A good divorce attorney in Phoenix is a valuable asset for guiding clients through the legal aspects of dissolving a marriage, resolving disputes over custody of children, property division and other issues. A skilled lawyer can reduce the time and cost of a divorce by reducing the number of disputes that must be settled by court order.
Disputes over property division are common in divorce cases. A Phoenix divorce attorney can help determine what assets are marital and what are separate and what is owed to each spouse. This process includes identifying and valuing real estate, personal property, business interests, retirement plans, pensions, debts and other tangible and intangible assets. It is also necessary to determine which assets were accumulated during the marriage and which were acquired as gifts or inheritances. A Phoenix divorce attorney can assist with the division of assets and liabilities by drafting the appropriate paperwork, negotiating with the other party and filing it in court.
In some instances, the division of assets may be complicated by the presence of hidden assets or assets that are held in only one party’s name. This is often the case in high net worth divorces or gray divorces (divorces between couples over 50 years old). A Phoenix Divorce Lawyer can help identify and uncover hidden assets as well as protect client’s rights during the division of assets and liabilities.
Aside from issues regarding property division, a Phoenix divorce attorney will address other important matters including child custody, spousal support and child support. Child custody issues are often complex and must take into account the best interests of the child, as well as the financial circumstances of the parties. A Phoenix divorce attorney will help clients work through these issues in a way that is best for the child and the parents. Spousal support, commonly referred to as alimony, is a form of temporary financial support that can be awarded in both legal separations and divorces. Alimony is determined by the amount of income each party earns as well as other factors such as length of marriage and disparity in earning power. A seasoned Phoenix divorce lawyer will be able to explain the guidelines for determining an alimony award.
When choosing a Phoenix divorce lawyer, it is important to consider the attorney’s experience and whether or not they have a reputation for successfully handling family law cases. A successful family law attorney should have a thorough understanding of state laws as well as how judges handle divorce and family law cases. They should also have excellent communication skills and be able to respond quickly to any questions or concerns that may arise during the course of the case. A reputable Phoenix divorce attorney will be committed to helping their clients reach their goals and should provide a free consultation or case evaluation to assess the needs of each client.