Emergency Family-Law Resources in Arizona

Temporary orders involving children

Arizona does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Ex parte orders are limited and the court and the county matter. Use the Superior Court, Family Division interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request interim parenting time through the Family Division procedure. For an immediate threat, an Order of Protection petition is a separate, faster route.

Order of Protection (13-3602)

An Arizona Order of Protection is issued under A.R.S. § 13-3602. A judge can issue an ex parte order after a single hearing. A party under the order is entitled to one contested hearing on written request, to be held within 10 days (or within 5 days if exclusive use of the home is awarded). At the hearing, the petitioner must prove the order should remain by a preponderance of the evidence. Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.

Arizona child protective (DCS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) at 1-888-767-2445 (24/7) or to local law enforcement. A report can lead to a DCS child protective investigation. An unfounded/expunged report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end legal decision-making or parenting time.