Business Details
43 Years
experience
Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Phoenix
As family lawyers, we understand that going through separation or divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. Our firm supports clients with legal expertise, compassion, and concern, ensuring they feel informed and well-represented throughout the process. We focus exclusively on family law, prioritizing dignity and respect for every client. Our team includes Family Law Specialists certified by the Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, and we maintain the highest ethical standards, reflected in our AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. With over 50 years of combined experience, we provide tailored solutions for complex family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and support.Our mission is to advocate for clients while fostering amicable resolutions and guiding them toward new beginnings. We train our staff to be attentive listeners and leverage all available resources to assist clients effectively. Our reputation for excellence is built on decades of dedicated service and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. Clients consistently praise our balance of professionalism and care, as evidenced by testimonials highlighting our sensitivity and expertise. We treat every case with the individualized attention it deserves, ensuring clients feel supported during challenging times.
Services
Dissolution of Marriage
Child Custody
Child Support
Legal Separation
Paternity
Post-nuptial Agreements
Orders of Protection
Family Law Appeals
Pre-nuptial Agreements
Relocation Cases
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in Arizona family law.
- Our attorneys are certified Family Law Specialists by the Arizona State Bar.
- AV Preeminent-rated for ethical standards and legal ability.
- We provide personalized, compassionate representation for complex cases.
- Proven track record in high-stakes divorce and custody matters.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Excellent and quality service
Sensitivity and expertise
Professionalism and care
Highly knowledgeable
Invested in my case
Services
Dissolution of Marriage
Arizona dissolution of marriage proceedings require navigating complex legal processes. Our certified specialists handle asset division, spousal maintenance, and child-related issues. We guide clients through mandatory waiting periods and mediation requirements while protecting their interests. With decades of experience, we ensure compliance with Arizona's community property laws and advocate for equitable resolutions.
Child Custody
We help clients establish parenting plans that prioritize children's best interests while protecting parental rights. Our attorneys address legal decision-making authority, parenting time schedules, and dispute resolution strategies. With knowledge of Arizona's custody laws, we advocate for arrangements that balance parental involvement with children's developmental needs.
Child Support
Our firm handles child support cases using Arizona's Income Shares Model. We calculate obligations based on income, healthcare costs, and parenting time. We address retroactive support claims and modification requests while ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines. Our attorneys advocate for fair financial arrangements that meet children's needs.
Paternity
We assist clients in establishing legal parentage through voluntary acknowledgments or court proceedings. Our services include handling DNA testing requirements, creating parenting plans, and establishing support obligations. We protect parental rights while ensuring compliance with Arizona's paternity laws and child welfare standards.
Legal Separation
Our attorneys guide clients through legal separation proceedings that address asset division, support, and parenting arrangements without terminating marriage. We handle cases involving health insurance considerations, religious factors, and conversion to divorce proceedings. We ensure comprehensive separation agreements that protect clients' interests.
People
Stephen R. Smith
Partner
Family law specialist with decades of experience in complex divorce and custody cases. Certified by Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Known for strategic advocacy and ethical representation.
Jennifer G. Gadow
Partner
Certified family law specialist handling high-stakes divorce and child support cases. Recognized for compassionate client service and successful trial advocacy in Arizona courts.
Kathleen Stillman
Partner
Experienced attorney specializing in child custody and relocation cases. Certified legal specialist with a focus on protecting parental rights and children's best interests.
Marilyn Gutierrez
Associate
Skilled family law attorney assisting with divorce, custody, and support cases. Provides dedicated client support while working on complex legal documentation and court proceedings.
Kristy Atanasov
Associate
Compassionate legal professional handling family law matters with attention to client needs. Assists in case preparation and legal research for divorce and custody proceedings.
Questions
What is the difference between divorce and legal separation in Arizona?
Legal separation maintains marital status while dividing assets and establishing support. Divorce terminates the marriage. Both address custody, support, and property division.
How are child custody decisions made in Arizona?
Courts prioritize children's best interests, considering parental relationships, stability, and children's preferences if mature enough to express them.
What factors determine child support amounts?
Arizona uses income shares calculations considering both parents' earnings, parenting time, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses to determine support obligations.
Can paternity be established after a child's birth?
Yes, through voluntary acknowledgment or court-ordered DNA testing. Legal paternity establishes parental rights and responsibilities for custody and support.
What are the requirements for filing divorce in Arizona?
At least one spouse must reside in Arizona for 90 days. The petition requires disclosure of assets, debts, and parenting plans when children are involved.
How does the firm handle complex family law cases?
Our certified specialists use strategic approaches for high-asset divorces, custody disputes, and interstate matters while maintaining ethical standards and client focus.
