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Read Arsenal Law articles on family law for Arizona families.
37 articles
Learn when Arizona courts may modify or terminate spousal maintenance, what qualifies as a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, and when support ends automatically.
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Learn what contempt of court means in Arizona family law cases, the types of violations that can lead to contempt, and the possible consequences of failing to follow a court order.
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Learn how long spousal maintenance typically lasts in Arizona, including the factors courts consider, the Arizona Spousal Maintenance Guidelines, and when maintenance may be modified or terminated.
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Arizona HB 2995, known as the Alec and Lydia Act, could significantly change how Arizona courts handle domestic violence allegations in custody cases. Learn what parents need to know about the proposed changes to legal decision making and parenting time.
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Learn when child support obligations end in Arizona, including important exceptions involving high school students, disabled adult children, and unpaid child support arrears.
Read articleJob opportunities, family support, new relationships, and changes in life circumstances often lead parents to consider moving after a divorce or custody case. However, when children are involved, relocation can become one of the most contested issues in Arizona family law. Many parents are surprised to learn that they cannot simply move with their child […]
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When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important decisions they must make is how to structure parenting time. A clear and workable parenting schedule helps provide stability for children and reduces conflict between parents. Arizona courts encourage parents to create parenting plans that serve the best interests of the child, but there is […]
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Spousal maintenance, often referred to as alimony, is one of the most complex and fact-specific issues in Arizona divorce cases. While Arizona now has guidelines to provide structure, courts still rely heavily on statutory factors when determining whether maintenance should be awarded — and if so, how much and for how long. Understanding these factors […]
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Divorce cases can take several months or longer to resolve. During that time, families still need clear rules about finances, housing, and parenting responsibilities. This is where temporary orders come into play. Temporary orders allow the court to establish short-term arrangements while a divorce is pending. These orders help stabilize the situation and prevent conflict […]
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Child support orders are designed to reflect the financial circumstances of both parents and the needs of the child at the time they are entered. However, life rarely stays the same. Income changes, parenting schedules shift, and children’s needs evolve over time. Because of this, Arizona law allows parents to request a modification of child […]
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Parenting plans and parenting time schedules are designed to provide stability for children after a divorce or custody case. However, life circumstances often change. Work schedules shift, children grow older, families move, and new challenges arise. When these changes affect a child’s well-being or a parent’s ability to follow the existing parenting plan, Arizona law […]
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One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is: “How long will this take?” The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested, how quickly paperwork is completed, and whether the parties can reach agreements on key issues. Arizona law sets a minimum waiting period, but the overall timeline […]
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Spousal maintenance — often called alimony — has long been one of the most unpredictable areas of Arizona family law. For years, judges had broad discretion, which made outcomes difficult to predict for both paying and receiving spouses. That changed when Arizona adopted Spousal Maintenance Guidelines, designed to bring more consistency and transparency to these […]
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Child support is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — issues in Arizona family law cases. Many parents assume there is a flat percentage or a simple formula, but in reality, Arizona uses detailed Child Support Guidelines to calculate support obligations based on several factors. Understanding how child support is calculated can […]
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When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important — and emotionally charged — issues is how decisions will be made for their children and how much time each parent will spend with them. In Arizona, courts focus on one guiding principle: the best interests of the child. Understanding how Arizona courts decide parenting […]
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Many people fear that if their spouse refuses to sign divorce papers, they’ll be trapped in the marriage indefinitely. Fortunately, that’s not how it works in Arizona. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need your spouse’s permission to end your marriage. Once the legal requirements for service and notice are met, […]
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If you’re facing both divorce and serious debt in Arizona, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Bankruptcy and divorce often go hand in hand, and how you handle them can have a big impact on your financial future. At Arsenal Law, we help clients understand the pros and cons of each path and how […]
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A prenuptial agreement can be one of the most important financial planning tools for couples entering marriage — especially in Arizona, where community property laws can significantly affect each spouse’s rights. But not all prenuptial agreements hold up in court. Whether you’re preparing to sign one or facing divorce years after creating one, it’s critical […]
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Introduction When a marriage ends and one or both spouses own a business, property division becomes much more complicated. In Arizona, a business is treated as an asset — one that must be identified, valued, and divided under the state’s community property laws. Whether you built a company before marriage, started one with your spouse, […]
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When going through a divorce in Arizona, one of the biggest concerns for most couples is: Who gets what? Arizona is one of only a handful of states that follows community property law, meaning most property acquired during the marriage belongs equally to both spouses. But “equal” doesn’t always mean simple or obvious. Understanding how […]
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When parents in Arizona go through a divorce or custody case, one of the biggest questions is: How is child support calculated? Arizona uses a standardized formula under the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. While each case has unique circumstances, there are seven figures that are always required to run the calculation. Understanding these numbers can […]
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Divorce changes everything — including your estate plan. If you’ve recently divorced in Arizona (or are in the process), your estate planning documents may no longer reflect your wishes. Your former spouse may still be listed as a beneficiary, a trustee, or even someone who can make financial or medical decisions on your behalf. Here’s […]
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Divorce and custody disputes are some of the most emotionally and financially draining experiences a person can go through. Litigation in court can be time consuming, drain your bank account, increase your stress, and leaves critical life decisions in the hands of a judge who doesn't know you or your family. Fortunately, mediation offers a […]
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If your spouse owned a business before marriage and you contributed time or money to help it grow, you may be wondering: Do I get anything back in the divorce? The answer in Arizona is: Maybe — through a reimbursement or equitable claim. Arizona law allows a spouse to ask for reimbursement when community assets […]
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Going through a divorce or custody case can feel overwhelming, but not every family law matter has to end in a courtroom. In fact, most cases in Arizona settle before trial. Settling your case can save time, reduce stress, and help you stay in control of the outcome. Why Settlement Is Often the Best Outcome […]
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A Resolution Management Conference (RMC) is usually the first hearing in an Arizona divorce or custody case. It’s not a trial, and it’s not about presenting evidence. Instead, the RMC is a meeting with the judge to: Although no testimony is taken, the RMC plays a critical role in shaping the direction and timeline of […]
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Steve Nash and the Arizona Custody Relocation Battle In 2013, former Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash became the center of a high-profile Arizona custody case. The dispute wasn’t about whether he would be involved in his children’s lives — it was about where they would live. Nash opposed his ex-wife, Alejandra Amarilla, moving their […]
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The Lori Vallow Daybell Case: A National Tragedy With Family Law Implications The name Lori Vallow Daybell has become nationally known — not just for the disturbing criminal charges she faced, but for the complex custody and legal issues surrounding her children. Vallow and her husband, Chad Daybell, were convicted in connection with the deaths […]
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In Arizona divorces, two of the biggest financial questions are: These two issues are closely connected — and understanding how spousal maintenance is calculated can help you anticipate how it might affect your child support obligations (or rights). Let’s break it down. What Is Spousal Maintenance in Arizona? Spousal maintenance is financial support that one […]
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When parents separate or divorce in Arizona, the court divides what many call “custody” into two key concepts: legal decision making and parenting time. Understanding the difference between the two, and how Arizona courts decide what’s best for your child, is essential when you are co-parenting with the other parent after separation. What Is Legal […]
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Arizona law allows grandparents to seek court-ordered visitation in certain circumstances under Arizona family law. Whether due to divorce, loss, or estrangement, Arizona law provides a path for grandparents to remain part of their grandchildren’s lives when it's in the child's best interest. Technically, the law provides visitation rights for "non parents" that are not […]
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Navigating shared custody or parenting time can be complicated—but technology can help. Whether you're newly divorced or years into a parenting plan, the right co-parenting app can reduce miscommunication, organize schedules, and streamline expense tracking.As Arizona family law attorneys, we often get asked: Which co-parenting app should we use? Below is our comparison of the […]
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Summer break brings big changes to family routines—especially for parents who share custody (or parenting time as it is known in Arizona). Without school anchoring the schedule, many families need to adjust their parenting plans to ensure both parents have meaningful time with their children while also planning vacations, camps, and activities. Robert Larson has […]
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When going through a divorce in Arizona, one of the most critical aspects to consider is property division. Arizona is a community property state, which can significantly impact how assets and debts are divided between spouses. There are important distinctions to be made between community property and separate property. Understanding the difference between these two […]
Read articleWhen parents separate or divorce, decisions regarding their children's care and upbringing become crucial. In Arizona, these decisions are categorized into two main areas: legal decision-making and parenting time. Understanding the differences between these concepts is essential for navigating family law matters effectively. Legal Decision Making Legal decision making refers to the authority to make […]
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Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face, emotionally and legally. At Arsenal Law in Mesa, Arizona, I’m Robert Larson, an experienced divorce attorney dedicated to guiding clients through this difficult process with clarity and confidence. With years of handling complex family law cases, I understand the stakes—your financial future, your […]
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Divorce or separation can be emotionally challenging, especially when children are involved. One of the most important aspects to address during this time is legal decision making and parenting time (often referred to as child custody outside of Arizona). Co-parenting requires effective communication, cooperation, and a focus on the best interests of the child. This […]
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