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If you are navigating a divorce or child custody dispute in Arizona, the legal landscape surrounding child safety and parenting time is undergoing a major shift. The Arizona Legislature recently passed House Bill 2995, also known as the Alec and Lydia Act. Because this landmark family law reform carries an emergency clause, it took…

Yes, a person can divorce without the other spouse signing in Arizona. State law allows a single party to petition for dissolution and obtain a default judgment if the non-filing spouse refuses to sign paperwork or participate. Ending a marriage is rarely easy, especially when one spouse refuses to engage. In many situations, one…

Can a Parent Keep a Child From the Other Parent? A parent cannot legally keep a child from another established legal parent in Arizona without a formal court order or immediate safety concern. This situation happens more often than people expect. One parent refuses to allow contact, and the other parent believes their rights…

One of the most frustrating situations after a divorce is when your former spouse simply refuses to follow the court’s orders. Whether it’s parenting time, property division, or another provision of your divorce decree, you may be wondering what you can do to make them comply. The good news is that you do have…

One of the biggest questions people ask before filing for divorce is whether they should move out of the marital home. The answer depends on your specific situation, but in many cases, I recommend that my clients stay in the home if they can do so safely. Moving out too early can create challenges,…

One of the biggest financial concerns people have during a divorce is whether they’ll lose their retirement savings. I hear questions about 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, and other retirement accounts almost every day. The answer depends on when the retirement was earned and whether any portion of it is considered community property under Arizona law….

Being served with emergency custody papers can be one of the most stressful moments in a family law case. Your emotions may be running high, and it’s easy to react out of fear or anger. Before you do anything, it’s important to slow down and make thoughtful decisions. Here are the first steps I…

At Arizona Law Group, we frequently advise parents who are unsure whether access to a child can be limited or denied. The answer depends entirely on whether a court order exists. When There Is No Court Order When no custody or parenting time order is in place, there are no enforceable rules governing a…

Does a Stay-at-Home Spouse Automatically Receive Alimony in Arizona? One of the most common questions I hear during divorce consultations is, “My spouse never worked. Does that mean I’ll automatically have to pay spousal maintenance?” I also hear the opposite question from stay-at-home spouses: “Since I stayed home with the children, does that mean…

Does a Stay-at-Home Spouse Automatically Receive Alimony in Arizona? One of the most common questions I hear during divorce consultations is, “My spouse never worked. Does that mean I’ll automatically have to pay spousal maintenance?” I also hear the opposite question from stay-at-home spouses: “Since I stayed home with the children, does that mean…

Can I Be Arrested If I Call the Police During a Domestic Violence Incident? One of the most common misconceptions I hear is, “If I call the police first, they can’t arrest me.” Unfortunately, that’s simply not true. In Arizona, the person who calls 911 is not automatically considered the victim. When officers arrive,…

My Spouse Emptied Our Bank Account Before Filing for Divorce. One of the most emotional phone calls I receive is from someone who has just discovered their spouse emptied the joint bank account before filing for divorce. If this has happened to you, don’t panic. While it’s certainly frustrating and can create immediate financial…

Can You Get Child Support Before Paternity Is Established in Arizona? A common question I receive is whether child support can be ordered before paternity has been legally established. In most situations, the answer is no. Before a court can order child support from an alleged father, the legal parent-child relationship generally must first…

If you are considering divorce in Arizona, one of the first questions you will face is whether your situation is likely to be contested or uncontested. These two paths are very different in terms of time, cost, complexity, and emotional toll. Understanding the distinction early helps you make informed decisions about how to proceed…

Arizona Family Law Legislation Update 2026 We report on important 2026 legislative changes and family law trends in Arizona. Along with the Alec and Lydia Act, several bills were recently signed into law. These statutes and court interpretations of them may affect your divorce or child custody case as well as plans for modified…

When you file for divorce in Arizona, one of the most critical phases of the legal process is discovery. For many people, this term is unfamiliar until they are already in the middle of a case. Understanding what discovery is, what it involves, and how to approach it can make a significant difference in…

Going through a divorce is one of the most significant transitions a person can experience. In Arizona, the process involves legal, financial, and emotional dimensions that require careful planning. Whether you are just beginning to consider divorce or already moving toward filing, taking the time to prepare thoroughly can make a meaningful difference in…

Arizona’s community property rules apply to debt the same way they apply to assets. What the divorce decree says about who owes what does not always match what creditors will actually do. Key Takeaways: Arizona community debt is divided equally between both spouses. A divorce decree does not eliminate liability to creditors. Unresolved joint…

If you are a business owner going through a divorce in Arizona, the stakes are higher than they are for most people. Your business is not just an asset. It is your livelihood, your legacy, and often the result of years of hard work. Protecting it requires a clear strategy and the discipline to…

Why Would A Mother Lose Custody of Her Child in AZ? Untreated Mental Health Issues One of the most common issues is untreated mental health problems. “I would say number one is untreated mental health issues.” Mental health conditions alone are not the problem. The key issue is whether the mother is addressing the…