Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Law Attorneys in Chandler, Arizona
At Shaffer Family Law, we are solely dedicated to family law, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division. With over two decades of experience, our attorneys are committed to protecting what matters most for our clients in Arizona. We understand the emotional and financial impact of family law matters and approach each case with empathy and professionalism. Our practice is built on listening to clients' needs, providing clear legal guidance, and advocating aggressively when necessary.We prioritize negotiated settlements but are prepared to litigate when required to protect our clients' rights. Our team has successfully resolved hundreds of family law cases, offering tailored solutions for complex situations, including high-asset divorces, military families, and domestic violence issues. We serve clients across Maricopa County and surrounding areas, including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Phoenix.
Services
Divorce & Separation
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Property Division
Post-Judgment Modification
Military Divorce
Prenuptial Agreements
Domestic Violence Cases
Child Support
Legal Separation
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of specialized experience in Arizona family law.
- Our team provides personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's unique situation.
- We combine compassionate guidance with aggressive courtroom representation when needed.
- Our firm exclusively practices family law, ensuring deep expertise and focus.
- We have successfully resolved hundreds of complex family law cases across Maricopa County.
What people say
Exceptional professionalism
Highly respected in court
Thorough and organized
Aggressive representation
Excellent communication
Services
Divorce & Separation
Shaffer Family Law handles all aspects of Arizona divorce and legal separation, including contested and uncontested cases. We guide clients through property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support negotiations while prioritizing their emotional well-being. Our attorneys leverage deep knowledge of Arizona's community property laws and custody guidelines to achieve fair outcomes. With over 20 years of experience, we provide strategic representation tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Child Custody
We advocate for clients in Arizona child custody matters, focusing on creating parenting plans that serve children's best interests. Our attorneys explain legal decision-making authority and physical custody options while addressing complex issues like relocation and domestic violence. With extensive courtroom experience, we help clients establish or modify custody arrangements that balance parental rights with children's welfare in Maricopa County and surrounding areas.
Property Division
Our firm specializes in complex property division cases under Arizona's community property laws. We handle high-asset divorces involving real estate, business valuations, retirement accounts, and hidden assets. With forensic accounting resources and valuation experts, we ensure equitable distribution of marital property while protecting clients' separate assets acquired before marriage or through inheritance.
Spousal Support
Shaffer Family Law provides strategic representation for spousal maintenance determinations and modifications. We help clients establish, negotiate, or challenge support arrangements based on Arizona's statutory factors, including marriage duration and financial disparities. Our attorneys also handle enforcement actions and modifications due to changed circumstances like job loss or remarriage across Arizona counties.
Post-Judgment Modification
We assist clients seeking to modify existing family law orders for child custody, support, or parenting time. Our attorneys demonstrate significant life changes required by Arizona courts while addressing enforcement challenges. With experience in both negotiation and litigation, we help clients adapt court orders to new realities while maintaining compliance with evolving family law precedents.
People
Kelly Shaffer
Founder & Lead Attorney
Kelly Shaffer has practiced Arizona family law exclusively for over 20 years, graduating from University of Arizona Law School in 1997. She focuses on divorce, child custody, and property division cases, combining courtroom experience with mediation skills. Admitted in Arizona, California, and federal courts, she limits her caseload to ensure personalized attention for each client.
Kelli Satterly
Attorney
Kelli Satterly provides compassionate legal representation in divorce and child custody matters, as evidenced by client testimonials praising her courtroom advocacy and supportive approach. With experience in complex family law cases, she helps clients navigate emotional challenges while protecting their parental rights and financial interests.
Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
Arizona requires a minimum six-month waiting period from service date. Contested cases may take 12-18 months, while uncontested divorces can finalize faster with proper documentation.
How does Arizona determine child custody?
Arizona courts prioritize children's best interests, considering factors like parental stability, child preference (if mature), and domestic violence history. Parents can create agreements or let courts decide custody arrangements.
Can spousal support be modified in Arizona?
Yes, spousal support can be modified with significant changes like job loss, remarriage, or cohabitation. Courts require demonstrating altered circumstances affecting original support determinations.
What defines community property in Arizona?
Arizona considers assets acquired during marriage as community property subject to equal division. Separate property includes pre-marriage assets, inheritances, and gifts received individually by one spouse.
Can I move out of state with my children after divorce?
Arizona allows relocation with proper notice, but requires demonstrating it serves children's best interests. Courts consider existing custody arrangements and potential impact on parent-child relationships.
How are property disputes resolved in Arizona divorces?
Shaffer Family Law attorneys negotiate property settlements using forensic accountants and valuation experts when needed. Courts divide community property equally when parties cannot reach mutual agreements.
