Divorce

I’m Getting A Divorce, What Do I Need To Know?

Sometimes you need to know a lot, sometimes very little. Divorces can be quite simple when there are no children and not much property and debt to divide. They can also be extremely complicated with high conflict disputes about the children, significant assets and debts to divide, and/or a husband and wife who have lost the ability to communicate with each other about even the simplest of things. Either way, I will use my skill and experience to personally help you steer through the divorce system. You will be given ali of the information you need to make wise choices about legal strategies and how to obtain your goals. We will discuss the pros and cons of different strategies so that you can make a well informed decision. Once that decision is made, I will aggressively pursue that strategy in negotiations with the other side and, if necessary, in court.

Below is some information about divorces in Arizona. It is general information and there are exceptions to every rule. It is best that you contact a lawyer to discuss your own specific case. You can contact me by filling out the form on this site or by calling my office. In your 30 minute consultation and we will discuss your specific needs.

Can I Get A Quick Divorce?

Most states have a waiting period before a divorce can be final. In Arizona, the earliest you can be divorced is 60 days after the divorce petition is served on the other spouse. However, depending on the complication of the case, your divorce could take 6 to 12 months. The Arizona Supreme Court has a guideline requiring most cases to be completed within 12 months.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer?

Many cases in Arizona go through the system without attorneys involved. Often these are simple divorces for people who do not have much money and agree on everything. On the other hand, I can not tell you how many cases I have handled trying to fix mistakes after my client has gone through a divorce without a lawyer. It is always my advice to at least spend an hour with an attorney before you finalize your divorce. Yes, some cases are simple enough that you can download forms, fill them out yourself and avoid the cost of an attorney. But most cases are not simple and you are better off hiring an attorney. As your attorney I will be on your side as your advocate and make sure that you are fully advised of your rights and responsibilities and that your divorce addresses all the issues that need to be addressed.

I’m Terrified of the Courtroom, Do I Have to Testify?

There is a chance you will have to go to court and testify and be cross- examined by the attorney for your spouse. It can be nerve-racking. I can relate. As a young attorney I was appointed to a case that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Talk about nervous, I did not think words would come out of my mouth. However, I went to a training session offered by American University in Washington DC and it was a great blessing to have a “trial run” so that when the real thing happened, I was practiced and prepared. When the day came to argue before the Supreme Court, while still nervous, I did well because of my practice run, and I won my case. I work closely with my clients and witnesses to prepare for trial. We practice anticipated questions and answers so that there are no surprises. I can guarantee that while you may be nervous, you will be fully prepared.