In most cases today, alimony, known as spousal maintenance in Arizona, is not tax deductible for the person paying it, and it is not considered taxable income for the person receiving it. These federal rules apply to most current divorce agreements and directly affect how support is structured and evaluated. If you are going through…
Continue reading…Can You Modify a Parenting Plan Without Going to Court?
In Arizona, you and your co-parent can agree to change a parenting plan without a court process, but the agreement is not legally enforceable unless it is approved by the court. Informal changes may work in the short term, but they carry risks if disagreements arise later. When Can Parents Agree to Changes Outside of…
Continue reading…Arizona’s Putative Father Registry
Arizona’s Putative Father Registry allows an unmarried man who believes he may be a child’s father to preserve his right to be notified of adoption proceedings. If you do not register within the required timeframe, you may lose the ability to assert parental rights later. Understanding how the registry works can affect your ability to…
Continue reading…What Is a Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a court-appointed individual who represents a child’s best interests during a legal case. In Arizona family law matters, a GAL may be assigned when the court needs an independent perspective on what outcome would most benefit the child. If you are involved in a custody dispute or another case…
Continue reading…What Are Attorney’s Fees Awards in Family Law?
In Arizona family law cases, a judge can order one party to pay some or all of the other party’s attorney’s fees, depending largely on the parties’ financial situations and whether either side acted unreasonably during the case. If you are going through a divorce, custody dispute, or support matter, you may be concerned about…
Continue reading…Spousal Support When Your Ex Retires Early
If your ex retires early, spousal support does not automatically stop or decrease in Arizona. A court must review whether the retirement is reasonable and whether it creates a substantial and continuing change in circumstances before modifying support. When you are paying or receiving spousal maintenance and your former spouse decides to leave the workforce…
Continue reading…Parallel Parenting vs Co-Parenting
Parallel parenting and co-parenting are two different approaches to raising children after separation or divorce. Co-parenting involves regular communication and shared decision-making, while parallel parenting minimizes contact and limits interaction between parents. The right approach depends on your relationship dynamics and your child’s needs. What Is Co-Parenting? Co-parenting works best when both parents can communicate…
Continue reading…What Is Bird’s Nest Custody?
Bird’s nest custody is a parenting arrangement where the children stay in the family home, and the parents rotate in and out according to a set parenting schedule. Instead of the children moving between two homes, the parents do. When you are going through a divorce or custody case in Arizona, stability for your children…
Continue reading…Can Stepparents Be Required to Pay Child Support?
In Arizona, stepparents are generally not required to pay child support for their spouse’s children from a prior relationship. A legal duty to support typically applies only to biological or adoptive parents. However, there are limited circumstances in which a stepparent may assume financial responsibility, especially if they legally adopt the child or assume a…
Continue reading…Tips for Finally Leaving an Abusive Marriage
Leaving an abusive marriage is often the most dangerous point in the relationship, especially in the days and weeks around separation, when control can escalate into threats or violence. With thoughtful planning, legal protection, and support from people who understand what you are facing, it is possible to reduce risk, protect yourself and your children,…
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