The fact that the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that an 1860’s Territorial law on abortion is still in effect was nothing short of shocking. This law was originally passed during the Civil War, when our country was fighting over whether a white person should continue to have the right to own and enslave black people. The law was passed at a time when women had no rights, not even the right to vote. This 160 year-old law, which has now been revived, demonstrates a similar level of intolerance and disregard for basic human rights. It is an almost total ban on abortion, except to “save the life” o ..read more

The legal process can be long and arduous, whether you are in the process of seeking legal decision-making and parenting time for children, a dissolution of marriage, grandparent visitation, or a modification or enforcement of a judicial order.  At Frank Amar Matura, we understand that there is a level of endurance that is necessary to make it through the time it takes to resolve your legal matter.  Part of weathering the storm includes having a capable, hard-working and compassionate legal team on your side. Make sure that you take care of yourself.  Here are some tips: Deve ..read more

Arizona divorce laws state that marital property generally should be divided equitably between the spouses. However, determining how to achieve equity in the division of assets can be a complex process. There may be property, like a family home or pension, that one party wishes to keep in full. In simple terms, equalization payments in an Arizona divorce can be used to compensate the spouse who is not keeping such property for their share. Marital Property Division and the Role of Equalization Payments in an Arizona Divorce To understand how equalization payments can be used in marital prope ..read more

It is very common for people going through divorce to feel a sense of shame or failure that the marriage did not work out. Sometimes parents who are divorcing feel like they are causing harm to their children by the act of divorcing their spouse.  These feelings can cause a parent to delay what is in their family’s best interests because they think they are supposed to “work it out” for the sake of the children. While that is sometimes possible, it is simply not always a reality. The attorneys at Frank Amar Matura understand that divorce and child custody matters are sensitive and that ..read more

At Frank Amar Matura, we understand how challenging it can be to go through a divorce. It is emotionally draining, especially when there are complex financial matters involved. Determining the appropriate division or allocation of business assets owned by one or both spouses is one factor that can complicate matters. In this newsletter, our Phoenix divorce lawyers discuss the role of business valuation in Arizona divorces and the options for distributing or allocating business assets. The Importance of Accurate Business Valuation in Arizona Divorces Arizona is a community property state, as ..read more

Contemplating the potential end of your marriage before it even begins can feel uncomfortable. However, a prenuptial agreement, often referred to as a “premarital agreement” or “prenup,” is simply a financial and life planning tool, much like a will or trust. By thinking of it in this way, couples can reap the benefits of prenuptial agreements in Arizona and be better prepared for the future, whatever it holds. What You Should Know about Prenuptial Agreements in Arizona At Frank Amar Matura, we are dedicated to providing our clients with exceptional legal services to navigate the complexit ..read more

Divorce is a difficult and emotionally charged process, but it is necessary to ensure a fair and equitable division of marital property and assets when the marriage legally ends. In divorce settlements and Arizona community property division cases, accurate and reliable property appraisals are critical. The importance of accurate property valuation in an Arizona divorce cannot be overstated, as it lays the foundation for a fair and equitable division of assets in an appropriate and legal manner. The Importance of Working with Qualified Appraisers for Property Valuation in an Arizona Divorc ..read more

When parents separate, the changes can include one or both moving to another state. If minor children are involved, divorce and post-dissolution proceedings can be substantially more stressful and complicated. Child custody disputes add a layer of complexity, and the effect is further magnified when one or more family members have moved out of state. To address these issues more efficiently, Arizona has adopted interstate custody laws and procedures that govern the process. Understanding the rules that govern interstate custody proceedings can help you better navigate the process, especiall ..read more

In 2023 Hanna Amar and Logan Matura of our firm won an important Family Court case involving a parent’s request to move out of state with the children (known as a “Relocation” case), and just this month the trial court’s decision was upheld by the Arizona Court of Appeals. Relocating out of the state, with children is one of the most difficult things to achieve in Family Court. The “Best Interest of the Children” is the standard judges use in every child custody case, including relocation cases. However, Arizona also has a law requiring the Court to maximize the parenting time of both parent ..read more

You never thought you’d be here. It certainly wasn’t the plan. A “single-mom” or “single-dad.” Maybe you have full custody; maybe you have an equal parenting time schedule. Whether your relationship after divorce with your ex is good or not, one thing is for sure: parenting is hard. And it just got harder. So now what? First thing’s first, get your perspective right. You get to be with your kids. You get to raise them the way you want on your time. You get to nurture them. You get to make them laugh and comfort them when they cry. You get to hold them when they sleep and cuddle them when the ..read more