(480) 325-9950

MESA FAMILY LAWYER OFFICE:

Hawkins & Hawkins

1930 N. Arboleda, Suite 216

Mesa, Arizona 85213

 

LET US HANDLE THE LEGAL ISSUES

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 ATTORNEYS–24 years trial experience

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 and help, divorce mediation, and divorce representation. Mark W. Hawkins is a family law attorney available to speak to civic or religious organizations on family law topics. Mr. Hawkins speaks Spanish and has appeared on TV Channel 33; he has also participated in Lawyers on Call on Channel 12.

We have been attorneys since 1991. Mark Hawkins has 24 years of trial experience in Arizona courts.  Susan Hawkins has many years of experience as an attorney, and is a former prosecutor. From 1996 to 2005, she took time out from her legal career to stay at home with her children.

TOP ISSUES IN DIVORCE, CUSTODY, AND FAMILY LAW

DIVORCE OR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

Divorce Steps

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:

1. Lacks sufficient property to provide for reasonable needs
2. Is unable to obtain adequate employment to be self-sufficient, or is caring for a small child
3. Contributed to the educational opportunities of the other spouse
4. 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:

HOW TO FILE A DIVORCE IN MESA (http://www.mesadivorceandcustody.com/)

HOW TO FILE OR MODIFY CUSTODY IN MESA (http://www.mesacustody.com/)

Areas of Practice

• Divorce Law
• Custody Law
• Family Law
• Domestic Violence Law
• Legal Separation

Hawkins & Hawkins, PLLC

1930 N. Arboleda, Suite 216

Mesa, AZ 85213

Telephone: (480) 325-9950

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.