Let Us Handle the Legal Work
You have a job. You have kids to think about. If you are in a divorce or custody dispute, our experience can take the worry out of the the legal issues. From the moment you start the process, to the time the court order is entered, we can file the paperwork, represent you in court, and give you legal guidance every step of the way. We are divorce lawyers in Mesa and Gilbert. Let us be part of your team.
Mesa Divorce, Custody and Family Law Firm in Mesa for 15 Years
At Hawkins and Hawkins, our lawyers serve clients with family law, divorce, legal separation, custody, legal decision-making, child support, relocation, and domestic violence matters in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona. We provide legal advice, divorce mediation, and divorce representation.
An attorney since 1990, Susan Hamblin Hawkins is highly experienced. At her firm, she specializes in divorce, custody, and family law.
Top Issues in Divorce, Custody, and Family Law
DIVORCE OR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, meaning any married person can file for a petition for dissolution of marriage if they have resided in Arizona for ninety days or more. No reasons for the divorce need be alleged or stated. Maricopa County Superior Court has a very helpful set of FORMS on-line. Better yet, forms can be e-filed through the clerk of the court. The process starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The other spouse must be served with the paperwork, and has twenty days to respond. There is a statutory waiting period of sixty (60) days before a consent decree can be filed. If the matter goes to trial, it may take six months or more. If the parties have no children under eighteen (18) years of age, the primary issues are spousal maintenance and division of property. Additional information
LEGAL DECISION-MAKING AND CUSTODY
Legal Decision-Making and Custody Issues apply in both Divorce cases and Paternity Cases. In Arizona, the court shall order the parties to have joint legal decision-making, consistent with the child’s best interests, unless one of the statutory exceptions applies. These exceptions include the normal factors plus domestic violence and drug or substance abuse. A parent who has committed significant domestic violence or who is abusing drugs or alcohol may lose the opportunity for joint legal-decision-making. Legal decision-making includes decisions about where the children will attend school; which doctors or medical providers to use; and religion. Arizona changed its statutory language to refer to these decisions, instead of using the term custody, which is often confused because it may refer to decision-making or to parenting time. Additional information
For more information visit ESTABLISHMENT OR MODIFICATION OF CUSTODY.
PARENTING TIME OR VISITATION
Parenting Time or Visitation applies both to Arizona Divorce Cases and to Paternity Cases.
The court cannot prefer a parent for a parenting plan because of the parent’s or child’s gender. A.R.S. 25-403.02
For a detailed discussion, including the factors the court is to consider for Parenting Time, as well legal decision-making, pursuant to A.R.S. 25-403, go to the page: Parenting Time
CHILD SUPPORT
Child support applies in both Divorce Cases and Paternity Cases. Child support is based on the Arizona Child Support Guidelines. A.R.S. 25-320. You may be able to use the calculator on your own. If you need assistance, contact an attorney. We may be able to answer your question on the phone, or you can set an appointment at our office and pay for the time you need on an hourly basis. The courts and court clerks cannot provide legal advice.
Arizona Courts provide a CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATOR
SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE OR ALIMONY
Spousal maintenance, sometimes referred to as alimony, can be ordered in an Arizona Divorce if a party shows he or she:
- Lacks sufficient property to provide for reasonable needs
- Is unable to obtain adequate employment to be self-sufficient, or is caring for a small child
- Contributed to the educational opportunities of the other spouse
- Marriage was of long duration and age may preclude adequate employment. A.R.S. 25-319
Domestic Violence
For information about domestic violence in Arizona Divorce, Custody, and Paternity matters go to: Domestic Violence
Temporary Orders
The prompt filing of temporary orders in Divorce or Paternity matters can establish exclusive use of the marital residence, spousal maintenance, division of bank accounts or other liquid assets, child custody, parenting time, child support, and orders of protection.
Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses often determine the outcome of a case. Judges rely on experts. We have used the following types of of experts: business valuations, forensic accounting, child custody evaluations, occupation and earning ability evaluations, psychosexual evaluations and mental health evaluations.Behavioral Health Provider Court Roster
Appellate Cases
We are experienced with appeals to the Arizona Court of Appeals. We also handle special actions and matters in the Arizona Supreme Court. Published cases include:
- State v. Alawy, 198 Ariz. 363, 9P3d 1102 (Ct. App. 2000)
- State v. Perez, 216 Ariz. 525 (Ct. App. 2007)
If you are in need of a family law, divorce or custody attorney in Mesa, contact the Arizona law firm of Hawkins & Hawkins.
Click for more information on:
Filing or Modifying Custody in Mesa
Areas of Practice
- Divorce Law
- Custody Law
- Family Law
- Domestic Violence Law
- Legal Separation
Hawkins & Hawkins, PLLC
1947 N. Lindsay Road, Suite 205
Mesa, AZ 85213
Telephone: (480) 800-0782
Our attorneys are licensed in Arizona only. The information in this web site applies to Arizona only. This web site does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, contact an attorney.