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…
Continue reading…Can You Deduct Alimony on Your Taxes?
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…