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FAMILY LAW

Family Lawyers in Mesa and Phoenix

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Family Law Overview

Family law matters, including divorce, child support, child custody, spousal maintenance, adoption, and domestic violence are among the most personal issues that can be brought before an Arizona court. As such, they must be taken seriously and addressed professionally. Whether there is tension among the family that complicates the legal proceedings, or you are without the resources or means to advocate for your own best interests, it is critical that these sensitive matters are handled by a skilled family law attorney. Fortunately, Gillespie, Shields & Taylor’s family law attorneys can help you navigate your legal proceedings and address any complications.

While our firm handles many different legal practice areas, family law is our greatest passion. Our family law attorneys are dedicated to giving families the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their case is in skilled hands – your best interests are at the forefront of everything we do. With more than three decades of experience and extensive knowledge of the Arizona family law system, rest assured we will work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

 

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AZ Divorce Guide

Family Law Practice Areas

The right legal representation can tremendously improve your chances of a positive outcome in your family law case. From simple divorce and child custody to urgent matters that impact your family’s safety, we can assist you with these case types:

Divorce

Although divorce is quite common, it is essential to secure representation by a skilled divorce lawyer to help you navigate this difficult process. Divorce proceedings tend to be emotional, making it almost impossible to focus on correctly handling each aspect of your impending case. Without representation, you risk losing certain assets or rights to which you are entitled. Whether you need to address property division, child support and visitation, spousal support, or any other issue that falls under divorce, contact Gillespie, Shields & Taylor.

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Child Custody

When two parents do not reside together, the court must approve a child custody arrangement. Some parents can work together to create an agreement that is suitable for both sides, but this is not always the case. If parents cannot arrive at an arrangement to present to the court for approval, a family court judge will consider the child’s best interests and make a final ruling after hearing arguments from both sides. There are multiple child custody laws to consider, as well as a range of options for determining parenting time and decision-making rights. Our family law attorneys can ensure you understand your legal options and pursue an arrangement that meets the needs of your family.

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Child Support

When you and your child’s other parent do not reside together, the court must consider how each parent will financially support the child. These arrangements are determined based on your child’s best interests and according to Arizona law that states that each parent must provide financial support. Calculating how much each parent will pay for child support depends on a variety of factors outlined by the state. Family lawyers can ensure a fair child support determination and file a petition for enforcement of a child support order.

 

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Spousal Support

In certain divorce scenarios, one party may be legally mandated to provide financial assistance to their former spouse. This is referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance in Arizona. The decision to award this type of support hinges on several factors. These include the financial situation of each spouse, their individual earning capacities, the duration of the marriage, the lifestyle maintained during the marriage, and whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to care for children at home, among other considerations.

A lawyer specializing in spousal support can guide you on your rights and ensure the court receives an accurate portrayal of both your and your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s financial situations. Gillespie, Shields & Taylor is dedicated to simplifying this process and safeguarding your financial future. It’s important to note that while ‘alimony’ is a term commonly used across the US, in Arizona, the legal terminology is ‘spousal maintenance’ or ‘spousal support’.

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Legal Separation

Legal separation allows a couple to stay married while legally establishing that they are living apart. Many couples use legal separation as a trial period before deciding to divorce, while others pursue legal separation to practically end a marriage while retaining insurance or other benefits. If you don’t have a qualified family lawyer to help you understand the benefits of divorce versus legal separation, you could make a poor decision that affects your future. Let Gillespie, Shields & Taylor review your case and help you pursue the best decision for your needs.

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Adoption

Whether you’re pursuing adoption as a couple, a step-parent, a grandparent, or another loved one seeking legal guardianship of a child, the process is known for being incredibly complex. You must be able to prove you will be a fit parent capable of meeting the child’s needs, and the court will make its decision while considering the best interests of the child. Gillespie, Shields & Taylor’s family law attorneys have established a formidable reputation as seasoned Arizona adoption attorneys. Let our team advocate for you and ensure you and the child in question achieve a favorable outcome.

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Women’s Divorce

Gillespie, Shields & Taylor have worked with many women who were considering divorce, representing a wide range of ages and financial circumstances. Whether you have spent most of your life caring for children and are nervously anticipating the possible ramifications of divorcing your partner or you are a breadwinner and need to protect your assets, a skilled family law attorney is key. We are well aware that women have unique concerns when it comes to property division, spousal support, custody matters, and more; we can help you find a route to a favorable divorce settlement.

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Domestic Violence

Divorce can be trying under the most everyday circumstances, but when there is a history of neglect or abuse, it becomes essential to pursue divorce in a swift, safe manner. Fortunately, Arizona law prioritizes the safety of you and your children, and there are legal protections available to you with the help of a discreet divorce attorney. Securing an Order of Protection is one of the first steps you should take, even before filing for divorce.  If you are considering a divorce due to domestic violence, we encourage you to reach out immediately.

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Severance of Parental Rights

There are instances in which it is in a child’s best interest to legally sever the connection between the child and a biological parent. Should someone wish to seek custody of a child, such as a new spouse or a grandparent, they must navigate the severance of parental rights process. This is known for being a time-consuming and emotionally difficult process for both sides, with a strict evidentiary requirement necessary to sever parental rights. It is extremely important to present all valid evidence in the petition, and a skilled family law attorney can help you prepare a complete, effective petition.

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Child Visitation

Arizona’s family court system recognizes the importance of both parents having parenting time with their children whenever feasible. As a result when one parent is granted custody, the other parent will likely receive parenting time in the form of visitation. Working with a dedicated family law attorney can help you advocate for your rights as a parent, whether it involves demonstrating that you are fit to parent and deserve visitation or arriving at a parenting agreement that is in the child’s best interests. There are also provisions in place to protect grandparent rights under certain circumstances, and a family law attorney can help you pursue access to your grandchildren.

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Divorce Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Some divorce matters simply cannot be resolved without the help of a mediator or the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). While neither solution is mandatory in Arizona, you should consider consulting with a professional mediator if you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse cannot agree and your divorce has reached a standstill. Not only do these options enable you to finalize the various terms of your divorce with the help of a skilled mediator, but they can also help you settle your case without additional court hearings.

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Restraining Order

A Restraining Order, or Order of Protection, gives you access to protection from dangerous individuals attempting to contact you in person, online, or via phone. Filing a restraining order is more complicated than you might expect, as you must be able to prove that the person in question has committed acts of physical or sexual violence, is threatening violence, verbally intimidating you, interfering with custody orders, or a number of other dangerous behaviors. Domestic violence is the main impetus for restraining orders, but this isn’t the only reason you may need to secure one. Our knowledgeable family law attorneys can evaluate your situation and determine whether you qualify to request a restraining order.

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Department of Child Safety

If you receive communication from the Department of Child Safety (DCS) explaining that they intend to substantiate a claim of abuse or neglect and place it into the Central Registry, it is crucial to act quickly. Inclusion on the Central Registry for child abuse or neglect can negatively impact your future. Some people who receive these letters are truly innocent but are included on the registry because they couldn’t effectively defend themselves. To avoid this unfortunate circumstance, secure a trustworthy attorney to evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and attend the hearings with you.

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Modifications

Divorce agreements and child support determinations are made final via a court order. However, if your circumstances have changed, you may request that the court revisit its previous order. When this occurs, modifications may be made to the divorce decree or child support order. You must clearly present your case and describe how your new circumstances require the amendment of your original court order. This is challenging to do on your own, and if you can’t justify why you need a modification, the court may not consider  your case. A skilled family law attorney can analyze your situation and construct an effective petition for modification.

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Temporary Orders

Temporary orders, as the name suggests, are orders regarding family law issues that only last until court proceedings are complete. The final, permanent court order is issued at the end of the proceedings. Temporary orders can be issued regarding child support, divorce, attorney’s fees, and more. These orders usually set the tone for the rest of the legal process, so temporary orders may carry over to the permanent order, even after the proceedings have occurred. We can help you ensure any temporary orders are fair and manageable.

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Relocations

Many parents wish to relocate to a different state for opportunities like living closer to family or a better career. However, if you have children and share custody, relocation is not a simple choice to make. The other parent must be notified, and they have the right to disagree with the move. Whether you want to relocate or prevent your child’s other parent from relocating with your child, you’ll need to consult with an experienced family law team to fully understand your rights.

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Father’s Rights

Many fathers assume that the court will automatically side with the mother on several legal issues. However, fathers have just as many rights as mothers, and Arizona laws ensure that neither gender is shown preference over the other. The family court recognizes that children can benefit from spending time with both parents, and you are entitled to fair consideration for both parenting time and decision-making rights. Whether you are pursuing custody after a divorce or you were never married to the mother of your child, let Gillespie, Shields & Taylor help you establish your father’s rights.

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Military Divorce

Divorce laws are complicated for any couple, but military couples have many additional complexities to consider. Military divorces have their own set of guidelines to follow when it comes to the division of assets and benefits, state of residence, divorce during deployment, and more. Both spouses should secure legal representation with experience regarding military divorce, like the attorneys at Gillespie, Shields & Taylor.

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Our Family Law Attorneys

With nearly 20 different areas of family law covered by our firm, we have the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to advocate for you and your loved ones. We know how stressful family legal issues can be to navigate, especially if you have no prior legal experience. Our  dedicated family lawyers can support you as you address your family law concerns:

DeeAn Gillespie Strub

As the preeminent founder of our law firm, DeeAn has the expertise to support Arizona families through a variety of challenging legal situations.

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Mark Shields

Over nearly 30 years, Mark has developed a unique insight into the intricacies of family law. His approachability and honesty make him a key leader of our family law firm.

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Jeffrey McCombs

Jeffrey strives for a streamlined, practical approach to family law. His skills enable him to foster cooperation between individuals involved in family law disputes.

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Robert Newell

Robert has helped hundreds of families resolve their family law disputes, drawing from his extensive experience as a litigator to approach family law from a unique perspective.

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Family law proceedings in Arizona can be complex and stressful, but achieving a favorable ruling is extremely rewarding.

The family law attorneys at Gillespie, Shields & Taylor encourage you to seek legal help to avoid putting yourself or your future at risk.

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Insightful Family Law Articles

It is said that ‘knowledge is power.” Our attorneys draw upon their knowledge of the law and their case experience to empower others with timely, practical and relevant posts and articles.

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