Does Arizona Recognize Common Law Marriage? You may believe that two adults who live together for seven years are considered married by default, or in a “common law” marriage. It is important to understand that Arizona does not recognize common law marriage. This means that, even if you have been living together as a married …
Understanding Covenant Marriages in Arizona In 1998, Arizona became one of the very few states to legally permit “covenant marriage.” Described in A.R.S. 25-901 to 25-906, these types of marriages have stricter requirements for marriage and limit the ability to both divorce or legally separate. In many instances, couples choose to enter into a covenant …
How Can You Establish Paternity? In Arizona, when a child is born to a married couple, the husband is presumed to be the father per A.R.S. 25-814. Similarly, when two individuals sign a child’s birth certificate, it is also presumed that both individuals are the legal parents. Following a 2017 ruling by the Arizona Supreme …
Visited by the Department of Child Safety? Receiving an unexpected house call from the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), or what you may think of as CPS, can be a harrowing experience for any parent. It’s essential to be informed about your rights when it comes to handling such a situation. Can …
DCS At Your Door? What To Do If the Department of Child Safety Comes Knocking. Read More »
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) in Arizona Spousal maintenance, commonly known as alimony, is a crucial aspect of divorce cases in Arizona, outlined in A.R.S. 25-319. Here are the key points to understand: A court can grant spousal maintenance if the spouse seeking it: Lacks sufficient property for their reasonable needs. Doesn’t have the earning ability …
How Long Will My Divorce Take in Arizona? In Arizona, the length of the divorce process (legally referred to a “Dissolution of Marriage”), can vary widely depending on the amicability of the separation, any children or major assets involved, and the length of the marriage. Following the service of the petition for dissolution of …
Navigating Gaslighting in a Divorce What is Gaslighting? Gaslighting is psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own sanity by denying reality, trivializing their feelings, and providing false information. This is typically achieved through a series of deceptive tactics, including denying the reality of events, trivializing the other person’s feelings and experiences, and often presenting …
Navigating Divorce with a Gaslighter: Legal and Emotional Strategies Read More »
Juvenile Dependency in Arizona What is a Dependency Petition? A dependency petition is a legal document filed with the Juvenile Court, asserting that a child is in need of effective care and control for which their parents or guardians are not providing. In Arizona, these petitions are governed by statute A.R.S. 8-841 (read in …
Juvenile Dependency Petitions and Child Welfare Proceedings in Arizona Read More »
National Adoption Day 2023 Every November since 2000, courts in all 50 U.S. states, along with Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, have opened up to finalize the adoptions of thousands of foster care children and to celebrate all adoptive families nationwide during National Adoption Day. Since its inaugural ceremony, over 70,000 children have been …
The Injunction Against Harassment Explained (A.R.S. 12-1809) A.R.S. 12-1809 allows people who believe they are being harassed to seek an injunction against harassment, which is essentially a court order that prohibits the alleged harasser from engaging in specific behaviors. The statute is broken down into multiple sections, which are detailed below: What Exactly Constitutes …
Understanding Arizona’s Injunction Against Harassment Statute (A.R.S. 12-1809) Read More »
