ARIZONA Family Law/Divorce Litigation & Mediation
DIVORCE
At Salice Law, we are dedicated to providing exceptional family law services across Arizona, delivering personalized, compassionate, and effective legal counsel. Family law issues can be emotionally charged, and our experience allow us to guide clients through these challenges with clarity and professionalism. Salice Law represents clients in a range of family law matters through litigation, negotiations and mediations. Areas of practice include but are not limited to: divorce, paternity, custody, support, and adoption.
To read more on divorce see A.R.S. Section 25-312
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
When there is any form of abuse, threat of harm, and or harassment by one party to another, in a familial relationship a protective order may be necessary.
To read more on this topic, see A.R.S. Section 13-3601.
NAME CHANGE
A name change is when a person legally changes their first or last name, often after getting married or divorced.
PATERNITY
When parents of a child are not married, a paternity action can be filed. Paternity determines who the father is and helps ensure the child can get support and have a relationship with both parents.
RENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
A prenuptial agreement is an agreement made by a couple before they get married, explaining how their money and property will be divided if they divorce or legally separate.
To read more on this topic, see A.R.S. section 25-202.
CHILD CUSTODY and PARENTING TIME
Arizona family courts prioritize the best interest of the child when determining custody.
Physical Custody, referred to as parenting time, determines how much time the child spends with each parent.
Legal Custody or Legal Decision-Making authority refers to the right and responsibility to make important decisions about the child’s life, including their education, health and welfare and religious upbringing. Custody can be sole, primary or joint.
At Salice Law, we help you establish a parenting plan that serves the child’s best interests, while advocating for fair parenting time and parental decision-making rights.
DIVORCE VS. LEGAL SEPARATION
Arizona is a no fault state, meaning that either spouse may file for divorce without having to prove wrongdoing by the other party.
When it comes to legal separation or divorce, key issues must be resolved, including asset division, spousal maintenance (also known as “alimony”) and child related matters.
At Salice Law, we ensure that our clients’ financial and parental rights are protected, whether through negotiation, mediation or litigation depending on your specific needs in your specific case.
See A.R.S. Section 25-312 for more information on a no – fault divorce.
HOW TO DRAFT A PETITION /START A FAMILY LAW CASE
At Salice Law, we help you navigate the process of opening a family law case. We handle all aspects of your case from start to finish.
A simplistic guide on the process of how to get started:
1. Determine the type of petition you need
- Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
- Legal Separation
- Child Custody and Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Paternity
- Modification of Custody, Parenting Time, or Child Support
Each type of case has its own forms and requirements. Reach out to Salice Law for help.
2.You will need detailed information of both parties. Information about the children (if applicable). Description of assets and debts (for divorce cases).
3. File the petition with the court in the venue in which you or your spouse live. You may file in person or online (depending on the courthouse). You will need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford it.
4. You’ll need to serve the other party with a copy of the summons and petition. This means they are officially notified of the case. It must be done within the statutory time frame. Being a Party to the suit bars you from serving the other party. You can hire a process server or use the sheriff’s office to serve the documents. If the opposing party agrees to accept the paperwork voluntarily, they can sign an Acceptance of Service form once they are served.
5. Wait for the response. The other party will have 20 days (30 if out of state) to file a response. If they do not respond, you may be able to proceed with a default judgment.