Spousal maintenance often becomes a contentious topic during Arizona divorce proceedings. Various factors contribute to the disputes surrounding spousal maintenance. These complexities often lead to contentious debates and disagreements over the terms of spousal maintenance. They may also extend divorce proceedings, costing both parties involved more money. Economic disparities A common reason spousal maintenance issues are often contentious is due to economic disparities between spouses. When divorcing, the spouse with a lower income or fewer assets may seek spousal maintenance for financial ..read more

When parents live in different places, sharing custody can be a bit tricky. It is important to keep your child’s best interests in mind while navigating the logistics of the situation. Fortunately, there are several tips to make it easier when you need to split time with your child across state lines. Plan ahead Before you start sharing custody across different states, it is important to prepare. Discuss a general plan that works for both parents and stick to it as much as possible. Communication Keep the lines of communication open with the other parent. Talk about important things like schoo ..read more

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging time. With social media being such a big part of our lives, it may be tempting to vent your feelings online or even dig up dirt on your ex. However, this is almost never a good idea during divorce proceedings. Here are 3 things you should avoid posting on social media while divorcing. 1. Angry rants It is understandable to feel resentment or anger towards your ex during a divorce. But inflammatory social media posts targeting your former spouse will likely only make things worse. Angry late-night rants may feel cathartic in the moment ..read more

Going through a divorce is tough for everyone, especially kids. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Arizona has one of the highest divorce rates in the nation. Parents should look for signs that suggest a child is having a hard time dealing with their divorce. Identifying these signs helps parents to provide the needed support during this emotionally difficult period. Spotting the signs Keep an eye out for shifts in a child’s friendships, schoolwork and overall attitude. Communication is key; if a child hesitates or avoids talking about their feelings reg ..read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 2.7 per 1,000 divorce rate for Arizona in 2022. In the realm of divorce proceedings in the state, a term that often surfaces is consent decree. A consent decree plays an important role in an uncontested divorce, but what is it and how does it work? Consent decree defined A consent decree is an agreement between divorcing parties regarding the terms of their divorce. Rather than relying on a court to make decisions on issues, such as property division, spousal support and child custody, the spouses collaborate to reach a mutual understan ..read more

A 2020 research article in Frontiers exposed research showing a clear connection between divorce and poor physical and mental health. Divorce is a life-altering event that goes far beyond the change in relationship status. The stress and emotional turmoil associated with divorce can manifest in various ways, impacting the overall health of those going through this challenging process. Mental health The emotional toll of divorce can be profound. Feelings of grief, anger, sadness and anxiety are common, and they can lead to mental health issues, such as depression. It is important to seek suppor ..read more

No-fault divorce provides an opportunity for couples to get divorced without having to prove that either party did something wrong to end the marriage. Couples can declare that their marriage is irretrievably broken instead. Arizona permits no-fault divorce filings, and there are a few things to know before you file. What are the benefits of no-fault divorce? Since a no-fault divorce eliminates the need to prove any wrongdoing, it provides an option that minimizes the conflict and animosity of the process. Nearly 75% of divorcing couples cite a general lack of commitment as a driving factor fo ..read more

Parenting after divorce is challenging and emotionally taxing under any circumstances, and although co-parenting is a positive choice in many cases, raising your child with a parent who has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be extremely difficult. At times you might feel that parenting with them is impossible. After all, the most common characteristics of people with NPD include: Seeing their child as a source of validation They shame their child’s emotions They play favorites among their children They have poor boundaries They can expect the child to be a caregiver They put their ow ..read more

According to the CDC, roughly 2.7 out of every 1,000 Arizona marriages ended in divorce in 2021. Deciding to divorce is not an easy step to take. It ushers in a period of adjustment and decision-making about various aspects of life, including living arrangements. Particularly, the question of whether to continue living in the same home with your spouse during a divorce is one that demands careful consideration. Some couples choose to continue living together for financial reasons, while others separate immediately for personal comfort. The decision is ultimately a personal one that you should ..read more

Domestic violence charges are a serious matter, and when they arise in the context of a divorce involving children, they can significantly impact child custody proceedings. In Arizona, the family court’s primary concern when making child custody determinations is the best interests of the child. Domestic violence charges can have a profound influence on the court’s assessment of what custody arrangement would be in the child’s best interests, taking into account their safety, well-being and overall development. Effect on parental decision-making authority Domestic violence charges can also imp ..read more