activities
One parent relocating or planning a move
Changing Parenting Plan in 2026
Arizona law allows parents to modify a parenting plan under certain circumstances to ensure it continues to serve the child’s best interests. When requesting a change to a court order, a family lawyer in Arizona can help determine whether your situation meets the legal requirements. Courts generally consider the following factors:
Key Requirements for Modifying a Parenting Plan
One-Year Waiting Period - In most cases, you must wait at least one year from the date of the last court order before requesting a modification.
Substantial and Continuing Change in Circumstances - To request a modification, you must demonstrate a meaningful change that has continued since the last order was finalized. Examples may include a significant job change, relocation, or shifting needs as your child grows older.
Child’s Best Interests - Arizona courts always prioritize the child’s well-being. Any proposed change must benefit the child, not simply make things more convenient for one parent.
Mutual Agreement Between Parents - If both parents agree to the changes, courts are more likely to approve them, even if the one-year mark hasn't passed for some issues.
Exceptions to the 1-year rule:
You may request a modification of a parenting plan before the one-year mark in certain important situations, such as when a child’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being is at serious risk, when there is evidence of domestic violence or child abuse since the last court order, or when the other parent has not followed a joint legal decision-making order and the order has been in place for at least six months. Special rules also apply if a parent receives temporary military duty or deployment orders. More details from this resource.
Parenting Time Enforcement and Support in Arizona
Arizona courts take parenting time orders seriously and offer solutions when a parent does not follow a court-approved plan. Enforcement options may include make-up parenting time, mediation, financial penalties, or, in more serious situations, changes to the existing order. While every family’s schedule is different, courts generally encourage parenting plans that support consistency and strong relationships with both parents.
Handling parenting time issues or plan modifications can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Working with a family lawyer in Arizona can help ensure your rights are protected, and your child’s best interests remain the priority. If your current parenting plan no longer fits your family’s needs, Dempsey & Fouts Law is here to provide trusted support.