Phoenix Divorce Attorney

Protecting Your Financial Future During a Divorce in Phoenix

One of the biggest worries in a divorce is money. You may ask, “What will happen to my home, savings, or business?” This is a normal and important concern. A Phoenix divorce attorney from our firm can explain how to protect your financial future.

The cost and timeline of your divorce are often influenced by the level of cooperation between you and your spouse. If you agree on most things, the process will be faster and will cost less. If you disagree on major issues, it can take longer and be more expensive. Our approach is to focus on solutions. We keep you focused on the big picture: securing a fair outcome so you can move forward.

Arizona is a community property state. This legal term means that most of the things you and your spouse earned or bought during your marriage belong to both of you. When you divorce, the court usually divides this property equally. We ensure this division is fair and nothing gets overlooked.

For professionals and business owners, a divorce can have extra financial questions. We can help with:

• Dividing Property: We ensure that all assets, such as your house, cars, and bank accounts, are divided fairly.
• High Net Worth Divorce: We have experience helping clients with more assets, like investments, multiple properties, or a high income. A high-net-worth lawyer from our team knows how to handle these situations with care.
• Business Valuations: If you or your spouse own a business, we work with experts to determine its worth to ensure a fair split.
• Dividing Retirement Accounts: We can help you correctly divide 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement funds so you do not have to pay extra taxes or fees.
• Spousal Support (Alimony): Sometimes, one spouse pays money to the other for a while after the divorce. This is called spousal support or alimony. We can explain whether this applies to your situation.

A key part of our job is guiding you in planning for life after the divorce. For example, getting divorced can automatically change your will and other property plans, as state law has rules about this. We guide you through these details to secure your financial future.

How a Divorce Works in Phoenix

The idea of going to court can be scary. But the divorce process is just a series of steps. With a BTL Family Law attorney by your side, we will explain the purpose of each step and prepare you for what comes next.

In Phoenix, the Maricopa County Superior Court will handle your divorce case. Here is a simple look at the steps involved:

• Starting the Divorce: One person starts by filing a paper with the court. This paper is called a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.” It tells the court that you want a divorce and lists your request.
• Letting the Other Person Know: The other spouse must receive a copy of the papers. This is called “service.” It makes sure everyone knows what is happening.
• The Response: The other spouse has time to file a “Response.” This paper tells the court their side of the story.
• Temporary Orders: Life does not stop just because you filed for divorce. Sometimes, you need rules right away. Arizona law allows temporary court orders to be put in place to keep things fair while the divorce happens. These orders can cover things like who lives in the family home, who pays certain bills, or a temporary parenting plan for your children. This helps keep things stable.
• Sharing Information: Both sides must share information about their finances. This includes things like bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns. Being open and honest here is very important. It helps make sure the final agreement is fair.
• Reaching an Agreement: Most divorces end with an agreement, not a trial. With the help of your lawyers, you and your spouse can work together to decide on all the issues. You can do this through direct talks, mediation, or other methods.
• The Final Decree: Your divorce is not over until a judge signs a final paper called a Decree of Dissolution. The law explains that this decree makes the divorce official and legally ends your marriage. This paper includes all your property, support, and children’s agreements.

Types of Divorce

How you get divorced can be as important as the outcome. You have options, and we can help you choose the best one for you.

• Uncontested Divorce: This is the simplest and fastest type of divorce. It happens when you and your spouse agree on everything, from dividing property to parenting plans. You work together to finish the paperwork and submit it to the court. Arizona provides a faster way to finalize the divorce through a summary consent decree for couples who have already worked out all the details.
• A contested divorce happens when you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more issues. It does not mean you will have a huge court battle. It just means you need help from lawyers or the court to solve your disagreements. Many contested divorces settle before going to trial.
• Divorce Mediation: In mediation, you and your spouse meet with a neutral third person called a mediator. The mediator does not make decisions for you. Instead, they guide you in communicating and finding your solutions. It is a great way to stay in control of your divorce and find common ground. Our firm provides divorce mediation services to guide you toward a peaceful agreement.
• Collaborative Divorce: This is another way to avoid court. In a collaborative divorce, you, your spouse, and your lawyers agree to work together to find a solution. You sign an agreement that you will not go to court. This process focuses on open communication and creative problem-solving.

Arizona Child Custody and Child Support

For parents, nothing is more important than their children. We work with you to create a plan that protects your relationship with your kids and supports their well-being.

• Legal Decision-Making and Parenting Time: In Arizona, “custody” is divided into two parts. “Legal decision-making” concerns who makes the big choices for your child, like healthcare, school, and religion. “Parenting time” refers to the schedule of when the child is with each parent. The goal is to create a plan in the child’s best interest.
• Child support is money paid by one parent to the other to help with the costs of raising a child. Arizona has specific guidelines for figuring out the amount, which is based on both parents’ incomes, the parenting time schedule, and costs like health insurance and childcare. A Phoenix divorce lawyer can ensure the calculation is done correctly and fairly.
• Relocation: Sometimes, a parent wants to move away with a child. This can be a very difficult issue. If one parent wants to move more than 100 miles away, they usually need permission from the other parent or the court. We handle cases involving relocation or efforts to prevent a move.

What if We Can’t Agree?

Even when you want a smooth, simple divorce, disagreements can happen. Your spouse might be unreasonable. Their lawyer might be aggressive. When things get difficult, having a strong and steady Phoenix divorce attorney on your side is more important than ever.

At BTL Family Law, we know how to handle conflict. We do not create fights but are not afraid of them. If your spouse or their attorney is making things hard, we step in to protect you. We manage the communication, so you do not have to. We focus on the facts and the law, not on emotion.

Our job is to keep the process moving toward a resolution. We are skilled negotiators who can often break through a deadlock and find a solution that works. We remind you of your goals and guide you in deciding the issues worth fighting for and those that are not.

If negotiations cannot reach a fair agreement, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court. As skilled and experienced litigators, we are meticulously prepared to present your case clearly and persuasively before a judge. Our focus is always on protecting your rights and fighting for a fair, well-reasoned outcome based on the facts and the law.

Steps You Can Take to Prepare for Your Divorce in Phoenix

Feeling in control can make a big difference during a stressful time. Before you even meet with a Phoenix divorce attorney, there are simple things you can do to prepare. Being organized will save you time and money and help your lawyer.

• Gather Important Papers: Start collecting financial documents. These include recent pay stubs, tax returns for the last few years, bank account statements, credit card statements, and information about retirement accounts or investments.
• Make a List of What You Own and Owe: Create a simple list of your assets (things you own) and liabilities (things you owe). For assets, include your house, cars, furniture, and bank accounts. For liabilities, include your mortgage, car loans, and credit card debt.
• Think About Your Goals: What is most important to you as you move into this next phase of life? Do you want to stay in the house? What kind of parenting schedule do you imagine? A clear idea of your goals will help your attorney create a strategy for you.
• Write Down Your Questions: You probably have a lot of questions. Write them all down as you think of them. Bring this list to your first meeting with us. This ensures you get the answers you need to feel more comfortable.
• Keep a Journal: Sometimes, writing down important events or conversations can be helpful. This helps you recall details later. Keep it factual and simple.

Bringing this information to your first meeting with BTL Family Law allows us to work for you immediately. It shows that you are ready to tackle this process with a trusted attorney.