In Arizona, property acquired by either of the spouses during the marriage belongs to both of them, even if the other spouse didn't take part in obtaining that property. So, how are retirement assets treated during marriage dissolution? Read on to find out more about...
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Maricopa County Family Law Blog
The options to consider when divorce affects a family business
The family-owned business is in jeopardy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has set it back a bit, your company continues to hold its own and is ready to emerge with just a few bruises. Financially, it is fine. However, the cause of this predicament is your marriage,...
When child support modifications need to take place
You know your spouse is driving a newer and fancier car. You see them behind the wheel at every child exchange. You learn from friends how they boast about the significant salary bump that came with a job promotion. While all this is going on, you still experience...
“I Need an Emergency Custody Order!”
Introduction Arizona Family Rule 48 does allow a person to seek emergency intervention from the court to suspend another parent's child access or legal decision-making ("LDM") rights. Used properly, the process can shield a child from serious physical injury or...
An Honest Discussion About Parental Alienation & Detraction
Parental alienation is a controversial topic. It does not appear (by name) anywhere in Arizona's child custody laws, but it is frequently alleged in family court when legal decision-making (LDM) and parenting time hang in the balance. Sometimes the claim is...
When equal parenting plans might not be the best option
As you create a post-separation parenting plan, you and your former partner will have a lot to think about - including the best child access schedule. Should it be divided evenly? Are there important reasons why it should not? Will the situation change enough in the...
Important Rules For Cases Involving Children
Many parents express confusion or misconceptions over how the family court decides legal decision-making (‘LDM’) and parenting time for children. In recent years, our Arizona Legislature has approved rules to guide judges through these difficult decisions. Since then,...
Divorce and your retirement savings
Property division can be a particularly stressful part of a divorce. You have spent years building a life, buying a home and saving for the future, and dividing this property will leave you with fewer resources. This is especially true of your retirement savings, and...
How will a court determine my child’s best interests?
Child custody may be one of the most important decisions made in your divorce. As a parent, you are probably used to seeing your child every day, and you may be concerned about the time you will have with him or her post-divorce. It is often best for the child and the...
Three ways parents can help kids adjust to having two homes
For many children, divorce becomes real when one parent moves out of the house. The divorce papers could be signed before or after a parent moves out, but to a kid, the date the papers are signed usually doesn’t matter too much. As soon as one parent moves out, the...