Originally published 01/29/2026 Preparing for divorce can feel overwhelming, but taking time to get organized before the legal process begins can make a meaningful difference. When clients are prepared, cases often move more smoothly, with fewer surprises and less stress along the way. Thoughtful preparation allows you to make informed decisions, protect your interests, and focus on what matters most—your future and your children.   Get Organized Organization is one of the mo

Originally published 01/20/2026 When people first start thinking about divorce, questions about the future can create a mental to-do list that feels impossible to manage. The emotional weight and practical implications of divorce are often overwhelming. While every situation is unique, there are three critical points we recommend focusing on first to help create stability, clarity, and safety as you move forward. Priority 1 : Personal Safety (Physical and Emotional) Your safe

Originally published 12/30/2025 The holidays are often filled with anticipation, but once the decorations come down and routines return to normal, it’s common to feel a post-holiday letdown. For families experiencing divorce, separation, or ongoing co-parenting challenges, those feelings can be amplified. Adjusting to the quiet after a busy holiday with the kids, managing feelings about time you missed, or simply catching your breath after the stress of coordinating schedules

Originally published 12/22/2025 For parents navigating divorce, separation, or post-decree issues, holiday pressures are often intensified. In these situations, self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. Parents who are grounded, rested, and supported are far better equipped to make child-centered decisions, communicate effectively, and maintain emotional balance during a sometimes-unpredictable season. Here are some practical reminders and strategies for self-care, to help y

Originally published 12/11/2025 Why Holidays Are Especially Challenging Holidays symbolize more than just dates on the calendar—they’re tied to memories, rituals, travel, traditions and family expectations. And, for most parents, stress is baked right into the emotions that tend to run higher during the holidays, which is completely normal; everyone wants this time of year to feel special. When parents live in separate households, aligning holiday expectations can be difficul

Originally posted 12/05/2025 The holiday season is often welcomed as a time of peace, celebration, and togetherness. But for many families, especially those navigating divorce or post-decree issues, the holidays can feel anything but peaceful. What should be a season of joy can quickly become a time of conflict, uncertainty, and emotional strain.   If you are in the midst of a divorce or post-decree matter, the normal holiday stressors are often amplified. Parents may feel pr

Originally published 11/26/2025 We meet clients during some of the most difficult and emotional chapters of their lives—moments filled with uncertainty, transition, and change. Yet even in these challenging times, one powerful tool consistently helps families move forward with clarity and resilience: gratitude . Gratitude doesn’t ignore hardship; it enhances the inner strength that often goes unnoticed and shines a light on what matters most in challenging times—supportive re

Originally posted 10/29/2025 What do I do if I don’t feel safe in my relationship? What can you do if you are worried about a loved one who is experiencing abuse? According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline “Abusive relationships are extremely complex situations, and it takes a lot of courage to leave. Abuse is about power and control. When a survivor leaves their abusive relationship, they threaten the power and control their partner has established over the survivor

Originally published 10/21/2025 What is an Order of Protection? How can I get one? Domestic violence includes child abuse, stalking, harassment, disorderly conduct, interference in judicial proceedings, criminal damage or trespass, sexual assault, kidnapping or custodial interference, assault, etc., as defined in Arizona Revised Statute (“A.R.S.”) 13-3601. If you are in a relationship with a person who has committed an act of domestic violence, one of the first things you wan

Originally published 10/13/2025 Does domestic violence impact the divorce process? If so, how? In short – Yes, Domestic Violence can impact the divorce process. How it impacts divorce proceedings depends on individual circumstances and specific findings by the Court. For example, if the Court determines that there is a significant act of domestic violence or a significant history of domestic violence, the Court is potentially precluded from awarding the abusing parent joint l

Originally published 10/7/2025 What does domestic violence look like? Where can I find help and resources for domestic violence? The Power and Control Wheel* was created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project to demonstrate various tactics used by abusers – physical, emotional, sexual, financial, etc. – to dominate their partners. It highlights abusive patterns and illustrates that these actions are intentional, not random. ·         Coercion and Threats ·         Intimid

Originally published 10/02/2025 How can I protect my child from an abusive parent? If you believe your child is at risk of harm from the other parent, protecting your child is a top priority. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1.      Document any abuse or concerning behavior: Keep detailed records of any incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. Make police reports. 2.      Seek a restraining order: If necessary, seek a restraining order to protect you and your ch

Originally published 09/26/2025 September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Suicide is preventable if we notice and understand the signs, both in ourselves and in others. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, here are some resources that can help today: Arizona-Specific Resources 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (call or text 24/7) or live chat at  https://988lifeline.org/chat/   Arizona Crisis line/Mobile Crisis Teams: 1-844

Originally published 09/11/2025 September is National Suicide Prevention Month. No one wants to think they will be impacted by suicide, but suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. [1] Data shows adolescents who have divorced parents are more likely to attempt suicide than those whose parents stay married. [2] According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, adolescents, ages 12-17, in the United States experienced the following: 10.1% had serio

Originally published 02/27/2023 Going into a divorce when your spouse is the primary earner in the family is difficult and scary, but there are a few things you should do in preparation of a divorce. Credit Card : Make sure you have access to a credit card that your spouse cannot close. Emergency funds : Try to make sure you have access to emergency funds to pay your necessary expenses. Once the papers are filed, there is a strong possibility that your spouse will become more

Originally published 10/05/2023 October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence is a serious issue and, unfortunately, it is not uncommon for domestic violence issues to be present in divorce cases. Whether you are seeking a divorce or not, when you are experiencing domestic violence, the first thing to consider is your safety, which is even more important when you have children. One resource is www.Phoenix.gov/law/victims/domestic-violence/resources

Originally published on 07/18/2023 For years, litigants and attorneys alike have struggled with spousal maintenance. The struggle, historically, has been due to the unpredictability of applying A.R.S. §25-319, the statute outlining an award for spousal maintenance. As a reminder, spousal maintenance is a two-part test. Part one is qualification, part two is determination. Under Section A , you must show you qualify for an award of spousal maintenance. You can show this by pro

Originally published 05/10/2023 When a marriage is no longer working, the couple may choose to dissolve the marriage through divorce. Divorce can be a stressful and emotionally charged process, leading to bitter disputes and costly legal battles. Alternative to a legal-battle approach, seeking mediation and compromise can offer many benefits to the divorce process. 1. Mediation allows the couple to maintain control over the outcome of their divorce. In a court proceeding, a j

Originally published 03/15/2023 Arizona is a community property state. What does that mean? Anyone considering a divorce in Arizona should understand the basics of how community property is defined. A.R.S. 25-211(A) provides “All property acquired by either husband or wife during the marriage is the community property of the husband and wife except for property that is (1) acquired by gift, devise, or descent; (2) acquired after service of a petition for dissolution of marria

Originally published 03/06/2023 If you are divorcing and you share a home (community property) with your ex, there are many things to consider. For example, one party may want to stay in the home and not move or find a new place to live. This can only happen if:   1) The person that wants to stay in the home is able to refinance and get the other party off the mortgage loan, OR 2) Both parties agree to stay on the mortgage.    However, there can be problems with each of these