Arizona courts calculate parenting time by evaluating what arrangement serves the child’s best interests, not by applying a fixed mathematical formula. Judges consider several factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment. While every family is different, understanding how these decisions are made…
Continue reading…Can Text Messages and Digital Evidence Be Used in Family Court?
Yes. Arizona family courts may consider text messages, emails, social media posts, photos, videos, and other digital communications as evidence, provided they are relevant and can be properly authenticated. In many divorce, child custody, and support cases, digital evidence can help establish facts, support a parent’s claims, or challenge another party’s testimony. As more of…
Continue reading…Surrogacy Agreements and Parental Rights in Arizona
Arizona law treats surrogacy differently from many other states. While surrogacy itself is not prohibited, Arizona law does not recognize surrogate parentage contracts as enforceable. Because of this, intended parents often need additional legal steps to establish parental rights. If you are considering surrogacy, understanding Arizona’s legal framework before beginning the process can help you…
Continue reading…Arizona’s New Spousal Maintenance Guidelines Explained
Arizona’s revised spousal maintenance guidelines changed how courts calculate the amount and duration of support in many divorce and legal separation cases. The 2025 updates do not guarantee support, but they give courts a more structured way to evaluate support after a spouse first proves eligibility. Spousal maintenance, sometimes called alimony, is financial support paid…
Continue reading…When Might an Arizona Court Mandate Mediation in a Custody Dispute?
Arizona courts frequently require parents to participate in mediation before a judge decides contested custody and parenting time issues. In many counties, mediation is mandatory when parents cannot agree on legal decision-making, parenting time, or related child-focused disputes. Mediation gives parents an opportunity to resolve disagreements outside the courtroom, often before a contested hearing or…
Continue reading…Arizona Divorce Timeline: How Long Does Each Step Actually Take?
An Arizona divorce can be finalized in as little as 60 days after service, but many cases take several months or longer. The timeline depends on whether both spouses agree, whether children are involved, and how quickly financial and parenting issues are resolved. What Is the Fastest Divorce Timeline in Arizona? The fastest Arizona divorce…
Continue reading…What to Bring to Your First Consultation With a Divorce Attorney
Your first consultation with a divorce attorney is more productive when you bring information about your marriage, finances, children, property, and main concerns. You do not need every document on day one, but the more organized you are, the easier it is for an attorney to understand your situation and explain your options. A divorce…
Continue reading…Relocation Restrictions for Custodial Parents
Relocation after a custody order is not a free choice. In Arizona, a parent who wants to move with a child may need advance notice, and in many cases, court approval before relocating. If you are thinking about moving, or if the other parent has plans to relocate, timing and process matter. The steps you…
Continue reading…Can You Get Divorced While Pregnant?
Yes, you can file for divorce in Arizona while pregnant. However, most courts will not finalize the divorce until after the child is born because issues like paternity, custody, and child support must be addressed first. If you are considering divorce during pregnancy, timing and legal strategy can affect how your case moves forward and…
Continue reading…Child Support Past 18 for Special Needs Children
Child support in Arizona can continue past age 18 when a child has a qualifying disability that prevents them from becoming self-supporting. Courts have the authority to extend or order support beyond the typical cutoff when specific legal standards are met. If you are caring for a child with special needs, understanding how this works…
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