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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…

Navigating the transition from a divorce to a new marriage involves specific legal rules in Arizona. Fortunately, the state does not impose unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for individuals looking to move forward with their lives. Do You Have to Show a Divorce Decree to Get a Marriage License in AZ? When you go down to…

Does Arizona Have Common Law Marriage? Many couples wonder, does Arizona have common law marriage as a recognized form of union? Arizona does not recognize common law marriage for couples living in the state. Couples cannot establish a legal marriage here without obtaining a marriage license and participating in a formal ceremony. However, Arizona…

Arizona spousal maintenance is awarded based on statutory eligibility factors and calculated using specific criteria, and understanding both is essential before any divorce negotiation begins. Key Takeaways: Arizona courts use a two-step process: first determining eligibility, then calculating amount and duration. Spousal maintenance is designed to be temporary, not permanent, in most Arizona cases….

Your divorce decree was written based on the facts of your life at a specific moment in time, and life has a habit of refusing to stay still. In Arizona, courts recognize that circumstances change, and the law provides a clear process for modifying divorce orders when those changes meet the legal threshold for…

TL;DR Alimony & Support: Post-2018 alimony isn’t deductible; child support is tax-neutral. Home Sales: Use specific decree language to protect the $500k gain exclusion. Retirement Assets: Follow strict IRS rules to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Business Interests: Handle transfers carefully to avoid losing “suspended losses.” Tax Filing: Update your filing status, estate…

The new year offers a powerful opportunity to rebuild your life after divorce. Here’s how to set meaningful financial and emotional goals that help you move forward with confidence and clarity. Key Takeaways: Setting intentional goals for your finances, emotional health, and personal growth can transform the post-divorce period into a foundation for a…

What is a Rule 69 Agreement in Arizona? TL;DR A Rule 69 Agreement allows Arizona parties in divorce or custody cases to settle disputes privately. It must be in writing, signed, and recorded before a mediator or court official. Partial agreements are allowed, but they must follow the same formalities. Challenging or modifying an…

TL;DR Arizona requires full disclosure and equal division of marital assets. Hidden assets are any income, accounts, or property a spouse fails to report. Warning signs include missing statements, blocked access, odd spending, and unexplained withdrawals. Lawyers use discovery, document requests, and experts to track down hidden money. Asset hiding is fraud that can…

TL;DR Arizona family court can modify protective orders if they conflict with parenting time. Modifications are allowed only if parenting time won’t endanger the child’s well-being. Protective orders can’t address custody or parenting time in divorce cases. Family court determines if parenting time risks emotional harm to the child. Violating protective order terms may…

TL;DR Arizona is a community property state, so assets are divided fairly, not always equally. Contested divorces may involve asset hiding or spending sprees, making asset protection essential. Consult with a lawyer to navigate asset protection strategies and ensure compliance with Arizona laws. Like many states, Arizona is a community property divorce state. In…

Requesting a different judge during a divorce involves more than disagreeing with rulings. It must be backed by a valid legal reason. Many clients ask, Can you request a different judge in family court?, and the answer is yes, under specific circumstances. A formal motion must explain why the judge should be removed, such…

Ending a marriage is rarely easy, especially when one spouse refuses to participate. Arizona law does not require both parties to agree to proceed with a divorce. In many situations, one spouse may hesitate, avoid signing papers, or refuse to acknowledge the process altogether. This raises a common question: can you divorce without the…

Ending a marriage is one of life’s most significant decisions and requires careful preparation, emotionally, financially, and legally. At Arizona Law Group, we understand the weight of this moment and the importance of moving forward with clarity and confidence. If you’ve been wondering how to prepare for divorce, you’re already taking the right first…

When parents make the difficult decision to divorce, one question often comes up: What is the worst age for divorce for children, and how will it shape their emotional health and future? Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s a significant life change that touches every family member. Knowing how kids react at different stages…

Divorce is a significant life change, and many couples have questions about what the law requires before they can proceed. A common concern is how long you have to be separated before divorce in Arizona. Unlike some states, Arizona does not require spouses to live apart before starting the divorce process. Instead, once the…

Going through a divorce is hard enough on its own, so some people ask a practical question: Does it matter who files for divorce first? While the legal system aims to treat both spouses fairly, the person who initiates the case can often influence early procedural steps. Taking action first may lead to meaningful…

How to File for Divorce in Arizona Without A Lawyer TL;DR: This article is for residents of Arizona who are thinking about taking a DIY approach and filing for divorce without a lawyer. It details: An 11-step process for filing for divorce on your own Tips to make sure the 11-steps are done thoroughly…

No couple walks down the aisle expecting it to end in divorce court, but life sometimes takes people in unanticipated directions. Fortunately, not all divorcing spouses have to litigate their divorce inside a courtroom. A divorce trial means an impartial judge who doesn’t personally know their situation makes all the final decisions for how…

A divorce is an emotionally draining experience. Many divorcing spouses focus their attention on the fraught emotional aspects of the divorce—whether it’s anger, sorrow, or relief—and allow some important legal aspects to slip through their fingers. Once the final divorce judgment is in place, many newly divorced spouses confront the reality of post-divorce life…