Do you wonder how much to tell your lawyer during your divorce or family law case? Many people worry about telling their attorney too much or too little, especially when it may affect their children.   So what should you tell your lawyer? The short answer is: everything. You should even tell your attorney the things […]

After the filing of a petition and a response in a family law case, the court will usually schedule a Resolution Management Conference.  A Resolution Management Conference is typically a short hearing for the parties and their attorneys to discuss the final resolution and, if necessary, pre-trial management of the case.  Generally, the Court sets […]

An email can create a binding agreement in a divorce settlement in Arizona. Under Arizona Rule of Family Law Procedure 69, “An Agreement between the parties shall be valid and binding if . . . the agreement is in writing.” In Murray v. Murray, the Arizona Court of Appeals recently confirmed that an email satisfies the “writing” requirement […]

For any parents facing family law matters with the Court, involving their children can be a cause of stress. Many parents make common mistakes that cost them time with their children or the authority to make decisions in their children’s lives. So how can people avoid making mistakes in family law cases involving their children? […]

Judges usually prefer when parties come to agreements on family matters.  If parties cannot agree on legal decision-making or parenting time, each party submits a proposed parenting plan to the Court.  A parenting plan may include many issues, but the statute shows which particular areas it must address. A Parenting Plan Must Address: Whether legal decision-making will be […]

Often people find themselves asking, “Is my will valid?”  The answer to the question depends on many factors. Even a valid will may not effectively dispose of the testator’s estate in accordance with the testator’s wishes. The basic requirements for a will, under A.R.S. § 14-2502, are that a will shall be: In writing. Signed […]

When a divorce involves minor children, legal decision-making may very well be one of the biggest issues to resolve.  Legal decision-making refers to each parent’s authority to make significant, non-emergency decisions on behalf of a minor child.  The concept itself may be more commonly recognized as legal custody.  Up until January 2013, the term “legal […]

What is custody and how is decided? The term “custody” includes two separate areas and the term itself is largely out of date. Instead, the Court today refers to legal custody as legal decision-making and physical custody as parenting time. The first refers to a parent’s authority to make legal decisions about their child. The second refers to […]

It is a normal response to be apprehensive about giving a deposition, particularly if you’ve never testified before. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can remember to help to alleviate some of the anxiety. 1. Preparation The worst thing you can do before giving a deposition is nothing. You need to be prepared. […]

What kind of parenting schedule is best for your child? Deciding which time each parent should spend with their child can be a stressful part of any family law case. Fortunately, there are some tips to make it easier for parents to make this decision. First and foremost, it’s helpful to understand what is best for […]