Family Law Attorney For Divorce, Child Custody, Spousal Support & Men’s Rights

I have been representing family law clients in the following types of cases and matters in Arizona for a period of almost two decades: divorce, annulments, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, spousal maintenance, relocation disputes, temporary orders, modification, enforcement, restraining orders, orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, grandparent custody, grandparent visitation, grandparent’s rights, termination of parenting rights, domestic violence, guardianships, alternative dispute resolution, appeals, depositions, subpoenas, custody evaluations, parenting conferences, prenuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, negotiation, uncontested divorces, unbundled services, property settlement agreements, post-nuptial agreements, settlement conferences, mediation, arbitration, collaborative divorce, document preparation,  emergency hearings, return hearings, evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, motions, discovery, investigations, visitation, father’s rights, mother’s rights, guardian ad litem, best interest attorney, special master, etc.  I am also licensed in various other jurisdictions besides Arizona, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

An experienced family law attorney can be helpful for a variety of reasons. Family law is a broad area of the law that deals with legal issues related to family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoption, paternity, and domestic violence. The following are just a few reasons why securing the representation of an experienced family law attorney in Maricopa County can be helpful:

• Legal Knowledge. Family attorneys are experienced in the laws and regulations that govern Arizona family-related legal issues. They can provide guidance on how best to navigate the legal system and make informed decisions.
• Zealous Advocacy. Family law matters can be highly contentious and emotionally challenging. A top-rated family lawyer can advocate for your interests in and out of court. They can also help negotiation with the other party (and their legal counsel), tenaciously represent you in court, and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
• Paperwork Preparation. Family law cases often involved substantial amounts of documentation and paperwork, including legal documents and court filings. A family law attorney can help ensure that all necessary documents are properly filed and submitted.
• Mediation Support. Mediation can be a less stressful and costly alternative to going to court. Family law attorneys can handle complex mediation negotiations in seeking to reach an expeditious resolution of disputes.

A dedicated Phoenix family law lawyer can be an invaluable resource for individuals and families dealing with legal issues related to family relationships. If you are facing a difficult family matter, I invite you to call Thomas Law Offices to schedule a consultation to learn how I and my team can help ease your burden.

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally challenging process, and it is vital to be prepared and informed before initiating the divorce process. The following are a few steps to consider if you are contemplating divorce in Arizona:

• Gather Financial Documentation. Asset and debt division are often a point of contention in many Arizona divorces. As such, it is vital to gather financial documents that will be needed for the divorce proceedings, such as tax returns, bank statements, investment account statements, credit card statements, retirement account statements, and any other pertinent documentation related to assets or debts. These documents will be used to determine the value of assets, debts, and income, which are crucial to determining property division and spousal support obligations.
• Consult With An Experienced Phoenix Family Law Lawyer. It is advisable to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can explain your legal rights and obligations under Arizona law. Further, a tenacious divorce attorney can help navigate the legal process and protect your interests.
• Create a Goal–Driven Plan. It is vital to take the time to reflect on priorities and goals for a divorce, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support considerations.
• Look Forward to the Future. Divorce can be difficult, but in many instances, it is a pathway to taking back control over one’s life. As such, it is vital to consider your post-divorce life, carefully considering living arrangements, employment, and financial stability.

These are just a few steps to consider when preparing for a divorce in Arizona. It is important to approach the process with a clear understanding of your goals and priorities, as well as the legal and financial implications of the divorce.

Rarely is an in-person appointment necessary if you reside far from any of our offices.  With modern technology, we can communicate and circulate documents for signature in a rapid manner without the need for personal travel.  Furthermore, many judges in the Maricopa County Superior Court are often willing to approve a request for a virtual  appearance in court if the person resides in a different state or country. Of course, the judge has discretion to approve or deny the request; however, there is a chance that you may never need to travel to Arizona for your case at all. Attorney Ronald Thomas is experienced in handling hearings and trials both in the courtroom and on virtual platforms.

Under Arizona law, custody refers to legal decision-making authority and physical custody of a child, while visitation refers to the non-custodial parent’s time with a child. The following provides a detailed explanation of the difference:

• Legal Decision-Making Authority. Legal decision-making authority refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s health, education, and general welfare. If one parent has sole legal decision-making authority, that parent has the right to make these decisions without input from the other parent. If both parents share legal decision-making authority, they must work together to make these decisions. There is also a third option whereby the parties will share joint legal decision-making authority but one of the parties will have final decision-making status in the event of an impasse.
• Physical Custody. Physical custody, which in Arizona is called “Parenting Time” refers to how much time with the child each parent receives. If both parents share physical custody, a child will spend roughly equal time with each party.
• Parenting Time. Parenting time, also referred to as visitation in other states, refers to the time the non-custodial parent spends with a child. It also applies to third-parties and grandparents who have court-ordered time with the child. Visitation schedules can vary depending on the needs of the child and the parents’ and other parties’ schedules. In some cases, it may be possible for the parents to develop a parenting plan; however, in highly contentious matters, the court will order a specific schedule.

It is critical for parents to understand the difference between these terms, as they will impact the rights and responsibilities of each party. As an experienced family law attorney withalmost three decades of legal experience, I can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and zealously advocate for the best outcome possible.

Where Is Phoenix Family Law Firm Thomas Law Office Located?

Whether you are a mother or father, a husband or wife, young or old, call our office for assistance with your family law case.  Our main office is conveniently located in the North Phoenix area.  We also have offices in the West Valley and East Valley in order to be easily accessible to clients in all Maricopa County areas. We also offer telephonic and video consultations, which many clients have come to prefer, as this is much more convenient than traveling to and from a physical office.

The following are areas where Thomas Law Office clients have resided:  Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Anthem, Surprise, Sun City, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Peoria, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Tolleson, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Maryvale.  In addition, we have represented numerous clients with family law cases in the Maricopa County Superior Court who resided in all parts of the state, various other states around the country, and even other parts of the world.

Schedule A Consultation With An Experienced Phoenix Family Law Attorney Serving Maricopa County and the Surrounding Communities

In addition to being experienced, dedicated, and effective, Thomas Law Office also offers clients affordable representation.  For clients who cannot afford traditional representation, I offer limited scope representation, document preparation services, a la carte consultations for those with targeted questions and who would rather not formally retain an attorney, payment plans, flat fees, and other creative payment arrangements.  We also can refer you to a legal fee financing option if your are facing a heavy court battle and will need to spread your payments out over a long period of time. Call Thomas Law Office today for assistance with your Arizona family law matter.