Phoenix Attorneys Helping Clients with the Divorce Process
Ending a marriage is a decision that can be extremely difficult and painful. Your marriage was a foundational part of your life, but now that it is ending, you will be changing almost every aspect of how you live. The divorce will require adjustments to your hopes and plans for your future, not to mention changes to the lives of your children if they are a part of the picture. The last thing you need when going through the emotional and stressful crisis of divorce is a legal tangle that you are left to deal with on your own. Having someone on your side who can view things objectively while watching out for your best interests can make a huge difference in how you move forward during and after your divorce. Our legal team provides caring and careful attention to every detail of the legal process of divorce, saving you headaches and heartaches as well as time and money. Give us a call at 623-777-3909 to schedule a consultation and find out how we can best help you.
What Kinds of Divorce are There in Arizona?
The state of Arizona recognizes two kinds of dissolution of the marriage, or divorce. The type of divorce is largely determined by how easily the two parties come to agreements in the divorce. This means the divorce could be uncontested, where there is little dispute about the divorce, or a contested divorce where significant disputes exist. Here is a brief summary of how each kind of divorce might look:
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, the two spouses agree on virtually all issues with regard to the division of property, custody of children, and other issues. These cases are relatively simple, and while they are not necessarily resolved quickly, they generally do take less time to complete than a contested divorce. Uncontested divorces make up many of the divorce cases in Arizona and can be settled in as little as 60-120 days. They usually cost less than a contested divorce as well. However, issues can always arise that can complicate even the simplest divorce process, which is why having a legal representative is such a wise decision.
Contested Divorce
Sometimes couples struggle to come to an agreement about how to handle the divorce and surrounding issues. These cases may necessitate mediation. Experts may need to be brought in to evaluate a spouse’s income or even appraise a business if one of the spouses is a business owner and there is a dispute as to the value of the business. Naturally, these extra steps in the divorce process can cause delays as well as higher expenses. Hiring a lawyer can make all the difference in navigating any issues that may arise.
What are Arizona Laws Regarding Children in a Divorce?
In Arizona, children’s rights are governed by statutes that outline how to assure their best interest in the event that their parents dissolve the marriage. First, parents must understand that by law, both parents have the same rights to their children. Further, the court may not show any more favor to one parent than the other solely because of their gender. However, if parents cannot come to an agreement as to custody of the child, a mediator or even the court itself may analyze how to proceed based on various factors, including: • The relationships between the child and the parents in the past, present, and potential future • The mental and physical health of the potential guardians involved • Whether either parent has engaged in abuse of the child • The wishes of the child • The child’s situation within their home, school, and community Since the well-being of their children is the primary concern of most parents during a divorce, this is an extremely important aspect to consider. With so much at stake, please contact us to help you have peace of mind that your children will be in the most beneficial scenario possible as a result of the divorce process.
What Are the Steps in Filing for Divorce in Arizona?
To begin the divorce process in Arizona, you should reach out to a knowledgeable, compassionate law firm to aid you through the complex and sometimes heartrending process of ending your marriage. We will help you with the various forms and footwork involved in your divorce so you don’t have the extra stress to deal with on top of the emotional turmoil you may be facing. Some of the documents we will help you file with the courts as necessary are the Petition to Dissolve the Marriage, a Maiden Name Restoration request if needed, and finally, the Decree of Dissolution, which declares the marriage dissolved. This is just a small part of the process, which demonstrates how valuable a legal representative can be in helping you through your divorce.
Should You Hire a Lawyer During Your Divorce?
During the divorce process, many different factors come into play that require knowledge of the law as well as finesse and compassion. So many aspects of the lives of both parties come under inspection, including finances, relationships, and parenting. Our lawyers know how to achieve the right results for you and your family by navigating Arizona law efficiently, saving you time and money. Hiring a lawyer also gives you peace of mind as you don’t need to worry about the technical aspects of the law during your divorce. For more detailed answers to your questions, contact us today for a consultation at 623-777-3909.