Court-ordered behavioral intervention in Arizona is meant to assist both parents and children in establishing healthy relationships, particularly those who are undergoing custody disputes. These programs often include family and individual counseling.
Learn more about COBI from the family law attorneys at The Valley Law Group.
What Is COBI and Why Does It Matter?
COBI is a court-ordered behavioral intervention program implemented in family law cases where children and parents are estranged. It is intended to address any parental behavior issues that either negatively affect children or prevent the parent from upholding decision-making or parenting time responsibilities as outlined by the Family Court. The ultimate goal is to help both children and adults overcome these issues and re-establish a relationship.
There are several situations in which an Arizona family court could impose COBI. The most common include divorce and child custody cases involving domestic violence, substance use, and parental alienation. Once the court has determined that COBI is necessary, the family will be guided by a licensed therapist or mental health professional, along with other professionals like mediators or parenting coordinators. While COBI programs are each unique to the needs of the family, focus is typically placed on teaching parents and children how to communicate in a healthy and positive way, as well as the skills needed to resolve disagreements.
It’s important to note that COBI programs are often implemented in high-conflict custody cases in Arizona, which typically involve multiple decisions regarding child custody, child support, and the like.
When Is COBI Ordered in Arizona Family Court?
As stated, there are numerous situations in which the Arizona family court could order COBI, all of which involve some level of estrangement between one parent and their children. This estrangement can be the result of a behavioral concern on the part of the estranged parent or the other parent involved.
Many situations involve an ongoing conflict between parents who cannot come to a parenting agreement on their own. In these instances, the court will order COBI to walk the parents through their issues and help them come to a resolution together.
Emotional Manipulation
Many situations may involve allegations of emotional harm or manipulation between the parents or between a parent and the child. Claims of gatekeeping or one parent exercising extreme control over everyone else may result in COBI. A common example of emotional manipulation involves parental alienation, where one parent manipulates their child to build a negative perception of the other parent, causing rejection or resentment and affecting parenting time.
Co-Parenting Breakdowns
Arizona family court intervention may be especially necessary in circumstances where co-parenting failures occur, such as when the parents disagree on decisions that must be made on behalf of the children. Due to the parents’ disdain for each other, they may have extreme difficulty in making decisions together. COBI can address behavioral issues that may be leading to these difficulties.
Communications Breakdowns
Communication breakdowns may also create a need for COBI. If the parents cannot have a civil conversation with each other and speak harshly about each other, this can negatively affect the children by preventing the resolution of important issues or even creating parental alienation. Therapy sessions can help the couple and the family work together to learn how to communicate in a positive, effective way.
Parental Misbehavior
Perhaps the most common reason for COBI is the misbehavior of the estranged parent. Violent or abusive behaviors, substance use, or other behaviors that trigger concern about the child’s safety and well-being while with a parent can result in the need for COBI. Unless a parent is found unfit, the structured program COBI offers can help provide support and guidance to re-establish a healthy relationship. Similarly, any other issues that affect the parent-child relationship may be addressed with COBI.
Each of these issues impacts a child’s well-being, as they all prevent the child from experiencing a safe and nurturing environment from both parents. As a result, court-ordered behavioral intervention is primarily considered if it is determined to be in the best interest of the child as a way to create a better relationship between the parents and child. COBI is also often used in addition to or in response to a custody evaluation. It may also be recommended by a Guardian ad Litem (GAL).
What the COBI Program Involves
A court-ordered behavioral intervention program typically consists of several distinct elements.
- Behavioral Classes – Classes like anger management may be a part of the program for individuals who need help learning how to regulate their emotions and learn techniques to handle conflict in a healthy way.
- Counseling – Individual or family counseling is often a component of COBI to help individuals and family members work through their feelings and past trauma. Group and/or individual therapy sessions can help family members address family issues and develop better relationships with one another, as well as learn healthy conflict resolution skills.
- Communication Training – Formal communication training may be necessary for those who have difficulty talking to co-parents or children in a healthy way.
How long individuals and family members will need to undergo the classes in the program varies, depending on the family’s situation and needs. In many cases, classes are completed within six months to a year. However, more important than the time it takes to finish the program is that the individuals demonstrate that they are learning valuable skills and making improvements in their relationships. It is also important to note that these court-approved classes and therapies usually have set timelines.
Costs also vary, depending on the number of classes that must be completed. The classes may be done either in-person or online, or in some cases, they may be done both online and in-person.
How COBI Can Affect Custody or Parenting Time
If you have been court-ordered to complete a COBI program, your participation or refusal to participate can impact the outcome of your custody or parenting time case. For example, individuals who regularly participate in the program and demonstrate that they are motivated to change their behavior are typically seen by the court as motivated to re-establish relationships and cooperate with the court. This can lead to a more positive outcome regarding parenting time.
Conversely, individuals who are not willing to cooperate and take part in the program are often viewed as unwilling to make the changes needed to re-establish a relationship with their child. This disinterest or uncooperative behavior can lead to a negative perception in court and a negative outcome in a custody case.
Learn more about how agreement or refusal to follow the program can be used as either leverage or evidence for child custody modifications or enforcement proceedings.
Specific Positive Impacts
If a parent has agreed to comply with the court-ordered behavioral intervention, their progress can be reported to the court to support either the need for or to oppose a parenting time modification in Arizona. It may also be used to leverage modifications to parenting plans in exchange for completing certain classes or treatments.
Specific Negative Impacts
When a parent does not comply with court-ordered behavioral intervention, the evidence that they have not completed therapy, counseling, or other recommended treatment will be used against them to demonstrate that they are not following the court’s orders. Additionally, if a parent fails to obey court orders, enforcement actions may result. This can include fines, parenting time restrictions, or, for more serious cases, termination of parental rights.
Do You Have to Comply With COBI?
If you are ordered to complete COBI, then you must comply or risk the above-mentioned negative impacts. However, it is possible to challenge COBI with the help of a family law attorney.
Learn more about how your rights and your COBI challenge can intersect.
COBI Modifications
Your attorney may advise you to request a modification of the order. Much like requests for modifications to child custody orders, you must demonstrate proof of changes to your situation that qualify you for a modification of the current COBI. This may involve evidence of improved mental or emotional health or behavioral changes.
COBI Appeals
You also have the right to file an appeal if you choose. This appeal must be based on factual or legal grounds. You cannot appeal a COBI simply because you disagree with the court order.
If you have been ordered to complete court-ordered behavioral intervention, do not ignore it. Consult with an attorney immediately to request a modification, appeal, or learn your next steps for participating in COBI.
Legal Strategy: How an Attorney Can Help With COBI
There are several ways an attorney can help you navigate COBI in an Arizona custody case.
- An attorney can help you determine if a COBI order was justified in your case.
- COBI attorneys can help you understand the legal reasons the order was created, the kinds of treatment you are required to complete, and any violations of your rights that may have occurred. In the event that your rights have been violated, your attorney can help you begin developing a case to rectify the situation.
- If you feel that the COBI order was unjust, your lawyer can help challenge it. An attorney can help you request modifications to the order or the removal of the order by providing evidence that your circumstances were misrepresented or have changed since the order was issued.
- A skilled family attorney can also ensure that your parental rights are protected while avoiding long-term impacts on custody.
- An attorney may also assist in guiding you through compliance with the court-ordered programs without self-incrimination or damage to your custody case. They will also make sure that you are meeting all of the program’s requirements and record your progress for future reference.
Common Questions About COBI in Arizona
While COBI can be a useful way to re-establish relationships between parents and children, it can seem like an intimidating process for those who are facing it.
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about court-ordered behavioral intervention in Arizona.
Get Help With Custody and Court-Ordered Interventions Today
Court-ordered behavioral interventions are meant to help parents and children improve their relationships by developing healthy communication skills. These programs can provide support for parents who are trying to improve themselves and enhance their child’s opportunity for a relationship with both parents in a safe and loving environment.
If you are facing COBI, securing the services of a qualified family law attorney like those at The Valley Law Group can help you understand the requirements of the COBI order and work toward meeting them. Additionally, a family attorney can help you navigate related legal issues such as child custody and parenting time, as well as a host of other legal matters concerning family law. The goal is a positive relationship between you and your child for years to come.
If you have been ordered to complete COBI or believe such an order may arise in your child custody case, contact The Valley Law Group today. We offer free consultations and formidable legal representation for Arizona parents.
Sources:
- Family Court Enhancement Project. (n.d.). Court-Ordered Behavioral Intervention (COBI). Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://fceinfo.com/court-ordered-behavioral-intervention-cobi/
- Modern Law. (n.d.). Court-Ordered Behavioral Intervention (COBI) in Custody Cases: What You Need to Know. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://mymodernlaw.com/court-ordered-behavioral-intervention-cobi-in-custody-cases-what-you-need-to-know/
- All Rise. (2025, March 1). Adult Treatment Court Best Practice Standards (Version 4.1.25). Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://allrise.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Adult-Treatment-Court-Best-Practice-Standards_4.1.25.pdf
- Arizona Family Court Professionals. (n.d.). Trauma-Informed FAQs. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.arizonafcp.com/ti-faqs
- Maricopa County. (n.d.). Court-Ordered Evaluation and Mental Health Treatment. Retrieved March 31, 2025, from https://www.maricopa.gov/5221/Court-Order-for-Mental-Heath-Treatment
Ryan Reppucci, Founder/Director of Legal Operations of The Valley Law Group, is recognized as one of Phoenix’s leading family law attorneys. After graduating from Arizona State with the highest honors and inclusion in America’s most prestigious student honor societies, Ryan attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. His career as a law student was decorated with numerous awards, including the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Book Award, nomination for membership in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, as well as Moot Court.