Experienced Mesa Divorce Lawyer
Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. It affects your finances, your living situation, and most importantly, your time with your children. When you are facing the end of a marriage, you need a legal team that understands both the emotional weight and the legal complexities of the process.
At Sullivan Shick, we provide compassionate and strong representation for clients in Mesa, Arizona. Whether you are dealing with a simple uncontested divorce or a complex battle over assets and custody, our goal is to help you move forward with confidence. We guide you through the dissolution of marriage process to protect your rights and your future.
How Child Support is Calculated in Arizona
Many parents wonder how the court decides on a dollar amount. In our state, we follow the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. This system uses a formula known as the Income Shares Model. The idea is that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents lived together.
While there is a calculator available, the inputs matter. If you put the wrong numbers in, you will get the wrong number out. Key factors include:
- Gross Income: This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and sometimes even overtime.
- Parenting Time Adjustment: The number of days the child spends with each parent significantly impacts the final amount.
- Health Insurance Costs: Who pays the premium for the child’s medical, dental, and vision coverage?
- Childcare Expenses: Costs for daycare or after-school care required for a parent to work.
Why Choose a Mesa Divorce Lawyer
Family law varies greatly from state to state, and even court procedures can differ between counties. Hiring a local attorney who specializes in Arizona family law is crucial for the success of your case.
Local Expertise in Arizona Family Law
- Arizona laws regarding property, support, and children are specific. A general lawyer might miss nuances that a dedicated family law attorney handles every day. We are familiar with the Maricopa County Family Court system and the local judges. We understand how local procedures work, from filing the initial petition to finalizing the decree. This local insight helps us build a strategy tailored to the specific tendencies of the Mesa courts.
Types of Divorce in Arizona
Not all divorces look the same. Understanding the type of case you have is the first step in planning your legal strategy.
No-Fault vs Fault-Based Divorce
Uncontested Divorce Process
Child Custody and Support
For parents, the well-being of their children is the top priority. Arizona law has moved away from the traditional term “custody” and now uses specific terms that better reflect the responsibilities of parenting.
Legal Decision-Making Authority
Parenting Time Schedules
Property Division and Spousal Support
Separating your financial life from your spouse’s is a major part of the divorce process. Arizona has strict rules on how this is handled.
Community vs Separate Property
Arizona is a community property state. This generally means that any assets or debts acquired during the marriage belong to both spouses equally. This is known as community property division. The goal of the court is an equitable distribution, which usually means a 50/50 split of things like houses, bank accounts, and retirement funds. “Separate property”—things you owned before the marriage or received as a gift/inheritance—usually stays with the original owner, provided it wasn’t mixed with community funds.
We also assist with determining eligibility for spousal maintenance (formerly called alimony). This is not automatic in Arizona. Factors include the length of the marriage, the age of the spouses, and whether one spouse lacks the resources to support themselves.
Sullivan Shick
Divorce Timeline and Costs
Clients often ask, “How long will this take?” and “How much will it cost?” The answer depends heavily on how much you and your spouse can agree on.
What to Expect Step-by-Step
The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Once the other spouse is served, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period in Arizona before a divorce can be finalized. This is a “cooling off” period.
During this time, we may need to request temporary orders for child support or bill payments while the case is pending. If the case is uncontested, it can be finished shortly after the 60 days. If it is contested, it involves discovery (sharing financial info), mediation, and potentially a trial, which can take several months to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost varies significantly based on the complexity of your case. An uncontested divorce with a flat fee is the most affordable option. Contested divorces require a retainer and hourly billing. Costs increase if the case goes to trial or involves complex assets.
The process starts by filing a petition with the court and serving it to your spouse. Arizona requires a 60-day waiting period. During this time, you negotiate terms regarding property and children. If you agree, you sign a Consent Decree. If not, the case proceeds to trial.
Courts determine legal decision-making and parenting time based on the "best interests of the child." Factors include the relationship between parent and child, the mental and physical health of all parties, and the child's adjustment to home and school.
Yes, an uncontested divorce is the quickest route. However, you must still wait out the mandatory 60-day cooling-off period required by Arizona law before the judge can sign your decree.
To file for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must have lived in the state (been a domiciled resident) for at least 90 days before filing the petition.
Arizona is a community property state. This means all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided 50/50 between spouses, regardless of who earned the money.
Spousal maintenance is not guaranteed. To qualify, you generally must demonstrate that you lack sufficient property to provide for your reasonable needs, or you are unable to be self-sufficient through employment.
In high-conflict cases, the court may appoint experts to evaluate the family or a parenting coordinator to help resolve disputes. We advocate fiercely for your rights and safety in these situations.
The absolute minimum is 60 days. An average uncontested divorce takes 3 to 4 months. A contested divorce with complex issues can take 9 months to over a year.
Legal separation handles property division and child custody just like a divorce, but the marriage remains legally intact. This is often chosen for religious reasons or to maintain health insurance benefits.
Get Help From a Trusted Mesa Family Law Attorney
You do not have to navigate the Arizona legal system alone. Whether you need help negotiating a fair settlement or require aggressive representation in court, Sullivan Shick is here for you. We understand the stakes are high, and we are committed to helping you transition to the next chapter of your life with security and peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation regarding your divorce case.
CONTACT US
(480) 284-2644
(623) 915-0944