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As the holidays approach, it can be challenging to want to share custody of your children. Disagreements over custody around the holidays are common, even when parents are able to co-parent effectively for most of the year. This is especially true if one parent plans a special trip or other activities with the child…

If you’re reading this in the fall or winter seasons, it’s likely that parents all around the country are scurrying about college campuses, attending long information sessions, and collecting stacks of pamphlets. These tasks can be time-consuming, but they pale in comparison to the stress of applying for financial aid.   In order to…

Those going through a divorce often stress over their ex’s student loan debt. However, it may be a relief for you to know that if your ex took out the loan before your marriage, he or she will probably be held accountable for the debt following divorce. When loans are taken out during a…

Most parents appreciate the value of their children’s university, college, or trade school education. However, due to the fierce competition in today’s labor market, those without formal education or training beyond high school often find themselves at a severe disadvantage while looking for work. Therefore, even if you intend your child to pursue something…

Concerns over the children’s last names are rather common. It’s a lot more common when the parents aren’t married and already have a child. Suppose the parents are divorced or legally separated at the time of the baby’s birth, and the mother chooses to give the infant her last name. In that case, the…

Arizona Prop 207, which allows adults over the age of 21 to legally possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes, was approved by voters in 2020. Now those over the age of 21 can possess and use marijuana without the fear of prosecution. Arizona residents are now allowed to visit a registered dispensary and…

The house is one of the most contentious issues in a divorce. Homeownership is important in a couple’s finances and might mean a lot to one spouse who is financially dependent on the other. Furthermore, the residence may have considerable emotional significance for one or both spouse. After all, you bought it when you…

Arizona does not have a separate set of rules for military divorces, but there are additional guidelines that must be followed when one spouse is deployed or lives in a different city. Military couples can still get a divorce while one person is serving elsewhere, but the process may be significantly delayed. Because of…

Child custody evaluations are a frequent occurrence. Nonetheless, despite their commonality, it may be a highly nerve-racking struggle for a parent. To alleviate those worries and provide sufficient preparation for the process, parents should gather information about custody evaluations and their impact on child custody proceedings. Child Custody Evaluation 101 In general, a child…

Support is key In general, guilt arises from the feeling that you failed to fulfill a commitment to a loved one, failed to keep your half of the bargain, or overlooked a vital element that may have changed the outcome. Guilt is frequently the outcome of believing you should have done more or doing…

Aside from social media postings, people should be exceedingly cautious about what they email or text the other spouse. These are written messages that may be admitted into evidence in court. Once these communications are sent, they can be saved and utilized as evidence to establish anything or to impeach claims made by the…

Divorce can be a stressful and frustrating process. We understand that you may be concerned about what it means and how it will affect you, your children, and your connection with them. But you should be aware that, as a responsible and loving father, you have plenty of legal rights in Arizona. Is it…

How Bankruptcy Affects Divorce in Arizona Is it better to declare bankruptcy before or after divorce in Arizona? Well, that depends. Declaring bankruptcy will impact divorce proceedings, primarily the property settlement. And the property division in divorce will directly affect the former spouse’s bankruptcy estate. Most people file bankruptcy because debt collectors are hounding…

Divorce’s Impact When One or Both Spouses Own a Business Let’s look at what happens during a divorce in Arizona when one or both spouses own a business. You can also learn about dividing your family business during a divorce in AZ here. [lwptoc] Defining Arizona Community & Separate Property Arizona is what’s known…

Rule 69 agreement for joint legal decision-making and parenting time was approved and adopted by the court in this Arizona divorce. Once adopted, Rule 69 agreements are binding and must be included in the final decree. Specific findings of substantial domestic violence acts occurring after the agreement was adopted but before the decree is…

Mother filed her petition to modify child custody in Arizona compliant with the state’s law. Father did not file a petition for modification, but motioned for temporary orders requesting he be awarded sole legal custody. The court granted father’s motion for sole legal decision-making. Affirmed on appeal, the mother’s interpretation of Arizona custody modification…

At what stage is your divorce? Whether you’re under temporary custody orders, an informal arrangement, seeking modified custody, or have been co-parenting for years, COVID-19 has probably thrown you for a loop. Have faith, fear not. We know from experience that parents are amazingly resourceful and kids are phenomenally resilient. You can do this….

The Superior Court in Maricopa County has issued new Family Court Guidelines for Parenting Time of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic. These new guidelines comply with Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2020-18 (Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected), CDC recommendations, and applicable family law. If you have a parenting plan or parenting time order, then…

In community property division, civilian spouse was awarded 29% of husband’s military pension. Upon eligibility for retirement benefits, divorce decree required husband indemnify wife should he delay retirement to remain active duty. Arizona Supreme Court determined federal law does not entitle non-military spouse to indemnification should the service member choose to retire later than…

Hybrid child custody orders where parents are awarded joint legal decision-making with one parent granted final say in the event they cannot agree after consultation and good faith effort is common practice in Arizona. Awarding final say to one parent does not convert joint authority into sole legal decision-making as to child’s medical, mental…