No one really knows what the term “family law” actually means! In Arizona, family law deals with a number of different things. It can mean a divorce with children. It can mean a custody action when parents are not married. It can mean a modification of a current court order relating to child custody and parenting time. It can mean an establishment of paternity ~ and the list goes on and on.

So how do you know when you need a family law attorney? The answer is many people don’t know they need a family law attorney until they get in over their heads in court or with the other parent’s attorney. Any time you are dealing with issues about divorce with children, custody, parenting time, child support, modifications of current court orders, grandparents’ rights, enforcement of current court orders, or any other issue dealing with family and children you most likely stand to benefit greatly from the advice of a competent family law attorney.

In fact, Clients facing divorce with children deal with a roller coaster of emotions before, during and after the legal process. The following emotions are but a few:

  • Sadness
  • Concern
  • Depression
  • Loneliness
  • Euphoria
  • Freedom
  • Joy
  • Hopefullness
  • Anger
  • Surprise

Clients deal with the entire range of emotions in different ways and at different times. These emotions are a common thread in virtually all cases at one time or another and are extremely common. Studies have shown that it is so much more detrimental to parents and children to “stay together for the kids” when tension in the family home is unbearable. Even when parents don’t “fight” in front of the children, children still can sense that something’s just not right anymore. However, once that decision has been made, children have the remarkable ability to adapt to a new lifestyle. On top of the adults’ feelings are their children’s feelings. Many, many times parents use their children as pawns in an attempt to advance their own agenda – one of the worst things a parent can do.

Arizona family law judges must decide (when the parents can’t) what is in the children’s best interest. They utilize a number of standards that are contained within the Arizona Revised Statutes in making their decision. This task can be extremely difficult or extremely easy depending on the facts presented to the judge, the credibility of the parties, and their demeanor during their hearing or trial.

Family law is an area of legal practice that impacts peoples’ lives at their core – through their children and family. It is one of the most emotional areas of practice and one of the most gratifying.

This is NOT the time for guesswork ~ you and your children’s future depends on decisions made by you and by the judge. An experienced attorney can make the difference between success and failure. DO NOT underestimate the power of presentation. You and your case will be judged by what you say and surprisingly by what you don’t say. You need a medical doctor when you get sick, so why wouldn’t you need an attorney when the most precious person in the world to you is at stake?