DIVORCE

I DIVORCE OR SEPARATION I

To begin the divorce or separation process in, one party must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or a Petition for Legal Separation. The filing party must serve the other party with the court documents. The responding party must file a response within 20 or 30 days, depending upon whether they live in Arizona or another state.

I PRE-DECREE AGREEMENTS / ORDERS I

While your dissolution proceeding is pending, parties often need temporary orders to determine living arrangements, finances and parenting time. A client may ask the court for temporary orders before their divorce or other family matter is final.

I EMERGENCY ORDERS I

Sometimes situations arise involving Domestic Violence or Substance Abuse which may warrant immediate court intervention. Motions for Emergency Orders may be made with or without notice to the other party, depending upon your individual situation.

I PROPERTY SETTLEMENT I

Arizona is a community property state which requires the equitable division of all marital assets and debts. “Community property” is defined as any assets (income, investments, real property, etc) which are acquired during the marriage. “Separate property” is property which belongs solely to an individual either through gift, inheritance or if acquired before the community began or after it is terminated.

I CHILD SUPPORT I

Determined by the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, Child Support is a straightforward calculation which takes into account each parties’ income, their parenting time and what costs are expended on child care and health insurance.

https://www.azcourts.gov/familylaw/2018-Child-Support-Calculator

I SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE I

Unlike Child Support, Spousal Maintenance (“alimony”) is not a straightforward calculation in Arizona. It is governed by statute and each client’s case is unique in determining whether they “qualify” for spousal maintenance and if so, the amount and duration.

We are here to help. Please call us for more information at 480.465.0116.