Parenting Plans During a Pandemic: 5 Tips for Complying with Parenting Orders

One of the most common question family law attorneys have been receiving is whether parents who live separate and apart must still comply with parenting orders during the pandemic.  The short answer, even before most states and counties announced guidelines, is yes.  Many states and counties now have specific guidelines regarding custody orders and you …

Can I Still Get a Divorce During a Pandemic?

You were finally just about ready to make that appointment with a lawyer to discuss the possibility of a divorce from your spouse and then the world seemed to change overnight as COVID-19 (the coronavirus) took center stage on world news.  Now what?  With law offices working remotely, courts reducing schedules, custody evaluators conducting teleconferences …

Three Ways to Make Text Messages Useful in Custody Cases

You have hundreds of text messages between you and the other parent. You hand them all over to your lawyer, expecting the lawyer to be ecstatic that you can show every cancellation of parenting time, refusal to take the child to the doctor when sick, and general uncooperativeness. Yet, after pouring through them the attorney …

Out with the Old, In With the New: 5 Things to Know Before You File for Divorce

Family law attorneys typically see an increase in January of individuals calling to set a divorce consultation. Often times the requests for consultations are precipitated by the desire to not have to spend another uncomfortable holiday season with your spouse. Or perhaps it is because the new year is a good time to take stock …

Obtaining an Order of Protection Without Filing for Divorce

As part of any divorce proceeding, it is possible to obtain exclusive possession of the former marital residence if circumstances indicate that there are safety concerns. However, if you are not ready to file for divorce, talk to your attorney about obtaining an order of protection if you are concerned about your safety, your children’s …

How Will the Court Determine the Parenting Time for the Minor Child?

It is the policy of the State of Arizona that, absent contrary evidence, the child should have “substantial, frequent, meaningful and continuing parenting time with both parents.” The court will always look to the best interest of the child in determining a parenting time schedule. The judge considers many factors in determining the best interest …