Divorce is a difficult and emotionally taxing process that can have lasting effects on those involved. If you are considering divorce in Arizona, it is important to understand the legal requirements and procedures involved. Our team of expert attorneys understands the intricacies of Arizona divorce law and is committed to ensuring that your legal needs are met. Contact Stewart Law Group to schedule a consultation.
Why Hire Stewart Law Group For Your Divorce?
Going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging and overwhelming experience. Choosing the right legal representation is vital to ensure a fair and equitable dissolution of your marriage. Here’s why you should work with us:
- With more than a century of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Stewart Law Group have successfully navigated numerous clients through the intricate web of Arizona’s divorce laws.
- Our attorneys understand how emotionally draining a divorce can be, not only for the married couple but also for their children and extended family. That’s why we provide compassionate, personalized representation tailored to the specific needs of each client.
- Communication is key during any legal proceeding, especially during a divorce. The attorneys at Stewart Law Group make sure to keep you informed and updated on the progress of your case at every step.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Divorce Case
One of the most essential steps to consider if you’re getting a divorce is finding the help of an experienced attorney. Here’s how they can help:
Assisting with Paperwork and Documentation: Filing for divorce requires a significant amount of paperwork and documentation. An attorney can help you prepare and complete all necessary documentation, including the initial petition, financial affidavit, and response paperwork when needed.
Mediation and Negotiation: Many divorce cases can be settled amicably through mediation and negotiation. An attorney can represent your interests during these discussions and advocate for fair solutions related to child custody, visitation, spousal support, and the division of assets.
Representing You in Court: If your divorce case goes to trial, an attorney will represent you in court and present evidence supporting your claims. They will also question witnesses, cross-examine your spouse and their witnesses, prepare the required documentation, and argue on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
Residency Requirements for Arizona Divorce
Before filing for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must have resided in the state for a period of 90 days. This residency requirement ensures a connection to the state and its judicial system, helping maintain fairness and efficiency in divorce proceedings. Once the residency requirement is met, the divorce process can commence.
Annulment vs. Divorce in Arizona
While divorce and annulment both dissolve a marriage, there are key differences between the two. Divorce/legal separation ends a valid, legally recognized marriage, whereas an annulment declares that the marriage was never valid in the first place. Though the result may appear similar, annulments are generally pursued in unique situations, such as fraud, coercion, or bigamy, among others.
Division of Assets and Debts
Arizona is a community property state, which means that any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are considered joint property and must be divided equitably in a divorce or legal separation. Separate property, which includes assets or debts acquired prior to the marriage and gifts or inheritance during the marriage, generally remain uncontested.
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance
Another critical aspect of divorce or legal separation in Arizona is determining financial support for any minor children and the lower-earning spouse. For child support calculations, Arizona utilizes a guideline model that considers the income of both parents, the number of children, and other relevant factors to determine an appropriate child support amount.
Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, may be awarded in certain circumstances, accounting for factors such as the length of the marriage, the age and earning capacity of the spouses, and the degree of financial disparity between the parties.
Contact Stewart Law Group To Schedule a Consultation
The road to divorce is never an easy one. It is a daunting journey filled with emotional and legal complexities that can overwhelm even the strongest of individuals. However, with the right guidance and support, you can navigate this difficult time with grace and dignity. Contact Stewart Law Group to schedule a consultation with an Anthem family attorney.