If you are currently a resident of Gilbert, Arizona, who is facing a pending divorce or who is already in the midst of one, chances are you are in need of legal guidance. It is natural to feel a wide range of emotions during this time, such as fear and worry about your future and possibly even your children’s. Additionally, the impact that money and finances have throughout such an intense legal process can be overwhelming.
When you decide to file for divorce in Maricopa County, many complexities arise. Understanding and navigating the Southeast Regional Court system in Mesa, community and property zoning rules in Gilbert, and possibly making new educational and healthcare arrangements for your children in the East Valley are all issues you need to address.
Here, we will explain how a local Gilbert divorce lawyer at The Valley Law Group can guide you each step of the way. It is essential during this time to protect what matters most, and we are here to help you do that.
Understanding Divorce in Arizona
When you begin the process of divorce in Maricopa County, there are specific crucial steps that you need to be aware of.
You can expect to experience the following steps:
1. Filing the Petition
The first step you will take as a Gilbert resident is filing a petition for divorce with the local Superior Court in Maricopa County, located at 222 E Javelina Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210. To be eligible to file, you must have resided in Maricopa County for at least 90 days.
2.Serving Your Spouse
If you are the one to file, you must have your spouse served with papers via a process server, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, or restricted certified mail. Your spouse must respond within 20 days if they are in state and 30 days if they are out of state.
3. Disclosures and Negotiations
Both parties will be required to share information concerning their finances, as well as other detailed, relevant information. If you have children, negotiations will typically proceed concerning parenting time and decision-making rights.
4. Settlement or Trial
You and your spouse will have the option of resolving your case through settlement or trial. Settlement is a resolution in which both parties agree on all aspects of their case, resulting in a faster outcome. Trial allows a judge to make the final decision; this typically occurs when the spouses cannot agree and is more expensive and time-consuming.
It is essential to recognize that Arizona is a community property state, meaning all assets that you and your spouse have acquired during the time of your marriage are considered to be equally owned by each of you. Arizona is also a no-fault divorce state, meaning spouses are not required to prove that either of them did anything wrong in order to be eligible to file for divorce.
Divorce is not something that you should handle yourself. There are numerous complex laws and regulations that will apply to your situation, which is why an experienced family law attorney in Gilbert is necessary. At The Valley Law Group, our Arizona divorce services can help you navigate the process with ease.
Why Choose a Local Divorce Lawyer in Gilbert, AZ
When you file for divorce in Arizona, it is crucial to hire a lawyer who understands the local implications of the law on your life. In Maricopa County, the local ordinances and accepted methods of handling divorce requirements will have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Hiring a lawyer who is familiar with each of these can positively influence your results.
The Maricopa County Southeast Regional Court, where your case will likely be heard, is unique in many ways. Lawyers who are local to the Gilbert area and who regularly operate within this specific court system understand the details of certain procedures that an outsider may not.
For example, how various judges tend to respond to and rule on certain issues, such as parenting time and spousal maintenance, will be something a local lawyer is more aware of and therefore better able to prepare for.
For divorcing couples in the East Valley, a local lawyer can better understand how commuting between Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and other nearby communities will affect co-parenting arrangements such as parenting time and visitation.
Hiring a local lawyer is vital, as their understanding of the judge’s preferences can significantly impact the outcome of your case. This includes everything from how mediation or status hearings proceed to temporary orders.
When your lawyer understands your judge’s preferred methods of navigating a particular situation, they are more readily able to set you up for success.
At The Valley Law Group, our Gilbert office is not simply a satellite. We are local residents of East Valley, just like you, and we regularly handle divorce cases in the very court that you will soon walk into. Our Gilbert divorce law office is here to walk you through each step of the upcoming process.
Common Divorce Issues We Handle For Gilbert Clients
There is an array of divorce topics that almost all couples face, some of which are specifically relevant to living in Gilbert. Here, we will discuss these topics and provide insights into how a local lawyer may be able to help you.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
When you are facing the challenges of a divorce, what is best for your children is likely at the forefront of your mind.
For residents of Gilbert, there are many important implications to consider, such as whether your children will need to change school districts, where their sports and other extracurricular activities will take place, holiday visitation and other arrangements, and more.
Even if both parents remain in East Valley, it can be challenging to create a realistic parenting plan that allows each parent to be appropriately involved.
Because East Valley is so spread out, it will require strategic planning in order to ensure both parents’ and their children’s needs are met.
At The Valley Law Group, we work hard to help you create a parenting plan that factors in the specific challenges of living in Gilbert.
Child Support
The outcome a parent receives regarding their child support requirements depends on various factors, such as their income, parenting time, and the specific needs of the child or children involved. The court will calculate a standard amount based on these factors, but it can and will allow for exceptions when needed. Your lawyer can help prepare you for this.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance, also commonly referred to as alimony, can be a significant issue for many divorcing couples. This issue may arise when one spouse has relied on the other and needs continued assistance to stand on their own two feet. The court will also determine the requirements that you or your spouse may be subjected to.
Property and Debt Division
Property and debt division can sometimes be a significant point of contention in divorce cases. Assets that may be subject to division in Arizona include real estate, retirement accounts, personal property, business interests, bank accounts, and all debts. Additionally, properties located in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding areas require both parties to agree upon the terms of sale.
The division of your retirement may also be required. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a court order that authorizes your retirement benefits to be divided between you and your spouse in the event of a divorce. However, there are certain requirements that will need to be met, which your lawyer can prepare you for.
High Asset and Complex Divorce
High net-worth cases may require additional legal help. This may be relevant for couples who own a business or multiple properties. A high-net-worth or asset divorce lawyer can assess your case and help you determine the next steps.
Legal Separation, Mediation, and Collaborative Option
There are various collaborative alternatives to divorce, including mediation and legal separation. The Valley Law Group offers these alternatives to clients who are interested and who may be able to come to a mutual agreement with their spouse regarding all terms of their divorce.
Order Enforcements
In some cases, it may be necessary to have a court order enforced because of your spouse’s actions. Restraining orders, child custody orders, and child support orders are all examples of court orders that can be violated. Our lawyers can help you determine what the appropriate step to take next is if you have experienced a breach of order by your spouse.
How The Valley Law Group Helps Gilbert Divorce Clients
At The Valley Law Group, our number one priority is to serve you in whatever way we can. We combine legal strategy with an understanding of local details in order to compassionately and informedly approach your case.
When we first assess your case, we are adamant about defining the key concerns you have. This may include your children, the state and future of your home, any business relations you may have, and others. We also strive to identify and protect you in every way we can, including the use of temporary orders, financial disclosures, and other measures where relevant.
At the outset of your case, we will work together to assess whether negotiation and mediation may be a possibility. Our team always strives to resolve divorce matters efficiently, saving you both time and money. When possible, we pursue mediation to help protect you from added stress and costs.
However, we also understand that mediation and negotiation are not options for everyone. In some cases, the right course of action is to seek litigation. The Valley Law Group has extensive courtroom experience, particularly in divorce cases.
We are equipped and ready to defend you during trial when necessary. If your settlement outcome will be improved by appearing in court, we will fiercely lead you in that direction.
Each client of The Valley Law Firm benefits from our comprehensive legal team composed of family lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. We do not operate as a singular lone lawyer, but instead offer the extensive support of multiple staff members.
What to Expect In Your Free Consultation
At The Valley Law Group, we offer free consultations to all prospective clients. This consultation is entirely confidential. We value the information you choose to share with us, which is why your consultation will be administered by an experienced Gilbert divorce attorney rather than simply an intake person. We strive to provide compassionate, professional care at all times.
Before your consultation, there are a few things to consider. Be sure to consider the timeline you hope to see for your separation or divorce, and gather basic information about your children, property, and income, as well as any current court documents (especially if you have been served). By coming prepared with these items, you can help us better serve you.
During the consultation, The Valley Law Group will accomplish several things. Initially, we will listen to your story and attempt to understand your goals in this process. We will then explain the general processes you can expect in Maricopa County.
After identifying any immediate risks or deadlines, we will outline your next steps and explain how representation would work.
When you sign up for a free consultation, there is no obligation to move forward with representation. Simply beginning the conversation as early in the process as possible can benefit you in many ways.
Hire a Gilbert Divorce Lawyer
Facing a divorce case in Gilbert, Arizona, is stressful, but you do not have to do it alone. When you hire the right lawyer, your children and assets will be protected.
Contact The Valley Law Group’s Gilbert office today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced family law attorneys serve clients throughout Gilbert and the East Valley, and we’re ready to help you take the next step with confidence.
Resources:
- Maricopa County Superior Court. (n.d.). Divorce and legal separation. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/departments/superior-court/family/divorce-legal-separation/
- Maricopa County Superior Court Law Library Resource Center. (n.d.). Divorce without children – Petition. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_drep1/
- Town of Gilbert. (n.d.). Municipal Code and Land Development Code – FAQ and Compliance. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/development-services/plan-review-inspection/inspection-code-compliance/code-compliance/faq-municipal-code-land-development-code
Jonathan Roeder, Founder/Director of Marketing of The Valley Law Group, is an Arizona native who has dedicated his life and career to the service of others. After graduating salutatorian of his high school class, Jonathan attended beautiful and prestigious Pepperdine University, where he majored in Political Science. During his tenure at Pepperdine University, his passion for helping others grew after securing a clinical position with a residential treatment center for juveniles with substance addictions. Post-graduation, Jonathan returned to Arizona and served as a residential manager for mentally and physically disabled homes.
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