Blog Posts: Family Law

Divorce and legal separation can entail more than just emotional and legal complexities.  They can also involve navigating intricate and complex tax implications. There are eight key considerations to consider relative to divorces and taxes that are specific to Arizona. 1. Strategic Tax Filing Status: The timing of divorce can significantly impact tax filing sta...

Imagine you are a parent. You have a son and a daughter, and they are fighting vociferously over the last remaining orange in the kitchen. The thoughtful parent that you are, you stop and quickly consider your options: You could take the orange and not give it to either child. You could give the entire orange either to your son or to your daughter. Or to be fairer,...

We often see family law clients who have misconceptions about divorces.  These misconceptions impact their decision-making.  We are going to debunk common myths about divorce in Arizona to provide clarity and empower individuals with accurate information. Myth #1: Arizona's No-Fault Divorce Means Fault Doesn't Matter Reality: A spouse does not need to prove “...

Victory at any cost can sometimes be more damaging than defeat itself. This principle is embodied in the concept of a Pyrrhic victory—where a victory inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat. But how can this relate to the Family Court? Well, when you consider the potential loss of time, energy, money, and the toll on familia...

People seeking to resolve their complex, high net worth divorces in the Family Law Division of the Maricopa County Superior Court in the State of Arizona can find themselves trapped in a system that is not well suited to meet their needs.  Despite the best efforts of well-intentioned judicial officers and administrators, the fundamental problem is that there are s...

When it comes to safety planning in the context of protective orders which include Order of Protection and Injunction Against Harassment, it is important that you take steps to protect yourself, as well as anyone who is listed as a protected person on the protective order. As such, here are some general guidelines to consider: 1.  Understand the Protective Order:...

Divorce, while a legal process shaped by state statute, is an emotional journey fraught with challenges. What leads up to a separation is often traumatizing to mental (and sometimes physical) health, but the divorce process itself can be a trauma that needs to be carefully and intentionally dealt with. In navigating the landscape of Arizona's divorce laws, it's eas...

Using social media as a weapon to harm your spouse, whether intentionally or unintentionally, during the pendency of a divorce case can have serious negative consequences. Courts may consider social media activity as evidence in divorce proceedings, and actions that are intended to hurt or discredit your spouse may backfire and negatively impact your own case. Here...

The common dynamics of failed relationships often make it difficult to think clearly and make good decisions, especially in the early stages of divorce.  While my education and training has been focused on the legal and business aspects of divorce and becoming an effective advocate, it is equally important to help clients navigate the emotional aspects to facilita...

One of the most common assets that divorcing couples own is real property.  In many cases, the real property is limited to the marital residence.  However, some cases also involve either residential or commercial investment properties.  In those “more complex” cases, it is important to understand how each investment property and the income it generates will ...