
In the famous first line of Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy wrote that “every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Certainly, no one knows the relationships between you and your planned heirs better than you do, which includes knowing when and where conflicts are most likely to arise when it…
During the divorce process, you and your spouse may benefit by coming to an agreement regarding several issues. Some of those issues might include division of the marital property, child custody arrangements, and whether child and/or spousal support is needed. Despite the large role that finances may play in these…

In 1998, Arizona’s legislature passed a law to create the option of a “covenant marriage” This option does not affect the standard laws for Arizona marriages, but it creates a separate option for couples who wish to choose it. What are Some of the Basics of Covenant Marriage in…
Marriage and divorce may affect Social Security retirement or disability benefits in several ways. Understanding how marriage and Social Security laws work can help you protect any benefits you may receive in the event that you proceed through a divorce. What Are Some Social Security Spousal Benefits? The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows spouses…
Alimony, often called “spousal support” or “spousal maintenance,” is money that one spouse pays to the other spouse. It may be paid during a divorce, after the divorce is final, or during both periods. Men and women are equally eligible to pay or to receive spousal maintenance payments in Arizona. Maintenance is…
When you are facing divorce in Arizona, it is natural to want to turn to those you trust for support and advice. While emotional support is vital during the divorce process, sound legal advice from an experienced Phoenix divorce lawyer is always a must. The reason you should always speak to your own…
When parents divorce, the break can be hard on children of all ages – no matter how amicably the marriage ends. While grandparents have limited legal rights to see their grandchildren in Arizona, grandparents who have good relationships with their adult child and his or her spouse can play a key role…
Couples who are in the divorce process in Arizona and who have children under age 18 should create a written “parenting plan” for several reasons. Parenting plans spell out important details, such as which parent will take care of the child at which times and which parent will have legal custody. If…
If you pass away with a valid will in Arizona, the probate court will handle tasks like appointing your chosen personal representative and overseeing the administration of your estate as your personal representative follows the instructions in your will. The probate court handles the assets that your will distributes, but not all…
An advance directive is a document that specifies your wishes if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. These include naming the person you want to take over your financial, healthcare, and other decisions, explaining what kinds of end of life care you do or do not want, and…