Phoenix Divorce Attorney

When searching for a divorce law firm in Phoenix, it might help to know the most important aspects of Arizona divorce laws. Without question, filing for divorce in Phoenix as well as any other area of the state carries with it significant emotional and financial strain. But in our experience, knowledge empowers. Understanding the law and the process reduces stress by lessening the mystery.

Divorcing in Phoenix means you must first meet residency requirements. In Arizona, that means at least one or both parties live in the state for at least 90 days prior to filing the petition to dissolve the marriage.

A no-fault state

If you file for divorce in Phoenix, you also benefit from Arizona being a no-fault state. That means no reason other than the marriage is irretrievably broken need be given. However, Arizona is also a state that legally recognizes a covenant marriage, which places greater restrictions on the grounds for dissolution. In Phoenix, divorce of a covenant marriage is subject to stricter standards, requiring one spouse to prove to the court one or several of the following:

• Adultery
• Imprisonment or death sentence of one spouse due to that spouse committing a felony
• Abandonment with refusal to return
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Living separately and apart for at least two years
• Habitual abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Consensual agreement to dissolve the marriage

Uncontested divorce and contested divorce in Phoenix

The simplest filing for divorce is when it is uncontested. A contested divorce requires more involvement of the court to determine child custody and division of assets and debts. If a divorcing couple decides instead to pursue a collaborative divorce, they will agree at the outset to seek mutually beneficial solutions with the engagement of specialists in finance, child welfare, and a divorce coach, who helps manage emotional and psychological issues to the most effective and productive outcome.

Divorcing in Phoenix requires a qualified attorney

A divorce attorney in Phoenix necessarily needs to understand all these issues and how to work with contested and uncontested situations, as well as the special considerations in a covenant marriage dissolution and a collaborative divorce. The shifting attitudes about who is the primary caregiver to the children and which spouse is the predominant income earner is changing the approach to divorce as well. A good attorney remains current on how the law and out-of-court approaches work today.

Phoenix divorce attorney Ronald A. Saper, P.C. stands ready to discuss your situation  including separation or mediation options with the breadth of experience necessary in any type of divorce process. Contact us for help today.