Valleywide
& Virtual Mediation Locations
DIVORCE
At Salice Law, I am 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.
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.
To read more on this topic, see A.R.S. section 12-601.
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.
PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT
A prenuptial agreement is a deal made by a couple before they get married, explaining how their money and property will be divided if they divorce.
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, I 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 divorce 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, I ensure that my clients’ financial and parental rights are protected, whether through negotiation, mediation or litigation depending on the needs of your 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, I 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)
– Determine the type of marriage you entered into (Arizona has covenant marriages and standard marriages).
– 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 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 and you cannot serve 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.
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 ask for a default judgment.
Divorce mediation works for parties who can communicate enough, with the help of a neutral person (Ms. Salice) for a more efficient resolve.
Hiring counsel may be expensive and more adversarial than you are willing to partake in. A divorce or any legal dispute takes an emotional toll and a third party neutral, such as Danielle G. Salice, can guide you through the process smoothly.
Overall, a mediation is where a neutral third party, Ms. Salice, sits down with you and the other party, listens to what each party has to say; truly hears each person, and helps the parties resolve their case together. The goal is to draft a stipulated agreement that can be submitted directly to the court, to avoid costly court intervention. Most important is the parties have full control over the terms of their settlement agreement.
Mediation gives you control of the timeline of your divorce without needing to go to court.
Mediation allows you to draft your own settlement agreement, without interference by the courts. Salice Law will handle the complexities of the legal system.
Divorce does not have to be a stressful, intense fight. Mediation is a more amicable, less emotional option than litigation. You and your significant other do not have to be opponents as you otherwise would in a lawsuit.
Since you know your history better than anyone, you should be the one to decide how it turns out. You and the other party, with the help of Ms. Salice, come up with your own drafted agreement that you can submit directly to court.
Mediation can be cost effective since you will spend less time negotiating outside of court, less time arguing in court and less time having your attorneys arguing your case. You will spend at a minimum one day, which can be split in half-days for your convenience, negotiating and drafting your own settlement agreement.
Mediation is completely confidential. You will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement to begin mediating to ensure that. Anything you say to your mediator, during caucus is also confidential and not repeated to the other side, just like attorney-client privilege.
Call Salice Law for assistance with your family law matter 424.274.1846
