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,…
Continue reading…Co-Parenting After Divorce for LGBTQ+ Families
Co-parenting after divorce works best when both parents commit to stability, respect, and clear communication, even when outside pressures complicate family life. For LGBTQ+ families, successful co-parenting often means addressing bias, explaining family structure to institutions, and protecting children while maintaining a cooperative parenting relationship. What Makes Co-Parenting Different for LGBTQ+ Families After Divorce All…
Continue reading…Transgender Parents and Child Custody Rights
Being transgender does not, by itself, limit a parent’s custody or parenting time rights in Arizona. Courts focus on a child’s best interests, and a parent’s gender identity or transition is not a valid reason to change custody unless there is clear evidence that the child is being harmed. For many parents, the greater concern…
Continue reading…Does Cheating Impact Alimony?
In Arizona, cheating usually does not affect alimony, which is legally called spousal maintenance. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, which means courts focus on financial need and ability to pay, not marital misconduct. When you’re facing divorce and alimony questions, that distinction matters. Even if infidelity played a major role in the breakup, it…
Continue reading…Military Deployment and Child Custody Modifications
Military deployment may require temporary changes to a child custody order, but it does not permanently change your parental rights. Arizona law sets clear rules to address parenting time before, during, and after deployment, with an emphasis on fairness and continuity. When you are facing deployment, acting early and setting clear expectations can reduce conflict….
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