FAMILY LAW
ATTORNEY IN PHOENIX

Family Law Attorney in Phoenix

EXPERIENCED, COMPASSIONATE REPRESENTATION

Experience matters in family law. Our team provides compassionate representation, understanding the unique challenges of each case. With a wealth of experience, we navigate divorce, child custody, and related matters with sensitivity and expertise.

AFFORDABLE LEGAL SERVICES

Are you facing a divorce or child custody battle? Our affordable legal services ensure you get the support you need without breaking the bank. We are committed to providing cost-effective services from spousal maintenance to prenuptial agreements tailored to your situation.

CALL FOR A FREE TELEPHONIC CONSULTATION!

Call us for a free phone consultation to discuss your case. Our dedicated team is ready to listen, understand your needs, and provide guidance on the best way forward.

OUR DIVORCE ATTORNEYS KNOW HOW TO WIN

When it comes to divorce, winning means achieving the best possible outcome for you. Our seasoned divorce attorneys possess the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complexities and secure favorable results. Trust us to advocate for your rights and guide you to success.

OUR PHOENIX FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS CAN HELP YOU TODAY

The divorce lawyers at Alcock & Associates understand that divorce, child custody, and child support cases can be especially stressful. Know that we will be with you every step of the way. It can be very difficult to navigate the family law system. Our experienced attorneys are able to draft, file, and serve all necessary pleadings to get your case started on the right track.

Family Court Lawyers With Successful Track Records

We have successfully helped thousands of people through domestic relations cases. We know that the process can be confusing but our family lawyers will always take the time to fully understand what is important to you. 

We encourage you to reach out to us to set up a family law attorney in Phoenix, AZ, for free consultation. You’ll see that we are truly a different type of law firm. From beginning to end, our Phoenix family lawyers will support you in every way possible.

EXPERIENCED DIVORCE ATTORNEYS

A former Child Support Enforcement Deputy County Attorney is on Staff.

We have Decades and Decades of combined family law experience in Arizona.

Our Phoenix family lawyers want to help you through the divorce process. The court can be scary. Walking into Superior Court by yourself can be very stressful. The paperwork can be confusing and intimidating. Worse, some aspects of family law cases are critical and inflexible. If you make a mistake or an omission at the outset, it may be very difficult to fix it later.

An experienced divorce and family law attorney on your side can make all the difference in your case.

FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN PHOENIX, AZ, FREE CONSULTATION AND AFFORDABLE FEES

Give us a call and schedule a free consultation with our Phoenix family lawyers. You’ll find that we offer affordable fees and payment plans. Find out why our firm has steadily grown over the years and how our best family lawyers have helped many through difficult family law situations.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR DIVORCE RIGHTS AND OPTIONS TODAY! 

OUR FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS IN PHOENIX ARE ON YOUR SIDE

A family law trial can take just a few hours. There are no juries in family law. Child custody, support, and the division of assets can all be decided in what feels like a blink of an eye.

Our local family court lawyers know how important it is to be prepared well in advance of a trial.

EXPERIENCED CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEYS

Our law firm handles all types of child custody cases. Here’s a quick overview of child custody law in Arizona. Child custody cases in Arizona are made up of two parts: legal decision-making authority and parenting time. Legal decision-making authority is a parent’s ability to make important decisions about their child’s life.

These important decisions include religion, education, childcare arrangements, and medical treatment. Courts generally want the parties to share this power, called joint legal decision-making authority. If joint legal decision-making authority is not in the children’s best interests, the court will only give one parent that power.

Parenting time is a schedule of time between a parent and their children. Schedules can be flexible to accommodate work and school. Ideally, the parents can negotiate a parenting plan. If they are unable to do so, the judge will order a parenting plan based on the evidence presented.

CONNECT WITH A CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER NOW!

WE ARE REAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS

If it is necessary, our staff includes seasoned litigators with real courtroom experience. From criminal jury trials to family law temporary hearings and trials, we have seen it all.

Our family attorneys in Phoenix, AZ, are ready, experienced and capable litigators.

TRULY AFFORDABLE FEES

We understand how difficult and disruptive family law issues can be. Our family attorneys in Phoenix, AZ, work very hard to offer simple contracts that are understandable and affordable.

FAMILY LAW PROCEEDINGS IN ARIZONA: AN OVERVIEW

Family law cases in Arizona, as in other jurisdictions, can present wide-ranging complexities. The process involves the articulation of various legal rights and responsibilities that impact an individual’s most intimate relationships. 

This page will delve into the handling of family law cases in the state of Arizona, exploring key aspects, including divorce procedure, child custody issues, alimony (spousal maintenance), child support, and domestic violence laws.

FAMILY LAW CASES IN ARIZONA

One of the most common types of family law cases in Arizona concerns divorce referred to as the dissolution of marriage. Arizona is a no-fault state, which means that neither spouse needs to give a reason for the dissolution of the marriage. 

Here, it suffices for one party to assert that the marriage is ‘irretrievably broken.’ Community property laws govern the division of assets and debt. Per Arizona statutes, any property acquired during the marriage (except by gift or inheritance) is considered community property and divided equally.

Another significant area of family law is child custody, which is now referred to as “legal decision-making” and “parenting time” in Arizona. Legal decision-making refers to the rights of parents to make important decisions about their children’s lives, like education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. 

Parenting time, on the other hand, refers to the actual physical time a parent spends with the child. The Arizona family court always bases its decisions regarding legal decision-making and parenting time on the ‘best interest’ of the child.

FINANCE AND SUPPORT 

It’s also essential to discuss issues of finance and support in the context of family law. Alimony, known as spousal maintenance in Arizona, is an area that often triggers contention. 

Typically, a spouse is eligible for maintenance if they lack sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs, are unable to be self-sufficient through employment, are the custodian of a child whose age or condition precludes seeking employment, or have significantly contributed to the educational opportunities of the other spouse.

Likewise, child support is an essential aspect of family law in Arizona. Child support is established based on the Arizona Child Support Guidelines, considering factors like the income of both parents, the number of children, healthcare costs, and the amount of parenting time allotted to each parent.

Lastly, Arizona also handles cases of domestic violence efficiently, ensuring the safety and welfare of those involved. Victims of domestic violence can take advantage of an elaborate system of Protective Orders, including Emergency Orders of Protection, which can offer immediate relief.

THE COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL LANDSCAPE

In conclusion, family law cases in Arizona traverse a broad spectrum of matters—ranging from divorce and child custody to spousal maintenance, child support, and protection against domestic violence—all under the umbrella of one dominant guiding principle: the best interest of the individuals involved, primarily the children. 

The focus remains on ensuring a fair, equitable, and conscientious legal landscape that respects the intricacies of familial bonds while safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of each party. The best family court lawyers will provide more information with regard to your situation.

FAMILY LAW CASES WE HANDLE INCLUDE:

HOW THE COURT PROCESS WORKS

Most people are afraid of the court process. That is because many times, people get overwhelmed by the process. Before you panic, keep in mind that, unlike criminal court, the family court process is more user–friendly. 

Judges are used to people not knowing how the system works. As a result, the system can be a bit more forgiving. We have found that by giving our clients information, they feel more relaxed and better prepared. Obviously, every case is different, and our divorce attorneys are here to help if you have any questions.

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

If you are married and are seeking a divorce, don’t be intimidated by the system. The first filing is a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This petition needs to state whether or not you have children. The “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” is a comprehensive legal document. While it doesn’t have to be written perfectly, it must contain essential information. 

The Clerk of the Court will look at these factors before it is accepted:

• The petition must include the names of the parties.
• It must state whether the parties have children.
• The petition must indicate that the marriage is irreconcilably broken. 

However, keep in mind that Arizona is a “no-fault” divorce state. That means a judge will not consider a party’s infidelity (cheating) when issuing court orders. As such, that should not be included in the petition.

Several other legal documents must also be filed along with the petition. These include the summons, preliminary injunction, notice to creditors, notice of rights about health insurance coverage, an affidavit regarding minor children, and notice to attend parenting information class. If you have any questions about these filings, call us, and we’d be happy to explain them to you.

Petitions must include ALL the issues that the judge will decide. Failure to include an issue in a Petition can cause problems with the case down the road. That’s why it’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced family law attorney BEFORE you file.

PETITION FOR TEMPORARY ORDERS

Suppose your case is particularly complicated or may not be resolved for an extended period. For cases that take longer periods, a Petition for Temporary Orders may be necessary. A Petition for Temporary Orders is filed when a party seeks temporary orders from the court during divorce proceedings. 

Rather than wait a year or more for the divorce to be finalized, you can get the judge to help decide legal issues that affect you. You can ask for temporary spousal maintenance, child support, exclusive use of the marital residence, or parenting time orders. 

Keep in mind temporary orders are exactly that–temporary. At the end of the case, the judge could change everything or nothing.

If a party files a Petition for Temporary Orders, the Court will hold a brief hearing. During this hearing, either party can call witnesses, present evidence, and make legal arguments. If you wish to hire the best family court lawyers, we advise that it is a good idea to do so well in advance of this hearing.

AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Whenever someone files for divorce, it is necessary to complete an “Affidavit of Financial Information.” An Affidavit of Financial Information is an important document. The information in this document must be truthful. 

If you do not tell the truth to the judge about your financial status you can be punished. This document will also be used throughout your entire case.

Why is an Affidavit of Financial Information important? First, it can help identify each party’s income. The AFI will ask what your gross income is each month. Gross income can include salary, hourly wage, rent from properties, pension, social security, etc. 

Second, an Affidavit of Financial Information is important to determine your expenses each month (rent, mortgage, electricity, water, car insurance, etc.). The AFI will also inquire about credit cards and other types of debt.

The Affidavit of Information requires more than just answering questions. The AFI also requires your two most recent pay stubs as well as your federal income tax return for the last three (3) years. These documents are needed to support the affidavit, and to make sure a party is being honest about their income.

An Affidavit of Financial Information can also be an effective tool for litigation purposes. Often, an opposing party can try to minimize their income while maximizing their expenses. 

People do this to avoid paying their fair share of spousal maintenance (alimony) or child support. It is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who knows how to utilize the Affidavit of Financial Information for effective representation.

COMMUNITY PROPERTY

A divorce should result in an “equitable distribution of marital assets.” That means each party should receive their fair share of property obtained during the marriage. For example, if the parties had a joint bank account with $1,000 in it, the court typically would award $500 to each party. 

Sometimes, however, the division of assets is much more complicated than that. If the parties own a business, for example, that business will need to be looked at by the judge. The business must be valued. Furthermore, a house will also need to be appraised before the value is divided. 

Our divorce attorneys can help you determine how to evaluate certain community property.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Criminal charges, however, can change how a divorce case is handled. If your spouse or partner has engaged in domestic violence, verbal abuse, or manipulation of the children, you need an attorney to protect you. If your spouse has been abusive towards you or your children, there are special considerations that the judge must consider.

That being said, we have also seen spouses fabricate claims of domestic violence. In both cases, it is vital to have an attorney carefully protect your rights. At Alcock & Associates, our attorneys are with you 100% of the way.

You can feel comfortable that we will defend you through the entire process. If you want to learn more about temporary ways to protect yourself from domestic violence, we would be happy to help you. Or, you can know more about ORDERS OF PROTECTION.

PARENTAL ALIENATION

We know how to handle cases where one parent is manipulating the children to make them distant from their other parent.

These situations are heartbreaking, but we have a long and successful track record of demonstrating to the Court that the situation exists. Every case is different, and the evidence in each case best evaluates parental alienation cases. We are available to discuss your case with you to determine if parental alienation could be a factor in your divorce case.

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT PARENTAL ALIENATION.

WITNESS AND EXHIBIT LISTS

Court rules require that each party file a list of witnesses before a trial. If you do not disclose a witness to the other side, the court will likely not allow you to call that witness to testify at trial. The same can be said of documents. 

If a piece of evidence was not disclosed before trial, the court will not allow you to introduce it as evidence at trial. Children, as a rule, cannot be called as witnesses at the time of trial. You may need an expert witness at the time of trial as well. An attorney can assist you in determining which witnesses and exhibits to use at trial.

PREHEARING STATEMENTS

Prehearing Statement at least one week in advance. These papers are very important and should include all the details you think the judge should know. They should contain your positions, arguments, and evidence. 

A judge will read a prehearing statement in preparation for trial. It is important to file a thorough statement so the judge clearly understands what you are requesting.

TWO DECADES OF HISTORY

From humble beginnings in a small office across the hall from a justice court to the top floor of the Renaissance Tower, our firm has consistently and continuously provided superb legal representation. We treat our clients like family.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Our local family court lawyers are available to answer your questions now. Click on the videos or scroll down for answers to frequently asked questions.

Get informed and get prepared. Arizona family law cases can move fast. The more information you have, the more likely you are to succeed. That’s why we offer a free and helpful consult. When you speak to us, you’ll see that we are truly interested in you and that we want the absolute best for you and your family.