010: “Best Interests of Children” & Constitutional Rights to Parent: A Conversation with Arizona Judge Bruce Cohen

Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.

In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista welcomes Judge Bruce Cohen, a distinguished figure in family law with more than 40 years of experience.

Judge Cohen shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspectives from serving in the Maricopa County court system in Arizona, the fourth largest in the United States. With a career that spans from being a young lawyer to a seasoned judge appointed by Governor Janet Napolitano in 2005, Judge Cohen discusses the intricacies of family law, particularly focusing on the delicate balance between the well-being of children and Constitutional rights to parent.

Throughout the conversation, Judge Cohen offers a deep dive into the challenges judges face, especially those new to the family law arena. He provides insights into parenting time and decision-making complexities, where terms like “best interests” are often debated. Additionally, Judge Cohen's innovative approaches to promoting healthy co-parenting and enhancing self-representation bring a fresh perspective to resolving family disputes.

We also explore Judge Cohen's experiences and reflections from the AFCC Conference in Boston, underscoring the shared commitment to improving family law practices. His passion for guiding families toward constructive resolutions and focusing on the well-being of children is evident throughout the discussion.

Join us for a thought-provoking episode enriched by Judge Cohen's insights and dedication to advancing family law practice.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Judge Bruce Cohen on balancing child well-being with Constitutional rights and court principles
• Insights into the challenges of early intervention in cases involving domestic violence or mental health issues
• An exploration of the complexities and nuances of parenting time and decision-making
• Judge Cohen's journey and experience in family law, emphasizing the importance of training and support for judges
• Promoting healthy co-parenting and addressing challenges in family law dynamics
• Innovative approaches to simplifying legal proceedings for self-represented litigants in family law courts
• Ethical dilemmas attorneys face, emphasizing guiding clients toward constructive resolutions

Resources from this Episode

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.

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Episode Credits

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