Scottsdale Family Law Attorney
BTL Family Law provides a dedicated partnership during challenging times in Scottsdale, Arizona. We appreciate that family law requires both compassion and experience. Located in Scottsdale, our practice focuses solely on family law, which allows for focused, high-quality representation. Family law covers legal issues around relationships like marriage, divorce, custody, adoption, and more—areas where experienced counsel makes a difference.
Our Dedication
We aim to protect your interests while effectively resolving family law matters. At BTL Family Law, our attorneys believe in a straightforward approach and pride themselves on honest assessments. This transparency helps from the start. You should know realistic possibilities and limits to prevent problems or additional costs later.
Where You Can Find Us - Give Us a Call or Visit
Burggraff Tash Levy PLLC (BTL Law) is at 8980 E. Raintree Drive #110 in Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Near the business district or Raintree Center. We’re near well-known landmarks and just minutes from Raintree Center.
What Makes Us Different
Our focus is exclusively on family law. Unlike general firms, we possess experience in the Arizona family court system, including Maricopa County. This specialized knowledge leads to effective representation for our clients, often with favorable outcomes.
Our Scottsdale Services
Divorce & Legal Separation
Divorce ends a marriage, while legal separation allows living separately yet remaining married legally. Our family law attorneys handle uncontested divorces and complex cases with precision.
Divorces Handled
- Uncontested Divorce: A smoother, less costly process when parties agree on significant issues.
- Contested Divorce: Court intervention is required when disagreement occurs.
- Collaborative Divorce: A non-adversarial settlement approach with professionals.
- Default Divorce: This is when one spouse doesn’t respond within the time frame.
Divorce Representation Aspects
- Division of Community Property: Because Arizona is a community property state, the court divides most marital assets and debts equally. We help ensure equitable division, considering overlooked factors.
- Division of Retirement/Investment Accounts: Complex assets require handling using QDROs to ensure valuation and division without penalties.
- Business Valuation/Division: Valuation of family businesses becomes critical. We utilize certified appraisers to ensure consideration.
- Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): Attorneys can advocate for maintenance based on Arizona guidelines.
Cornerstones of a Good Family Law Attorneys
Realistic
It is part of your lawyer’s job to help you focus on the logical facets of what is happening and your long-term goals.
A good family law attorney should tell you what you do not want to hear.
Unrealistic expectations ultimately lead to disappointment.
Understanding what your lawyer does at the outset will help you set realistic expectations for your relationship and the process.
Focused
Family law and divorce is often fueled by emotion.
Choose an attorney that will help you stay focused on the goals and not get lost in arguments that do not benefit your case and waste your financial resources.
We want to help our clients achieve their ideal outcome, with the least amount of emotional strain.
You need an attorney you can trust and who has your best interest in mind.
Efficient
Proper organization and efficiency helps cut down on the costs of family law litigation.
Choose a firm that maintains organization throughout to ensure your financial resources are being allocated properly.
Choose a law firm that maintains organization. With organization, you’ll have confidence that your attorney can achieve your ideal outcome.
Experienced
Experience goes beyond knowledge of family law in Arizona.
An experienced family law lawyer will know the law, many of the other attorneys in the field, and how each judge likes to manage their courtroom.
Each of our Scottsdale divorce attorneys bring their own unique strengths, backgrounds, and experience to cases so our clients walk away with the outcome they deserve.
Legal Separation Alternatives
Clients find advantages in separation, like health insurance coverage. Our attorneys ensure you understand more about the legal aspects of separation.
We answer specific questions and concerns:
- Who should consider legal separation? Sometimes, a legal separation is a better fit than a divorce.
- Do religious beliefs discourage divorce?
- Does keeping health insurance require staying legally married?
- Do you need to figure out if you want to reconcile?
- Will a divorce lead to the loss of retirement benefits?
Legal Decision-Making (Child Custody)
When it comes to children, Arizona uses the terms “legal decision-making” (what was once called legal custody) and “parenting time” (previously physical custody or visitation). Legal decision-making means a parent can make meaningful choices about their child’s health, schooling, and general well-being. Parenting time is simply the schedule determining when each parent spends time with their child.
Legal decision-making can work in a few ways. For example, both parents can share the decision-making power (joint legal decision-making), or only one parent can make those decisions (sole legal decision-making). There’s also a middle ground: joint legal decision-making, with one parent having the final say in certain areas.
Parenting time is also flexible. You can have equal parenting time, where kids spend about the same time with each parent—maybe alternating weeks or using a two-two-five-five day schedule. One parent can have the kids most of the time, while the other can have a regular visitation schedule. When there are safety concerns, parenting time might be supervised by a professional or a trusted family member. These days, virtual parenting time lets parents stay connected even from far away.
We Develop Parenting Plans
Finding the proper custody arrangement takes careful thought. At BTL Family Law our lawyers help develop parenting plans to look out for the kids and protect your parent-child relationship.
Arizona courts use a “best interests of the child” standard, considering things like:
- Each parent’s relationship with their child
- Who’s been the primary caregiver
- Each parent’s health (both mental and physical)
- How well the child is doing at home, school, and in the community, and
- Any history of violence or substance abuse?
Assistance with custody changes is also available when circumstances change substantially, such as relocation, work schedule adjustments, or worries about the child.
Child Support
Child support is a payment to help with a child’s basic needs—food, housing, clothes, schooling, and healthcare. Arizona has guidelines for determining how much support should be paid, mainly based on each parent’s earnings, parenting time arrangements, and the child’s needs.
Several factors affect child support calculations. These include each parent’s total income from all sources (gross income), how much time the child spends with each parent (parenting time), the cost of health insurance for the child (medical insurance costs), work-related childcare costs (childcare expenses), and educational costs for the child (educational expenses, particularly for special needs). If a parent has other child support obligations, that’s also considered (multiple-family adjustments).
The most comprehensive approach includes ensuring accurate income calculations for both parents, including proper handling of self-employment, overtime, commissions, and bonuses, as well as proper documentation of special needs and circumstances that might justify deviations from standard guidelines and strategic planning for education and healthcare costs, including college expenses when appropriate, alongside modification representation when financial situations change significantly.
Child support can be changed (modified) if there’s a significant, lasting change in circumstances, such as a substantial shift in a parent’s income or changes to the parenting schedule. Several factors can necessitate adjustments to existing child support arrangements. These might include alterations in a child’s healthcare needs, perhaps due to the emergence of medical conditions or changes affecting health insurance coverage and its associated costs.
From the outset, we meticulously prepare, considering all pertinent elements. Our goal? Construct a robust case designed to secure your child’s financial stability while ensuring the support arrangement remains equitable and just for both parents.
Family Law Mediation: A Collaborative Alternative
Mediation represents an alternative avenue for resolving disputes—a neutral mediator guides the parties toward a mutually agreeable resolution. In contrast to a judge, the mediator doesn’t impose decisions; instead, they facilitate constructive dialogue and foster compromise.
Mediation: Notable Benefits
Opting for mediation, you’ll often find, presents a collaborative option that bypasses the courtroom. Mediation may help in divorce cases where there are financial disputes or even when domestic violence is present. This can lead to several advantages:
- Greater Autonomy: You and your former partner have control over shaping your future rather than relying on a judge who may be unfamiliar with the specifics of your situation.
- Financial Prudence: Mediation is typically considerably more cost-effective than litigation, often resulting in substantial savings regarding legal fees and court-related expenses.
- Time Efficiency: Litigation might extend considerably, whereas mediation can often address and resolve matters within a limited number of sessions.
- Emotional Well-being: Mediation’s collaborative spirit dampens hostility and emotional stress, which is particularly advantageous when children are involved.
- Confidentiality: Unlike courtroom proceedings, which become part of the public record, mediation discussions are kept private.
- Communication Skills: Mediation can equip parents with skills to foster improved co-parenting dynamics post-divorce.
The Mediation Process: A Step-by-Step Look
- Initial Consultation: Assess the case and determine if mediation is suitable.
- Preparation Phase: Gathering all pertinent data and documents.
- Mediation Sessions: Addressing issues under the guidance of the mediator.
- Agreement Formalization: Documenting the terms agreed on during mediation.
- Court Review: Submitting the agreement for judicial review and approval.
Our skilled mediators in Scottsdale help families reach their resolutions instead of leaving crucial decisions to a judge. Whether facing challenges related to divorce, custody, or support, mediation can present a more amicable path forward.
Other Family Law Services We Offer
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement, drawn up before marriage, specifies how you will handle assets and liabilities if a divorce occurs or in the event of death. A postnuptial agreement serves a similar purpose, but you create it after the marriage.
These agreements aim to:
- Protect business interests and preserve inheritances
- Identify distinct assets not subject to division
- Define the parameters of spousal support
- Clarify financial expectations
Our attorneys craft tailored agreements that offer security while respecting the interests of each party.
Domestic Violence Protection
We stand ready to provide sensitive and effective representation for clients in domestic violence situations seeking orders of protection and injunctions against harassment. These legal avenues can:
- Prohibit an abuser from contacting or approaching the client
- Establish temporary custody arrangements for children
- Remove an abuser from the shared home
- Provide temporary financial support.
Emergency consultations are available to address pressing domestic violence matters.
Paternity Establishment
Establishing paternity, the legal identification of a child’s father, is vital for:
- Securing rights to child support
- Establishing visitation and legal decision-making rights
- Enabling children to access benefits through their father
- Providing access to essential medical histories
Our attorneys provide discretion and sensitivity to handle voluntary acknowledgments and contested paternity cases.
Why BTL Family Law?
Our specific focus, combined with practical approaches, means you will receive focused attention. We blend legal know-how with genuine support for your family.
Client Focused
Here at BTL Family Law, we understand. Recognizing the individuality inherent in each family’s dynamics, we initiate our process with an in-depth consultation to grasp the nuances of your particular situation. This includes carefully considering your worries and objectives before we create a legal strategy tailored specifically for you.
Feasible Solutions
Cost-conscious resolutions are a priority for us. Whenever feasible, we employ methods such as negotiation, mediation, and collaborative efforts, steering clear of costly litigation whenever possible. Our billing is transparent, ensuring no unwelcome surprises.
Court Representation
Experienced representation in court is vital. Should courtroom representation be unavoidable, our lawyers draw on their considerable litigation experience to fiercely advocate for your rights. We have a proven track record of success in Arizona’s family courts across all levels.
Continuous Support
Our commitment extends beyond initial decrees. Our firm provides continuous support for post-decree changes, enforcement procedures, and adapting to your family’s evolving circumstances to guarantee that your legal agreements remain pertinent and beneficial.
We Take Time to Listen to Your Concerns and Needs
Family law is rarely simple. At BTL Family Law, we truly believe that every family’s story is different, so we take the time to sit down and listen. We start with a thorough consultation, ensuring we understand your particular situation, your worries, and what you hope to achieve. Only then do we craft a legal strategy that’s just for you, reflecting your unique needs.
Family law situations change, so we offer continuous support even after the initial decree. Whether you need help with modifications, enforcement, or just navigating changes in your family dynamic, we’re here to make sure your legal arrangements keep working for you in most cases. Our focus on customized strategies and genuine care means that you receive effective representation and empathetic care.
Consider your legal and financial situation and how to improve your family situation. Our legal team will make things comfortable for you. Our goal is to ensure that you meet your family’s goals using empathy and logic.
Contact Our Dedicated Legal Team Now
At BTL Family Law we understand family law matters can be difficult and emotionally charged. Contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our Scottsdale family law lawyers. Our lawyers are compassionate and tailor their services specifically to your needs. Allow us to guide you through this challenging period, empowering you with confidence and clarity.
Now is the time to receive legal support. If you have a question for our family law attorneys, stop by our office in Scottsdale or arrange a consultation immediately. By retaining legal help, you can move ahead during a stressful time more positively. Call (480) 307-6800 today.