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  TL;DR Access reports online through the City of Phoenix Public Records portal or BuyCrash.org Requests can be made in person at the Public Records and Services Unit on East Grant Street Scheduling an appointment by phone is recommended for in-person or telephone assistance Expect a standard processing time of approximately 14 days before…

TL;DR Remain silent and wait for your attorney during an arrest Attend an initial appearance within 24 hours to learn charges and release conditions Negotiate potential plea deals with the prosecutor before the formal arraignment Face a trial where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt Undergo a separate sentencing hearing and…

Hiring a divorce attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make during an already difficult time in your life. The attorney you choose will guide you through complex legal processes, advocate for your interests, and help shape the outcome of matters that affect your family, finances, and future. With so much…

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…

When infidelity enters a marriage, emotions run high. Betrayal, anger, and hurt can cloud judgment and lead to assumptions about how divorce proceedings will unfold. Many people going through a divorce in Arizona believe that cheating will dramatically shift the outcome in their favor—or against them. However, the reality of how Arizona courts handle…

A parenting plan is one of the most important documents you will create during your divorce or custody case. This plan serves as the roadmap for how you and your co-parent will raise your children after your relationship ends. When done correctly, a well-crafted parenting plan provides clarity, reduces conflict, and keeps your child’s…

Going through a divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, and understanding how Arizona law approaches the process can help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or have already begun the process, knowing what to expect regarding grounds for divorce, property division,…

When a marriage ends, dividing property is rarely as simple as splitting a bank account down the middle. For couples with retirement accounts, intellectual property, valuable collections, or international holdings, the process becomes significantly more intricate. Arizona is a community property state, which means that assets acquired during the marriage are generally considered jointly…

Arizona requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period after divorce papers are served before a court can finalize your divorce—but this “cooling-off period” doesn’t mean nothing happens during those two months. Understanding what you can (and should) do during this time, what temporary orders can protect you immediately, and why some divorces still take months…

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 Marijuana use is legal in Arizona, but it can still impact child custody cases. Parents should be cautious about using marijuana around their children or in public. Habitual use or addiction could harm custody prospects, similar to alcohol abuse. Despite its legality, marijuana use may carry a stigma that affects court decisions. Legal…

TL;DR Changing a child’s last name in Arizona requires court approval based on the child’s best interests. A name change is more likely if both parents agree or if one parent is unavailable. Courts may deny a name change if one parent objects and both parents are involved in the child’s life. Factors like…

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 Failing to pay child support in Arizona is a crime and can lead to a Class VI felony charge. Consequences include wage garnishment, property seizure, license suspension, and contempt charges. The Division of Child Support Services enforces payments and may report non-payment to credit agencies. Parents facing financial hardship can seek a modification…

TL;DR Poor record-keeping can delay the divorce process and create unnecessary stress. Settling too quickly may result in losing valuable assets or unfair terms. Hiding or dispersing assets can lead to severe penalties and increased penalties for the other spouse. Ignoring tax consequences can lead to costly penalties and tax issues post-divorce. High-income child…

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…

Moving to a new city or state after divorce can open doors to better opportunities, but when children are involved, Arizona’s relocation laws add layers of complexity that require careful navigation. Whether you’re pursuing a job opportunity across the country or seeking to be closer to family support, understanding your legal obligations and rights…

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with? This is one of the most common questions parents ask during divorce or custody disputes. Under Arizona law, children cannot make this decision independently until they reach adulthood at 18. However, their preferences may influence the court’s analysis as part of the…

Custody mediation is not only about expressing your preferences, but also about how those preferences are delivered. Tone and phrasing can influence the flow of the discussion. What not to say in child custody mediation can make a real difference in whether the conversation remains productive or turns tense. At Arizona Law Group, we…