Chandler Family Lawyer

Stewart Law Group
1490 S. Price Rd Suite 118
Chandler, AZ 85286
Phone: 480-813-4800
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Chandler office map and directions

When You Need A Trusted Family And Divorce Attorney in Chandler, AZ

Are you looking for a top-notch divorce and family lawyer near you? Family and divorce attorney Amy Dohrendorf with the Stewart Law Group has been assisting clients from Chandler, Arizona for over a decade, at our South Price Road office, conveniently located near Sunset Shores Park.

Combined, our divorce attorneys have more than 100 years of legal experience (including family law) representing clients in various practice areas. Our main focus is on family law, divorce, and child custody representation, but we also have expertise in other practice areas. When you need legal representation for your family, you deserve the best. Family law and divorce matters should always be represented by experienced family law attorneys. Don’t hesitate to contact our Chandler office if you are in need of a divorce lawyer in Chandler.

What Matters Do Family Law Attorneys Handle?

Family law attorneys possess the skill, experience, and empathy necessary to guide individuals and families through difficult times. The following are some of the most common types of matters a family lawyer handles: 

Divorce and Separation 

One of the most well-known matters that family law attorneys handle is divorce and separation. Divorces can be financially, emotionally, and logistically challenging for both parties. A family lawyer’s expertise in this area is invaluable, as they can help couples navigate complicated processes, including property division, alimony, possible relocation, and name changes.

Additionally, in some instances where a couple may not be ready to legally dissolve their marriage, a family attorney can assist with drafting formal separation agreements, enabling the couple to live apart while outlining their obligations and rights during the separation period.

Child Custody and Visitation 

Determining child custody and visitation rights is another common area that family law attorneys handle. Parents may seek out their services to mediate custody disputes, establish visitation schedules, or modify existing arrangements due to changes in circumstances. By working with a knowledgeable family law attorney, parents can know that the best interests of their children are taken into consideration and that they are treated fairly throughout the process.

Child Support 

Child support issues can arise both during and after the resolution of a divorce or separation. A family lawyer plays a vital role in establishing a reasonable child support agreement that is enforceable by the courts. They can also help parents who wish to modify or enforce existing child support orders, ensuring that each child receives the financial support they deserve.

Spousal Maintenance

Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, is granted to one spouse to help them maintain their standard of living following a divorce or separation. Factors such as the length of the marriage, the economic and non-economic contributions of each spouse, and the future earning potential of both parties are considered when determining spousal support. Family law attorneys have the experience to negotiate fair spousal support agreements.

Adoption and Surrogacy

Family lawyers can serve as valuable guides through the exciting yet complicated process of adoption or surrogacy, helping you understand your options, rights, and responsibilities. This can encompass a range of legal tasks, including drafting contracts, addressing issues related to parental rights, and ensuring that the interests of all parties, especially the child, are protected.

Paternity

Establishing paternity can have various implications for both the child and the parent. Family law attorneys can help navigate the process of determining paternity, ensuring that the rights of both the father and the child are protected. This can include aspects such as visitation rights, custody arrangements, and child support obligations.

Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders

Unfortunately, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue within families. A family law attorney can provide crucial support and guidance in seeking protection from an abusive partner, advocating for your rights and safety. This may involve securing a restraining order or pursuing more long-term legal solutions.

Guardianship and Conservatorship

In some cases, family members may need to assume guardianship or conservatorship over a child or an incapacitated adult. This can be a complex legal process that involves court appearances, ongoing reporting, and various responsibilities. A family law attorney can guide you through the technical aspects of establishing and maintaining guardianship or conservatorship, ensuring that the best interests of all parties are addressed.

What Must You (And Your Divorce Lawyer) Prove in Your Divorce Case?

Do you know what must be proved to prevail in your case, as the petitioner or, alternatively, as the responding party or defendant? Do you understand what the standard of proof by which exhibits, testimony, and other relevant evidence must persuade the judge in order for you to prevail? Although there are a few exceptions, generally:

• In divorces and family law cases, the standard of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence;
• In criminal proceedings, the state must prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt; and,
• In probate proceedings over the validity of a Last Will and Testament, for instance, the standard of proof is by clear and convincing evidence.

Appreciating the ease or difficulty of proving your case is an important aspect of legal strategy, and your family deserves the best representation possible. Another important consideration is which court will have jurisdiction to hear and decide, for example, the petition for dissolution of marriage, modification of child support, the appointment of a conservator for the vulnerable adult, or contentious probate litigation matter.

Every client’s legal concerns involve unique circumstances. Understanding the depth of any legal issue being addressed, having substantial courtroom experience litigating cases, and preparing successful legal stratagems are just some of the things for which our Chandler legal team of family and divorce attorneys is known. We go above and beyond to bring our clients the best possible results in the case, whether it be a civil family law or probate action, or defense against criminal prosecution.

Divorce and Family Law Representation in Chandler

You may already know that Arizona is a no-fault divorce state. The only grounds in a no-fault divorce are that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither spouse is required to prove marital misconduct (adultery, for example, or abandonment) for the court to dissolve the marriage. If one party wants a divorce and the spouses do not reconcile, then the Superior Court Judge will dissolve their marriage. Marital misconduct can have an impact on child custody factors, though. And when coupled with marital waste, marital fault may influence property division factors, too.

Along with only a handful of other states, Arizona allows for the creation of a covenant marriage. In the dissolution of a covenant marriage (unless the spouses are in agreement in wanting the divorce), fault-based grounds must be alleged and proved before the divorce can be granted.

For some couples, an alternative to divorce might be annulment, to void the marriage. Another alternative is a decree of legal separation which does not dissolve the marriage but does determine the same issues raised in a divorce. These possibilities should be discussed with an experienced attorney near you.

Working toward a divorce settlement by negotiating a separation agreement with the assistance of your divorce attorney is almost always an efficient and cost-effective process that can save on attorney fees. There are times, however, when litigation and trial are necessary to resolve outstanding issues. Our Chandler divorce attorneys will discuss the legal issues presented in your case, in light of your goals, and the position of your spouse on those issues. We always recommend the strategy best-suited to protecting your rights and achieving your goals.

With every family law petition involving minor children – including cases following paternity establishment between unwed parents – a parenting plan in the best interests of the child will be required. And unless the parents agree on a plan, they may be ordered to give mediation a fair try. In every case, child custody will be ordered with a determination of legal decision-making (often shared) and scheduled parenting time. A Chandler child custody attorney can help assist in custody legal battles.

Find more information concerning family law:

• Divorce;
• Child support;
• Father’s Rights

Of course, child support will also be ordered. Although the Arizona Child Support Guidelines are used to calculate child support obligations, some factors can be negotiated. The court does have some discretion to depart from the Guidelines by increasing or decreasing the monthly support amount, depending upon the circumstances. It could include money to fund a college trust account or to cover the cost of summer camp. An experienced divorce attorney in your area, familiar with the assigned judge’s proclivities can be a real asset.

At the initial consultation, legal alternatives are discussed with your family attorney so that the client can make an informed decision. Preparing for court proceedings, developing legal arguments, strategizing the case, and litigating at trial, these are the things we routinely do at the Stewart Law Group. And we do them well.

Which Court Will Hear Your Divorce Law Case in Chandler?

Generally, court proceedings for our family law and divorce clients, including those seeking a military divorce, will be heard in the Superior Court in one of Arizona’s 15 counties. Chandler parents who are involved in a dispute over child relocation, for instance, may have their petitions heard in the Superior Court in Maricopa County.

When you have a family law matter and in need of representation in the Chandler area, here at Stewart Law Group, we are always prepared for every possible twist and turn the proceedings may take. Each of us takes our professional responsibilities to heart, including the promise to zealously represent our clients. Our job is to protect each client’s legal rights and obtain the best possible results. Just as we will for you if we accept the case.

Protective Orders and Injunctions in Chandler

Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment (OOP and IAH, respectively) may be obtained from a judge of the Chandler Municipal Court. In a pre-divorce situation where there is a threat of domestic violence, for example, one spouse (the victim) may obtain an OOP to keep the other spouse away and prohibit contact and communication. Violating the OOP can result in immediate arrest by Chandler police or other law enforcement.

In a vulnerable adult situation, for instance, an OOP may be obtained to keep an abusive person from contacting an elderly victim and from visiting that victim’s residence.

Contact Our Team of Experienced Family & Divorce Lawyers at Our Chandler Office Location

If you, or someone you care about, live in or near the Chandler area and need to speak with an understanding professional about divorce and family law matters, then call us  at 480-813-4800 to schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney. You can also email us with a question, too. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible with no strings attached. If you have a question, contact us and get your question answered by an experienced Arizona family law attorney serving Maricopa County, Pinal County, and all of Arizona. Here at Stewart Law Group, we expect nothing but the best for our clients, and will work tirelessly to ensure they get the best possible outcome for their case.

What Our Clients Have to Say:

“Amy Dohrendorf at Stewart Law Group guided me through the difficult divorce process and we arrived at a great result. Amy listened attentively to my details, helped me see the legal view, and led me on a winning strategy focused on resolving critical issues. Amy was pleasant to work with, a great communicator, and a compassionate guide; Stewart Law group is efficient and organized with a clear map of the steps and transparent online billing. I strongly recommend you consider Amy and her team to secure your best possible outcome.”

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Duane Enger
Read more of our 49+ reviews on Google!

“When I walked into [SLG] … I was put at ease! Starting with [my case manager who] explained the process of my case in a way that I could understand, to my attorney Amy [Dohrendorf], who took me step-by-step at what was the best action to take for my case. I was always informed … and every time I called with a question [my case manager] answered the phone and was able to help me or find the help I needed….”

-R.A., Former Client

Areas of Practice in Chandler, AZ