THE VALLEY LAW GROUP – PHOENIX
Address:
3101 N. Central Avenue, Ste. 1470
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Map and Directions
Phone:
(480) 300-6012
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 9AM – 1PM
Sunday: Closed
PHOENIX, ARIZONA FAMILY LAW FIRM
Family relationships are typically built on love, support, respect, and mutual admiration for one another. Unfortunately, some families are confronted with difficulties that must be addressed legally, with proceedings ranging from dissolving a marriage to adoption and everything in between. These complications can be emotionally taxing and stressful for all parties involved. They also often involve circumstances that most people are unfamiliar with, raising many concerns that must be addressed by someone with experience. Families facing family law matters are often left with more questions than answers and uncertainty about where to turn. Fortunately, the family law attorneys at The Valley Law Group in Phoenix have the answers to your questions. Our skilled, compassionate, and experienced attorneys have over 60 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the complex family legal system. With our passion for area families, we focus on family law, including divorce and all its considerations, as well as juvenile law. Our team takes pride in approaching your case as more than just a litigator; we know that each case presents a unique set of circumstances, and so we take the time to understand the needs of our clients and tailor our legal approach to meet those needs.THE RIGHT FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN PHOENIX, AZ
The heightened emotions involved in a family law case can make it difficult to look at the situation with a clear focus. Coupled with the often unfamiliar nature of family law, those who are confronting a legal case may find it difficult to identify an attorney that can appropriately represent them. However, taking time to understand how to choose a family law attorney that will keep your interests in mind is the first step in any family law case. Knowing how to choose the right attorney could help make a difference in the eventual outcome. While no attorney can guarantee results, there are key indicators that differentiate which attorney may be the most viable option.When choosing a family law attorney to represent you, consider the following:
- Reviews. There should be an abundance of information available regarding an attorney, including online reviews, testimonials, ratings, and often case performance. You will want to see what kind of reputation they have gained with previous clients.
- Referrals. In some situations, you may have a friend or family that has needed the assistance of a family law attorney who may be able to offer you a referral.
- Interview. Be sure to interview several attorneys before choosing one. Not only does this provide you with insight into who they are, but it allows you the opportunity to become comfortable with them. They will ultimately represent you, and you will want someone with your interests in mind that you can trust.
When interviewing potential attorneys, consider asking the following questions:
- What is your experience with cases that are similar to mine?
- Will I work directly with you or a member of your team?
- How responsive are you to your clients?
- How many cases do you take at a time?
- What are your fees and costs?
- What other areas of law do you practice?
These questions can help indicate an attorney’s experience as well as their focus. At The Valley Law Group, our firm of experienced attorneys has been representing families in the Phoenix area for decades. Our stellar representation in a variety of family law cases has earned us a formidable reputation among both clients and the Arizona court system.
Schedule a consultation with us today to see how we can meet your most critical requirements.
HOW PHOENIX FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS CAN HELP
Utilizing the skills of your family law attorney is more than just turning your case over to them. A good attorney will help you understand the process and the options available to you. They will serve on your behalf in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration, mediation, and more. They will arrange expert witnesses that can testify to the facts of your case, and they will help to arrange any mental or physical evaluations necessary for any one of the various legal obstacles involved in family law.
At The Valley Law Group, our attorneys not only represent you but they keep you informed of your choices throughout your legal process so that you are a part of the solution. We guide you through the facts, recommend a direction to go and work as a thought partner to help you make the decisions that fit your case.
TYPES OF ARIZONA FAMILY LAW CASES
Family law is a broad term used to describe many types of cases that could find you and your family involved in the legal system to settle civil disputes. Arizona family law practice areas include:
- Divorce law
- Appeals
- Marital agreements
- Child custody
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance
- Adoptions and
- Domestic violence
- Juvenile law
Whether you are in the initial stages of these processes or you are challenging court orders that were already issued, family law cases require a close eye for excellence. Utilizing the services of an attorney to help you with your case can increase the likelihood of a desirable outcome.
Marital Agreements
For many, a Phoenix family law attorney is not the first item on the marriage preparation checklist – but maybe it’s time for this to change. Couples must understand that a marriage is, in fact, a binding contract between both spouses. Most couples could benefit from entering into a prenuptial agreement with one another to protect each spouse should the marriage end in a divorce.
Divorce
Divorce is one of the most common reasons a person may seek the services of a skilled family law attorney. While a divorce may begin amicably with both spouses willing to compromise and work with each other to obtain an equitable resolution, they often become contentious and filled with frustration, leaving the divorcing parties in a stalemate that must play out in litigation. With the help of a family law attorney, you can negotiate with your spouse as your attorney advocates for your interests. Better negotiation, whether through traditional negotiation or mediation, can help you avoid arguing over the finer points of divorce in court.
Petitioning for a dissolution of marriage through either a contested or uncontested process should be handled in partnership with your Phoenix, AZ, divorce lawyer. The Valley Law Group recognizes the importance of legal representation for their clients in all stages of the divorce process. With our support, you can advocate for your rights regarding parenting time, legal decision-making rights, child support, spousal maintenance, and equitable distribution of assets.
Spousal Maintenance
Depending on the financial state of a couple at the time of divorce, one spouse may be required to continue to provide a similar standard of living the other spouse experienced during the marriage. Of course, that spouse may feel it is unjust or unnecessary to provide financial support to the other.
However, there are several factors taken into consideration when determining if a spouse qualifies, including:
- The financial independence afforded by each spouse
- The ability or inability to work because of the care of young children
- The amount of income each spouse makes
- The length of the marriage
- Any educational requirements for employment and the time to receive that education
- The potential earning capacity for both spouses
- The age of both spouses
- Any physical or mental limitations that each spouse may have that limits earnings
Our family law attorneys can help you determine whether you or your spouse should receive spousal maintenance, as calculated by the Arizona courts, and advocate for your position in court.
Division of Assets
Arizona adheres to a community property guideline, meaning that when you and your spouse divide your property for divorce, all property you earned or purchased during the marriage is community property and must be divided equally. Separate property obtained before the marriage or in some cases, given as a gift or inheritance during the marriage will likely be exempt from division. Consult with our family law attorneys to ensure that you receive a fair division of property, particularly if you or your spouse have significant assets or a high net worth.
Child Custody and Relocation
Child custody (known as parenting time and legal decision-making rights in Arizona) and child support are the most challenging divorce settlements to reach, as both parents will likely want to remain an active part of the child’s life through the custody of the child. Arizona encourages parents to reach a Parenting Plan Agreement independently of the court whether they are divorcing or are simply co-parenting outside of marriage. Then, the court must simply approve or reject the plan.
When a court considers the acceptance of a parenting plan, it will consider the following:
- With which parent the child wishes to live
- Whether a parent can provide a loving relationship
- What attachments the child has to their school or community
- Any physical or mental challenges either the child or the parent may have
- Any evidence or history of child abuse or domestic violence
- Any unlawful influence over the child in order to gain custody
- Any criminal history for either parent
Joint parenting agreements are prioritized by Arizona courts but are not always possible, especially if one parent intends to move. In some cases, physical custody could be awarded to one parent, while decision-making responsibilities will be awarded to both parents. Decision-making responsibility refers to the parent or parents’ decisions regarding healthcare, religion, educational choices, and more. If one parent intends to relocate, contact the family law attorneys at The Valley Law Group right away.
Child Support
Child support is typically granted to the parent with the most parenting time. The amount may depend on factors such as the standard of living the child currently enjoys, any physical or mental healthcare needs, the finances of each parent and their ability to provide for the child and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Arizona courts use a mathematical formula to help determine any award of child support.
Family Court Modifications
Both child support and child custody decisions are not permanent and can be challenged by either parent after a final decision has been granted. As circumstances change for either parent, they may seek changes to the agreements and decisions in place. Modifications for child support and child custody could be the result of one parent moving out of state, a change in employment, or a number of other reasons.
When these life changes happen, it can result in changes to the parent’s visitation schedule, the decision-making authority of one parent or the other, or the ability of one parent to fully support the needs of the child. Our attorneys put the needs of your child first to ensure they are provided with the best situation for continued support.
Paternity
Questions of paternity arise for a number of reasons. Whether you are pursuing child support, investigating your child support obligation, or discussing child custody rights, paternity can be a crucial piece of the process. Discuss whether the presumption of paternity, an acknowledgment of paternity, or blood testing may be necessary in your case with our skilled family law attorneys.
Adoption and Third-Party Custody Rights
While the Arizona courts prefer the child’s biological parents to share custody, sometimes, this is not in the best interest of the child. Our skilled attorneys can help grandparents, other relatives, and other parties petition for adoption or request relinquishment of parental rights. Together, you and your attorney can ensure you can make the most important decisions for the children you care about.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a devastating crime that continually victimizes those that are impacted. Whether you are struggling to find a way out of a violent situation or are unsure where to find help, a family law attorney can be the support you are looking for. An attorney can help by obtaining protection orders or working with law enforcement to make sure that your voice is heard and you and your children feel safe.
Juvenile Law
Juvenile law is a special area of the Arizona Family Court system that focuses on addressing criminal behavior by juveniles. The intent of juvenile law is to remediate juvenile criminal behavior in a civil (family) court with penalties appropriate for minors under the age of 18. Arizona juvenile law also handles other juvenile matters, including emancipation, incorrigibility, child welfare, adoption, and more.
CONSULT WITH A FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN PHOENIX, AZ
If you are facing court proceedings in any area of family law, you should seek the support and guidance of skilled and trusted attorneys. At The Valley Law Group, our attorneys truly listen to understand your circumstances and use that information as the foundation for building a formidable case. Schedule a consultation with top AZ family lawyers and learn more about how one of the most trusted law firms in Phoenix can help you.
Learn More About Our Services
- Divorce Law
- Appeals
- Child Custody Law
- Child Support Law
- Marital Agreements
- Domestic Violence
- Juvenile Law
Our Team is ready to advocate for you
Our team delivers world-class legal services to Arizonans in need through scrupulous attention to detail, time-tested best practices, and unfailing devotion to client service. Our award-winning attorneys understand that service begins and ends with them, and we are fortunate to enjoy positive, lasting relationships with our clients, both large and small. Contact us today and learn what a difference it makes to have the right people in your corner.Reviews
