Although same-sex marriages are now recognized across the U.S., not every same-sex couple will choose to marry. It is important to know that unmarried couples, whether same-sex or heterosexual, do have options for protecting their relationships with their children: they can formalize their custody rights through use of a co-parenting agreement.

Co-parenting agreements set forth a detailed parenting plan to clarify the rights and responsibilities of each partner involved in the children’s lives. Although not a formal court order, co-parenting agreements serve as evidence of what parties believe is in the children’s best interests in the event of a breakup. Should parties separate, the agreement can be used to help determine fair child custody and parenting plan arrangements.

How Co-Parenting Agreements Can Help

Attorneys Nicole Lasiter and Stephanie Jackson can advise you and your partner on your legal rights regarding child custody. We can help you answer questions about your shared parental roles, your financial responsibilities and other obligations of raising a child together. Our goal is to help clients create effective guidelines for how their parental responsibilities will be shared during the partnership as well as develop concrete provisions for child care in the event the relationship comes to an end.

Child Custody Services for Unmarried Couples in Arizona

Our firm welcomes inquires from the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community as well as unmarried heterosexual couples throughout Arizona. By providing experienced counsel and practical, honest advice, we seek to use our experience to help families of all types find positive resolutions to their legal matters.

Contact Lasiter & Jackson, in Phoenix to discuss your child custody issues with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney. Our Phoenix co-parenting agreement lawyers have the experience to help you resolve your family law and related legal areas affecting cohabiting couples.