Family Law

Our full-service Arizona law firm helps individuals and families cope with complex legal matters involving estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, personal injury, family law, and business law.

Family Law Attorney in Arizona

Family Law

Arizona Family Law Attorney

Family law cases can be complicated and emotionally-charged matters. At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC our Arizona family law attorneys understand that your legal issues can have a significant and long-term effect on your life, as well as the lives of the people closest to you.

When you are dealing with a divorce or another complex family matter, turn to our skilled and compassionate family lawyers. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized strategy that meets your goals.

For more than two decades, we have cared for and helped individuals and families in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Peoria, and Tucson. Call us today to speak with a compassionate and knowledgeable Arizona family attorney.

How Can We Help You?

If you are going through a divorce or any other family law matter, it is important that you have a legal team to protect your rights and interests.

The skilled and experienced Arizona family lawyers at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC can provide the information you need. We can help you make the best decisions for your future. For more than 20 years, we have provided Arizona families with compassionate and dedicated legal representation. We handle these family law matters:

Divorce

Divorce is one of the most difficult things a family can go through. Our Arizona divorce attorneys know that every family’s situation is different. That is why we take a personalized approach to every case.

We will take the time to fully understand your goals. We know that divorce can be a stressful and emotionally draining process. At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC here is how we can help:

  • We can explain your rights with respect to custody and paternity time with your children.
  • We can advise you on financial support and the division of marital property.
  • We can help reduce your emotional stress and keep you informed throughout the process.
  • We will help you stand up for what matters most to you

Premarital Agreements

Under an Arizona premarital agreement – also commonly referred to as a “prenuptial” agreement – parties can change how their future potential divorce would be carried out under Arizona state law. For instance, while income earned during the marriage is usually deemed to be community property, spouses can enter into a premarital agreement that treats income earned during the marriage as separate property.

Premarital agreements can also modify how real estate ownership will be handled and whether spousal maintenance (also referred to as “alimony”) will be required after a divorce. If you desire to draft a fair and enforceable premarital agreement, our experienced attorneys are ready to help.

Annulment

The theory behind annulment is that the marriage was not valid from the beginning. In other words, a legal marriage never existed. When a person receives an annulment, his or her status returns to single. People who need to dissolve a marriage may view an annulment as the correct solution in these situations:

  • The marriage was between people who were not legally eligible to marry, such as a parent and child, a grandparent and grandchild, or a brother and sister.
  • The marriage was illegal because one spouse was still married to someone else.
  • The marriage was illegal because one party was too young to marry without parental consent.
  • The marriage was based on fraud.
  • The marriage occurred when one or both parties lacked the mental capacity to enter into it. For example, one spouse might suffer from mental illness or argue an impairment existed because the spouse was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Name Change Petitions

Court forms for applying for a name change are available on each County’s Superior Court Website. You must complete the form and have it notarized by a notary public. You will have to attend a legal hearing at which your name change will be approved.

When contemplating a name change, it is recommended you get assistance from an attorney who knows the law. Our knowledgeable lawyers can explain the consequences of changing your name. We will ensure you have the proper documents, and we will help you complete the required forms. We can also attend your hearing if that becomes necessary.

Why You Need an Attorney for Family Law Issues

An attorney can be objective about your family law case at times when you cannot, especially when dealing with highly charged emotional issues.

In any family law court case, the paperwork that must be completed can seem overwhelming. A skilled and knowledgeable Arizona family law attorney can work through that paperwork and help you resolve your family law case.

When a complex divorce involves substantial financial disputes, attorneys often work with a team of financial experts who can speak knowledgeably about those aspects of your case.

An experienced Arizona family law lawyer will also know whether your divorce may be best resolved through an alternative dispute resolution technique (“ADR”), such as mediation. ADR procedures can often save you time and money.

FAQs: Family Law and Divorce Explained

Family Law

What is family law?

Family law covers legal matters related to family relationships, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence.

How is child custody determined?

Courts base child custody decisions on the best interests of the child, considering factors like the child’s health, safety, and emotional needs, as well as the parents’ ability to care for them.

What is alimony or spousal support?

Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. It can be temporary or permanent and is based on factors like the length of the marriage, the spouse’s financial needs, and the other’s ability to pay.

Can I modify my child support payments?

Yes, child support payments can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, custody arrangements, or the child’s needs.

How long does it take to finalize a divorce?

The timeline for finalizing a divorce depends on the complexity of the case, whether it’s contested or uncontested, and the state’s divorce laws. An uncontested divorce can take a few months, while a contested divorce may take longer.

Divorce

What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all terms, such as asset division, child custody, and support. A contested divorce occurs when the parties disagree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention.

How is property divided in a divorce?

Property division depends on whether the state follows community property or equitable distribution laws. Arizona is a community property state, so assets are generally split 50/50.

What is a divorce decree?

A divorce decree is a final order issued by the court that legally ends the marriage and outlines the terms of the divorce, including child custody, support, alimony, and property division.

Can I get a divorce without a lawyer?

While it’s possible to divorce without a lawyer, having legal representation is beneficial, especially if the divorce involves complex issues like asset division or child custody.

How can I protect my assets during a divorce?

You can protect your assets by keeping thorough records, securing financial accounts, and seeking legal advice early in the process. A prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement may also provide added protection.

Talk to a Family Law Lawyer in Arizona

Family Law Attorney in Arizona - Brown & Hobkirk, PLLCThe family law attorneys in Arizona at Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC have extensive experience handling a wide range of complex family matters. When you work with us, we take the time to understand your goals and learn what matters most to you. Our approach allows us to create a results-oriented plan in your case that will move you toward a better, brighter future.

Call Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC today to schedule a consultation.