Divorce
Clear guidance through contested and uncontested divorce, with an eye toward durable agreements.
We help you understand options, temporary orders, disclosure, negotiation, and hearing preparation — and whether divorce or another path better fits your situation.
What to bring / next steps
- Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a rough list of assets and debts.
- Note any urgent safety, parenting, or housing concerns for the first call.
- Ask about temporary orders if you need short-term support or parenting structure.
Common questions
Do we have to go to court?
Not always. Many cases resolve through negotiation or settlement. We prepare as if a hearing may be needed so you are never caught flat-footed.
How long does divorce take in Arizona?
Timelines vary with complexity and cooperation. Arizona has a mandatory waiting period after service; contested issues can extend the process.
Child Custody & Parenting Time
Parenting plans that put children’s stability first while protecting your parental rights.
We advocate for fair legal decision-making and parenting-time arrangements grounded in your children’s needs and Arizona law.
What to bring / next steps
- Write down the current parenting schedule and what is / isn’t working.
- List school, medical, and activity decision-makers you want clarified.
- Bring any existing orders, texts, or calendars that show the pattern on the ground.
Common questions
What does “legal decision-making” mean?
In Arizona it covers major decisions like education, health care, and religion — separate from the day-to-day parenting-time calendar.
Will my child have to testify?
Usually not. Courts prefer to protect children from courtroom conflict whenever possible.
Child & Spousal Support
Straightforward advocacy on child support and spousal maintenance under Arizona guidelines.
Support should reflect guidelines and your real circumstances. We present the facts clearly so orders are workable and fair.
What to bring / next steps
- Collect income proof for both sides if you have it (pay stubs, business records).
- List childcare, insurance, and extraordinary expenses already being paid.
- Note any recent job changes that should affect guideline calculations.
Common questions
Is child support automatic?
Arizona uses guidelines, but income, parenting time, and certain expenses affect the number. We check the math against your facts.
What about spousal maintenance?
Maintenance depends on need, ability to pay, marriage length, and other statutory factors — not a one-size formula.
Modifications & Enforcement
When life changes, we help update orders — or enforce the ones already in place.
Significant changes in income, parenting, or other circumstances can justify modifying prior orders. We also help enforce orders when they are not being followed.
What to bring / next steps
- Identify what changed since the last order (income, move, schedule, safety).
- Keep a dated record of missed exchanges, unpaid support, or violations.
- Bring the current order so we can target the right fix — modify vs enforce.
Common questions
Can we change an order informally?
Informal agreements can create confusion. Written, filed modifications are safer when the other party stops cooperating.
What if support is past due?
Enforcement tools exist. We evaluate the fastest path based on how much is owed and how the other party has responded.
Community Property
Dividing marital assets and debts with a practical, Arizona-community-property approach.
Homes, retirement accounts, businesses, and debt require careful characterization and valuation. We work toward settlements that hold up.
What to bring / next steps
- Start a simple inventory: home, cars, accounts, retirement, credit cards, loans.
- Gather statements around the date of separation when possible.
- Flag anything you believe is separate property (premarital, gift, inheritance).
Common questions
Is everything split 50/50?
Arizona starts from community property principles, but characterization and equity matters. Fair does not always mean identical.
What about the house?
Options include buyout, sale, or short-term continued occupancy. We map the tradeoffs against refinance and equity realities.
Paternity
Establishing parentage so rights, responsibilities, and support can be set correctly.
Clear parentage is the foundation for custody, parenting time, and child support. We guide you through the process step by step.
What to bring / next steps
- Confirm whether an acknowledgment of paternity was already signed.
- Be ready to discuss genetic testing if parentage is disputed.
- Think ahead about parenting time and support once parentage is established.
Common questions
Is the name on the birth certificate enough?
Not always for full legal rights and obligations. Formal establishment protects everyone involved.
Can parenting time start after paternity?
Yes. Once parentage is clear, we can pursue a parenting plan and support orders that fit the child.
Legal Separation & Annulment
Alternatives to divorce when your goals call for separation or annulment instead.
Not every family matter ends in divorce. We explain when legal separation or annulment may better match your needs and faith or financial goals.
What to bring / next steps
- Clarify your goal: remain married for benefits/faith reasons, or unwind the marriage entirely.
- List shared accounts and debts that need interim rules.
- Ask whether temporary orders are enough while you decide on a longer path.
Common questions
How is legal separation different from divorce?
You remain married, but the court can still address property, support, and parenting — useful when divorce is not the right fit yet.
When is annulment possible?
Annulment is limited to specific legal grounds. We will tell you quickly if those facts are present.
Same-Sex Divorce
Respectful, experienced representation for LGBTQ+ spouses ending a marriage.
Same-sex divorce involves the same Arizona family-law framework — with careful attention to the unique history and assets of your relationship.
What to bring / next steps
- Gather marriage and any premarital/cohabitation financial history that affects property.
- Note parenting roles and any adoption or parentage paperwork already completed.
- Bring questions about name changes, benefits, or out-of-state orders if relevant.
Common questions
Are the rules different for same-sex spouses?
Arizona family law applies equally. The key is careful fact-gathering around parentage, property timelines, and prior agreements.
What if we married in another state?
Arizona can generally handle the divorce if jurisdictional requirements are met. We confirm venue before filing.
