At Cohen Family Law, we understand the complexities and emotional weight of navigating a divorce in Glendale, Arizona. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Whether it’s handling child custody and support, spousal maintenance, property division, or the intricacies of filing for divorce, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Our approach blends compassionate understanding with thorough legal knowledge, ensuring that your journey through this challenging time is as smooth and dignified as possible.
Understanding Arizona’s Divorce Laws
In Arizona, a no-fault divorce state, the process of legally ending a marriage is governed by specific laws that prioritize fairness and clarity. One key aspect is that a spouse doesn’t need to prove wrongdoing by the other party to obtain a divorce. Instead, it is sufficient to cite an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage. Additionally, Arizona mandates residency requirements: at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days before filing. The state also has unique laws regarding community property, meaning all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically considered joint property. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone going through a divorce in Glendale, ensuring that the process adheres to legal standards while respecting individual circumstances.
Property Division in a Glendale Divorce
Property division in a Glendale divorce is governed by Arizona’s community property laws, one of the few states in the U.S. to follow this approach. Under these laws, any assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and are typically divided equally upon divorce. This includes income, real estate, investments, retirement accounts and debt. Separate property, owned before the marriage or acquired through inheritance or gift, generally remains with the individual. The court also considers factors like the duration of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation. The aim is to ensure a fair distribution that maintains, as much as possible, the standard of living both parties were accustomed to during the marriage.
Navigating Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance, or alimony, in Glendale is determined by first determining the eligibility of a spouse to receive such payments. The court looks at various factors under Arizona law, including whether the person seeking spousal maintenance lacks the earning capacity to achieve self-sufficiency or lacks sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs. Once eligibility is established, the amount and duration of payments must be determined. The guiding principle here is the ability of the seeking spouse to be self-sufficient. The court will follow state spousal maintenance guidelines and use a computer-generated calculator. The amount and duration of maintenance can vary, tailored to each unique case, sometimes for a set period or until specific conditions are met.
Child Custody Solutions
In Glendale, child custody encompasses two key elements: parenting time and legal decision-making. Parenting time refers to how much time the child spends with each parent, aiming for an arrangement that best supports the child’s needs and maintains a strong relationship with both parents. Legal decision-making involves the right to make significant decisions about the child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Arizona law encourages shared decision-making, fostering cooperation between parents. The court carefully evaluates factors like the child’s adjustment to their environment, the parents’ ability to cooperate, and the child’s preference, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of the child’s physical and emotional well-being.
Child Support Guidelines
In Glendale, child support guidelines are designed to ensure that children receive consistent financial support from both parents after a divorce. Arizona uses a standard calculation that considers the income of both parents, the number of children, and the cost of healthcare, education, and childcare. The time each parent spends with the child also influences the amount of support. These guidelines aim to maintain the child’s standard of living and cover their basic needs, including food, housing, and education. The state ensures that child support obligations are fair and reflective of each parent’s financial ability, ensuring the best interests of the child are always prioritized.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing Cohen Family Law for your divorce proceedings in Glendale means selecting a team dedicated to your best interests and well-being. Our comprehensive understanding of Arizona family law, combined with a compassionate approach, ensures that your case is handled with both professionalism and empathy. We pride ourselves on clear communication, making certain that you’re informed and comfortable every step of the way. Our firm is committed to providing personalized solutions that reflect your unique situation, whether it involves child custody, support, or property division. With us, you’re not just a case number; you’re a valued individual seeking a new beginning.
Contact an Experienced Glendale Divorce Attorney
If you’re facing the challenges of a divorce in Glendale, taking the next step toward a new beginning is crucial. Cohen Family Law is here to guide you through this complex process with understanding and dedicated support. We encourage you to reach out to us for a personalized consultation, where we can discuss your specific needs and how we can assist you. Let us be your ally in navigating this significant life transition.
