FAMILY LAW

Going through a divorce, battling for child custody, establishing paternity, etc. can be a difficult, draining experience, both emotionally and financially. That’s why you need a competent, experienced and caring attorney by your side. We emphasize reasonable settlements, without the financial and emotional drain of lengthy and contentious litigation, in our family law practice.

We will aggressively advocate your rights and protect your family during all family law proceedings, but we do so in such a manner as to, often, proceed unopposed—the so called “conscious uncoupling.” This really is not a unicorn–we settle approximately 75% of our family law cases without having to enter a formal court appearance.  This saves you substantial time, money and sleepless nights.

The secret? Simple—we do not advocate unreasonably. Settlements will be, literally, “fair.” An old-fashioned concept, but it rings true even today. To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.

Child Custody

You might be concerned that your ex (or soon-to-be-ex) is going to try to restrict your time with your child(ren) or pursue more parenting time than you believe is best for your child(ren). Either way, we can help you know your rights and responsibilities pursuant to Arizona child custody law.

As with the courts of Arizona, our focus will remain on what is in the best interests of your child(ren). We will do all that we can to ensure your parental rights to allow you to raise your child(ren) in a fit and healthy home, hopefully with the full support and cooperation of your former spouse/partner. Divorce need not lead to disrespect and mistrust as to your partner in parenting.

To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.

Child Support

Both parents share in the responsibility of raising (a) child(ren) — that, of course, includes financial support. Whether you are going through a divorce or involved in a child support dispute for another reason, a fair outcome for your child(ren) depends on the proper presentation of accurate information.

We will match our detailed knowledge of Arizona law with your specific circumstances and needs to defend your child(ren)’s right to receive the financial support required for a healthy, happy upbringing.  We aggressively pursue “deadbeats” (male or female) who apparently feel that child support is a “suggestion” rather than a legal and moral order. We have worked hard to see a number of these scofflaws sentenced to jail.  It is amazing how a pair of handcuffs often acts to loosen the ol’ purse strings!

To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.

Divorce

Many people who are considering a divorce are understandably concerned and nervous about starting the legal process. The emotional hurdles are immense before one even gets to that point. We are very much aware of this fact, and we take a very compassionate and understanding approach to pre-divorce counseling and education. To seek a divorce, or not, is a very personal, troubling and stressful decision.  We know that it is your decision—no one else should attempt to influence that decision, and we will most certainly not do so. Clients are often unsure of what to expect, how long the process will take, how much it is likely to cost and how their lives and relationships will be impacted in both the short and long terms. We will help with all of this.

Whether through settlement conference (by far our preferred method), mediation or litigation, our firm will fight for your right to get the best possible settlement or judgment, including a fair distribution of assets and liabilities, spousal maintenance and child support.

To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.

Paternity

Every child has a right to the care and support that both of their parents can provide to them. Even if the child(ren)’s parents have never been married, child custody and child support orders are available to enforce the parents’ and the child(ren)’s rights.

Many men are astonished to learn that they essentially have no parental rights to a child born out of wedlock. Swift communication, and, if needed, intervention of the Courts, can prevent long-term problems from festering and harming lives.

Whether you are facing a paternity suit or seeking to establish paternity, you need an attorney who will safeguard your rights and protect your interests. We have substantial experience in matters involving paternity and will devise the strategy that is best for you and your child(ren), starting with biological verification of paternity via DNA testing (if appropriate) and proceeding to final child support and parenting plan orders.

To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.

Property Settlements

Dividing assets and debts under Arizona community property law can be one of the most complex aspects of a divorce case. If the property settlement is done inappropriately, the results can be unjust and cause years of even more financial, emotional and mental turmoil–right when you least need it.

Many divorce cases involve difficult property division issues concerning family business assets, military pension benefits or disputes as to the status of certain properties. Our experience and understanding of Arizona marital property law will help ensure that you are well represented in the litigation or negotiated settlement of even the most complex property division cases.

To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.

Spousal Maintenance

Divorce should not lead to financial crisis for either party. Under Arizona law, spousal maintenance — sometimes known as alimony — is a regular payment made by one party to another during and after divorce. Determining whether spousal maintenance is appropriate, and the long-term consequences (including tax ramifications) of that choice, is often a key step in the divorce process.

We will strive to protect the financial interests of our clients during and after a divorce. Whether you are seeking to collect spousal support or defend against your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s unreasonable expectations, we will fight to protect your rights.

To discuss your case with our team, call us at 602.495.6511 or contact us online.