Under Arizona law, Arizona courts typically have jurisdiction over new divorce, custody, paternity, and other cases involving children so long as the child has resided in the state of Arizona for the 6 months preceding the commencement of the case. Once Arizona obtains jurisdiction, the courts will generally continue to have jurisdiction so long as either parent continues to reside in the state of Arizona.
If both parents have relocated out of the state, a new state may have jurisdiction. Occasionally the parties can consent to jurisdiction in another state. Courts in Arizona or other states can get involved on an emergency basis when necessary, even when that court or state would not have ongoing jurisdiction.
Most states have similar or identical laws regarding jurisdiction over custody issues.
If a case has been filed against you in Arizona, and you do not believe that Arizona has jurisdiction, an attorney with McGuire Gardner, PLLC can file a Motion to Dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction. If you would like to file a case in Arizona and you are not certain if Arizona has jurisdiction over some or all of the pending issues, you should also speak with one of the family law attorneys with McGuire Gardner, PLLC. To contact an attorney with McGuire Gardner, PLLC to discuss your custody issues, you may call (480) 829-9081 or visit us online at www.yourarizonadivorcelawyer.com.