Decision-Making (formerly known as “Custody”)
Child Support and Spousal Maintenance….these issues form the heart (and soul) of most divorces and affect divorcing couples, unmarried couples, same sex couples and even grandparents who may find themselves at the center of their children’s conflict. These issues can arise pre and post divorce and will keep parties connected long after the proceeding is finalized so it’s important to be informed, invested and interested in moving forward the right way.
In Arizona, family courts apply the “gold standard”– the “best interest of the child” (which includes consideration of a parent’s past, present and future relationship with the child, how a parent’s conduct may affect the child’s emotional and physical well-being, mental and physical health of all individuals involved, which parent is most likely to allow contact with the other, any instances of abuse from one or both parents). The legislature has determined that nearly equal parenting time (a 5-2-2-5 schedule) is appropriate (so consider whether it’s worth your while (and money) to debate a lesser arrangement); child support is factored using a child support calculator pursuant to the Arizona Guidelines for Child Support (consider how much time and money you want to spend debating the appropriate salary to be applied), and finally spousal maintenance is often a complex, nebulous area for all parties concerned but do not despair!
Security is important and knowing how you will navigate your new life with solid financial footing is my business and forte.