Many couples have children without getting married. Unfortunately, dads in these situations may lose their rights if their romance with the mother falls apart. Family courts in Arizona recognize that children need both parents to thrive. They no longer automatically...
Year: 2021
Do you need to tell your ex about your Spring Break plans?
You want to take your kids on a Spring Break trip. This seems simple enough, and thousands of other parents will be doing the same. Here’s the catch: You’re divorced and you share custody with your ex. Do you need to tell them about your plans? What does your custody...
Is your ex-spouse’s new partner giving you reason for a custody battle?
Your divorce wasn’t easy, and the custody issues were tough to handle -- but you thought you finally had a workable agreement in place. Then, your ex-spouse got involved with a new partner who is now living in the same house as your children. Is it time to head back...
What can you do if your ex won’t let you see the kids?
Shared custody or co-parenting is typically the preferred outcome for parents with minor children going through a divorce. Given that the Arizona family courts focus on the best interests of the children, protecting both parents' relationships is a priority except in...
Do people really get divorced more in the winter?
You’ve heard that the winter months are the time of year when divorce cases spike. Since you’ve been thinking about filing for divorce for a while, this catches your attention. Are you really more likely to end your marriage in the winter? Why it happens It is true...
Should you litigate or negotiate your divorce?
When Arizona couples decide to end their marriages, anger, sadness and other intense emotions often overwhelm practical decision-making on how to proceed. When a relationship becomes contentious, it’s not unusual to want to have your day in court, especially if you’ve...
Things to consider if you and your spouse have a trial separation
A couple’s separation is not always a precursor to divorce. Sometimes, they will decide on a “trial separation” when one or both spouses feels that they need time apart to get some space and perspective. Trial separations can follow a traumatic event, like the...
Tips for preparing for a divorce
When people are filing for divorce, they often struggle with loss, fear and anger. Amid these emotional challenges, it can be difficult to think clearly. If you are getting divorced, consider the following tips for preparing yourself and your family for the legal...
4 ways savvy co-parents plan vacations
If you share custody of your kids with your ex-spouse, you want to raise them in a fun and intellectually stimulating environment. Taking a family vacation may help you accomplish this objective, as children who travel tend to develop the sort of social, physical and...
3 things you need to address to help your children feel secure after your divorce
It’s easy to focus on how your divorce will impact you, but you also need to think about how it will affect your children. There are many effects that some parents might not think of right away because they’re thinking about how the child will adjust to a life split...