Tempe & Chandler Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is a significant life event that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. If you’re considering a divorce in Arizona, you need a family law attorney on your side who understands the state’s specific laws and how they impact the dissolution of marriage, asset division, child custody, support, and other critical issues.

The experienced divorce attorneys at Blake & Pulsifer are dedicated to providing compassionate legal guidance to individuals navigating the complex divorce process across the entire state.

From Phoenix to Tempe to Chandler and beyond, Blake & Pulsifer’s team of knowledgeable divorce lawyers work diligently to protect the rights and interests of their clients throughout Arizona, striving to achieve fair and equitable resolutions.

Our dedicated divorce law firm will ensure that you are informed and empowered at every stage of the divorce process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and uncertainty often accompanying divorce. You’ve got enough on your plate. Let us help you close this chapter of your life and start a new one. With a deep understanding of Arizona’s divorce laws and a commitment to our client’s well-being, we will protect your interests and pave the way for a positive future.

Understanding Arizona’s Divorce Process

Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that you do not need to prove wrongdoing (such as adultery or abandonment) by your spouse to file for divorce. Instead, one spouse must assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken with no prospect of reconciliation. However, if the parties entered into a covenant marriage, there are limited legal reasons to grant a divorce.

To file for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days before filing the petition for dissolution of marriage. There is also a 60-day waiting period from when the other spouse is served with divorce papers before the divorce can be finalized. This allows for the possibility of reconciliation or agreement on divorce terms.

Key Issues in Arizona Divorces

The divorce process in Arizona can vary from simple and uncontested cases, where spouses agree on all terms, to complex contested divorces involving disputes over assets, custody, or support. Regardless of the complexity, our team of Arizona divorce lawyers will provide the legal support needed to navigate court proceedings, negotiations, and, if necessary, trial.

Here are some of the key issues you’ll need to address during your Arizona divorce.

Asset and Debt Division: Arizona is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered joint property and must be divided equitably upon divorce. This includes real estate, retirement accounts, and other assets, requiring careful negotiation and legal insight to ensure fair division.

Unlike other community property states where assets are divided 50/50, Arizona law mandates a fair, though not necessarily equal, property division. This approach aims for equal distribution but allows for adjustments, such as when one spouse has significantly wasted marital assets, where a judge may offset the division to account for this waste, ensuring a just allocation of property.

If a premarital or post-marital agreement is in place, our experienced attorneys can analyze the agreement to determine if it is enforceable, and take the necessary actions based upon such analysis.

Child Custody and Parenting Time: Decisions regarding child custody (now referred to as legal decision-making in Arizona) and parenting time are based on the child’s best interests. Factors considered include the child’s relationship with each parent, the parent’s health and safety, and the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community. Additionally, the courts may evaluate each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment, as well as their willingness to foster and maintain the child’s relationship with the other parent.

Child Support: Child support in Arizona is determined according to state guidelines, which consider both parents’ income, the child’s needs, healthcare and education expenses, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent. The guidelines ensure that the child maintains a standard of living similar to what they would have experienced if the family remained together. Additionally, adjustments can be made for extraordinary expenses, such as special medical needs or educational costs.

Spousal Maintenance: Also known as alimony, spousal maintenance may be awarded to a spouse based on the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, their standard of living during the marriage, and their ability to become self-sufficient.

The court also considers factors such as the age, employment history, earning potential of the receiving spouse, and any contributions they made towards the other spouse’s career or education. If one spouse sacrificed their career opportunities for marriage or childcare, this may also influence the amount and duration of spousal maintenance awarded.

Call Our Tempe & Chandler Divorce Lawyers Today

At Blake & Pulsifer, our divorce attorneys in Tempe serve Chandler & Phoenix and are committed to providing you with the legal support and representation you need during this difficult time. We understand the emotional and financial stresses of divorce and work diligently to help you through it quickly. Whether through mediation, negotiation, or courtroom advocacy, our team guides you through every step of the divorce process, ensuring your rights are protected and your future is secured.

Divorce is a complex legal process that can impact nearly every aspect of your life. If you’re facing a divorce in Tempe, Arizona, let the experienced divorce attorneys at Blake & Pulsifer help you navigate the journey ahead with confidence and peace of mind. Call us today at 480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

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