Family law cases can be emotionally draining and complex. They involve personal matters such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. The legal system in Arizona is designed to help individuals navigate the family law process with clarity and fairness. In this article, we will discuss how to get your family law case heard in Arizona and understand the procedure.

Overview of Family Law Cases in Arizona

Family law cases in Arizona are governed by the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25. These cases can be filed in Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over family law cases. Superior Court is located in each county of Arizona. Three types of family law cases can be heard in Superior Court: dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and annulment.

• Dissolution of Marriage

In Arizona, a Dissolution of Marriage is the legal term for divorce. It is a court proceeding that ends a marriage by terminating the legal relationship between spouses. In a dissolution of marriage, the court will address issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, child custody, child support, and parenting time. To obtain a dissolution of marriage in Arizona, one spouse must file a petition for dissolution of marriage with the Superior Court and serve the other spouse with the petition. If the parties are unable to settle, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge will make decisions on the issues in the case. Once the court issues a final order, the marriage is legally terminated, and both parties can remarry if they choose to do so.

• Legal Separation

In Arizona, married couples have the option to request a legal separation instead of a divorce. To file for legal separation, the filing spouse must have been a resident of Arizona for at least 90 days and file a petition in the county where they reside. The filing spouse must provide a reason or ground for the legal separation, such as an irretrievably broken marriage or a desire to live separately, and the other spouse must not object to the separation. If either spouse objects, the court must allow a divorce.

Couples can negotiate the terms of the separation, or the court can make the decisions regarding custody, child support, and property division. Legal separations are often temporary and serve as a placeholder for reconciliation or divorce. If one spouse plans on remarrying, they can request a divorce by filing a request with the local court.

• Annulment

Annulment is a term often misunderstood due to its portrayal in popular culture and religion. This article specifically focuses on “civil annulments,” which differ from “religious annulments” that have no legal effect on marital status and can only be granted by a church or clergy member.

Annulment and divorce both determine marital status, but the key difference is that divorce ends an existing, valid marriage, while annulment declares that the marriage was never valid to begin with. Legally, an annulled marriage never existed.

There are several grounds for requesting an annulment in Arizona, including bigamy, blood relations, lack of parental consent for minors, mental or physical incapacity, intoxication, lack of intent to marry, absence of official marriage license, use of proxy, fraud, duress, refusal to have intercourse, misrepresentation of religion, concealment of prior marital status, and a secret plan to evade premarital agreement. To obtain an annulment, the plaintiff must file a petition for annulment, the defendant must file a response, and both parties must follow rules for service of process. The case will be heard in Arizona’s superior court, and after hearing testimony, considering written submissions and the law, the court will issue an order. It’s essential to seek the advice of a lawyer before proceeding, as annulment has serious financial and custodial implications.

Procedure for Family Law Cases in Arizona

Once a petition for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or annulment is filed with the Superior Court, the respondent must be served with the petition. The respondent has 30 days to file a response with the court. If the respondent fails to file a response, the petitioner can request a default judgment. A default judgment means that the petitioner’s requests in the petition are granted by default, without the need for a trial.

If the respondent files a response, the case will proceed to a pretrial conference, where the parties can attempt to reach a settlement agreement. If a settlement agreement is reached, the court will review and approve it. If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.

At trial, both parties will present evidence and testimony to support their respective positions. The judge will then decide on the issues in the case, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. After the judge issues a final order, either party can appeal the decision to a higher court.

Our Final Thoughts

In conclusion, family law cases in Arizona can be complex and emotionally charged, but understanding the procedure can make the process smoother. It is important to have a basic understanding of the different types of family law cases and the steps involved in the legal process, from filing a petition to attending hearings and obtaining a final judgment. Additionally, hiring an experienced family law attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the case. With the right resources and knowledge, individuals can navigate the Arizona family law system with confidence and work towards a resolution that best serves their family’s needs.

Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?

Looking for attorneys who can handle your family law case with passion and expertise? Look no further than GillespieShields. Our team of legal experts specializes in various legal fields, but our true passion lies in helping families navigate Arizona Rules and Family Law Procedures. From divorce and custody battles to adoption proceedings, our attorneys are dedicated to giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

At GillespieShields, we understand that every family is unique and so is every case. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have during our private, one-on-one consultation. We’ll guide you through the complex landscape of Arizona’s family laws, discuss your unique situation, and explore possible court outcomes.

We believe in fighting hard for families; our track record speaks for itself. If you’re looking for experienced attorneys who truly care about your family’s future, contact GillespieShields today for your consultation!

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