Practice area
Family Law
Divorce and child custody matters can be stressful for everyone involved. The stress of these matters makes it difficult to think clearly. Hiring an attorney allows the attorney to focus on the legal matters, while you focus on your family.
We are available 24/7. (602) 595-5222
Divorce
Whether a divorce proceeding is contested or uncontested, we are here to help. There are many issues that can arise during a divorce proceeding, including property division, temporary orders, child custody (now known as legal decision-making and parenting time), spousal maintenance, and more. We also handle legal separation and annulment.
Legal Decision-Making
Arizona changed the law in January of 2013, so legal decision-making replaced the term custody. Legal-decision making refers to which parent makes major decisions regarding the child(ren). Specifically, legal decision-making refers to a parent’s right to make non-emergency legal decisions for a child such as regarding school, medical treatment, religion, etc. The court may order sole legal decision-making or joint legal decision-making. The court must determine legal decision-making in accordance with the best interests of the child.
Parenting Time
Parenting time refers to the schedule of time that each parent has the child(ren). When making a decision, a judge must make the decision based on the best interest of the child(ren). However, equal parenting time is preferred by law, so long as no domestic violence, drug abuse, neglect, or other criminal behavior has occurred. We will work tirelessly for you to get the parenting time you deserve.
Learn more about legal decision-making and parenting time
Guide: orders of protection in Arizona
Enforcement
Sometimes one party refuses to comply with a court's order regarding legal decision-making, parenting time, and/or child support. Enforcement of a court order involves filing a petition with the court to have the court compel the non-complying party to comply with the court's order or face serious consequences.
Modification
Sometimes parents reach a point when the parenting plan in place is no longer working. It is important to consider what is in the best interests of your child(ren) and consult with an attorney to determine whether a modification is allowed under Arizona law.
Child Support
Child support is a court ordered payment by one parent to another for the financial support of a child. Child support is calculated by statutory guidelines, but there are factors that go into determining the amount, including each parent's finances and the child(ren)'s needs. A change in employment and/or change in parenting time can prompt a need to modify child support.
Common questions
How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
At minimum, 60 days from service of the petition — the statutory waiting period. An uncontested case with a consent decree can finish shortly after that; contested cases involving property or custody disputes typically take several months to a year or more.
Do Arizona courts favor mothers in custody cases?
No. The law is gender-neutral: legal decision-making and parenting time are decided on the best interests of the child under A.R.S. § 25-403, and courts are directed to maximize each parent's time where that is consistent with those interests.
What is the difference between legal separation and divorce?
A legal separation resolves property, custody, support and maintenance just as a divorce does, but leaves the marriage legally intact — neither spouse can remarry. Couples choose it for religious, financial, or insurance reasons, and it can later be converted to a dissolution.
Can the court make my spouse pay my attorney's fees?
It can. Under A.R.S. § 25-324 the court may order one side to contribute to the other's fees based on the parties' relative financial resources and the reasonableness of the positions each has taken — which keeps a better-funded spouse from litigating the other into submission.
How we work
What happens after you call.
Every case is different, but the first four steps rarely are.
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The free consultation
We listen, explain how Arizona law treats your situation — property, decision-making, parenting time, support — and lay out the realistic paths forward.
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Filing and temporary orders
We prepare and file the petition and, where needed, seek temporary orders covering the home, the children and the bills while the case is pending — the decisions that shape everything after.
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Disclosure and negotiation
Both sides exchange full financial disclosure. Most family cases settle; we negotiate from prepared positions, through counsel or mediation, and put agreements in enforceable form.
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Agreement or trial
Agreed issues go into a consent decree. Contested ones are tried to a judge — and we prepare every case as if it will be.
We help good people through difficult life events.
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Contact us for a free initial consultation
Or complete the form below to set up a convenient time to discuss your case.
- Phone
- 602-595-5222
- Availability
- We are available 24/7.