Articles, News & Resources on Arizona Law

Do I Need a Will if I Have a Trust?” Trust holders Should Not Ignore the Role of Wills in Estate Planning

November 15, 2023

One very common question people wonder when creating a trust is, "Do I need a will if I have a trust?" The simple answer is, “Yes.”

Unlock Hassle-Free Inheritance: Stay out of Probate Court with this Quick Estate Planning Guide

October 27, 2023

Among the worst issues are that probate court can delay transferring your assets to your heirs, can cause privacy issue because probate cases are a matter of public record, can be costly if your estate has to hire a lawyer, and can open your estate up to conflict from a probate challenge.

Unlocking a Secure Future for Your Young Kids: Create the Ultimate Estate Plan

October 20, 2023

Estate planning is not about you, or even about you and your spouse. Estate planning is about making difficult decisions, so your loved ones don’t have to make them for you when you are gone.

Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements

April 15, 2023

A prenuptial agreement or post-nuptial agreement is a contract between both parties and in the event the marriage crumbles and you end up in a divorce or one of you dies, it determines the outcome.

What is the downside of filing for bankruptcy?

December 28, 2022

The one downside to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is that you may lose assets to pay off your creditors.

Is it worse to file bankruptcy or just not pay?

December 14, 2022

Ignoring debt will have lasting negative impacts that may force you into bankruptcy anyway.

Judge Pro Tempore

November 18, 2022

This article is designed to explain the role of a Judge Pro Tempore “JPT” and to identify how it differs from a permanent judge. It is an important distinction for accuracy and understanding of private practice and governmental service.

The New Summary Consent Decree

November 3, 2022

A Summary Consent Decree is a newer process that allows parties that are in full agreement on all of the terms to be able to divorce in an easier process...

Contested vs. Uncontested Court Case

October 27, 2022

A contested legal matter means you and the opposing party in your case do not agree on everything. On the other hand, if the parties agree, then it would be an uncontested matter

Credit counseling, debt settlement, or debt relief programs better for my credit than Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

September 15, 2022

Debt settlement can take years, and your credit usually does not improve much during that time.

What is the Chapter 7 bankruptcy Means Test?

September 7, 2022

The Means Test is an eligibility criterion for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you do not pass the Means Test, you do not qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Is Chapter 7 bankruptcy better for my bank account than credit counseling, debt settlement, or debt relief programs?

September 2, 2022

Let’s examine how debt settlement programs have generally worked for these credit or debt programs.

Woman taking a break from riding her bike

If I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, can I keep my house and car?

September 2, 2022

In the past, you didn’t need to be overly concerned about losing everything. But whether you can keep your house and vehicle has become more complicated in 2022.

Second Parent Adoptions

June 1, 2022

There are times when a second parent must adopt to obtain legal rights of their own child.

The Better Divorce Part 2

May 10, 2022

Do you want a Better Divorce? Part 1 covered what a Better Divorce is and Part 2 explains what the process looks like and possible issues.

The Better Divorce

April 26, 2022

A better divorce exists. Divorces are often emotion-filled and endless drains of time and money.

Adoption Costs and Factors

April 12, 2022

A question that is often asked is about the cost of adoption. Adoptions range from no expenses to $100,000s. Seems extreme, right?

How does ICWA affect a DCS (or CPS) case?

March 24, 2022

ICWA has a number of protections, but they can be summed up with two words: participation and difficulty.

Department of Child Safety Central Registry

March 9, 2022

The Central Registry is a state-wide database listing who has substantiated reports of abuse or neglect to a child or vulnerable adult. This does not include mere investigations or unsubstantiated allegations.

How can I do my best to adopt my ICWA foster care placement?

February 18, 2022

In our firm’s experience, Arizona DCS has allowed increased Indian tribal participation in child welfare cases (dependency, severance, termination, adoption). Our firm has observed, in several cases, that Arizona seems to allow even greater tribal participation than federal law would require.

How does ICWA benefit me or my child?

February 11, 2022

ICWA is designed to benefit an Indian child by protecting the child’s cultural and familial bonds to the child’s Indian tribe. In the culture of many Indian tribes, the tribe is the child’s family.

How does ICWA affect the placement of an Indian child?

January 29, 2022

ICWA affords opportunities for an Indian child’s family and tribe to participate in any DCS case involving an “Indian child.”

What to Do and Not Do in a Court Case

December 15, 2021

Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do in court and the common sense that is often discarded when it comes to going to court.

Agreements for Communication – Open Adoption

December 2, 2021

In most adoptions, the prospective adoptive parent has the option to keep the adoption open. An open adoption allows communication after the adoption.

Adoption Subsidy Program in Arizona

November 5, 2021

The Adoption Subsidy Program is available to children with special needs.

Probate in Arizona

October 19, 2021

Most probate cases in Arizona are informal and can be filed and monitored by court personnel with no need to appear in court for any hearings.

Adoption Hearings – How long do I have to wait?

October 4, 2021

The adoption process is faster than most court cases...

Certified to Adopt or Not?

September 6, 2021

Foster parents do not require formal certification to adopt a foster child, as their licensing meets this requirement.

Legal Separation in the State of Arizona

August 25, 2021

Legal Separation will divide all of the assets and debts, and award legal decision-making (custody), parenting time, child support and/or spousal maintenance.

Informal and Formal Probates in the State of Arizona

August 18, 2021

Most probate cases in Arizona are informal and can be filed and monitored by court personnel with no need to appear in court for any hearings.

Organization of Corporations and LLCs

August 11, 2021

There are various types of entities depending on whether you have other members or partners in your company. You will either incorporate for a corporation or organize for an LLC.

Estate Planning in the State of Arizona

August 4, 2021

Estate planning can provide individuals and married couples, the ability to decide how to distribute their assets after death so that it is not left to their family or if no family, the State to decide the fate of your assets.

Divorce in the State of Arizona

August 4, 2021

Divorce is the legal process of dissolving your marriage. It is also typically referred to as a dissolution of marriage action.

Establishing Paternity in the State of Arizona

July 28, 2021

Paternity is the legal process of establishing the paternity of a child. A paternity action cannot be filed until after the child is born and can be initiated by either the parent of the child.

Stepparent Adoption in the State of Arizona

July 13, 2021

In Arizona a stepparent can adopt their spouse’s child. This can provide permanency to a child who does not have a relationship with their other biological parent and many times has never had a relationship with the other parent.

Do I Need a Will if I Have a Trust?” Trust holders Should Not Ignore the Role of Wills in Estate Planning

November 15, 2023

One very common question people wonder when creating a trust is, "Do I need a will if I have a trust?" The simple answer is, “Yes.”

Unlock Hassle-Free Inheritance: Stay out of Probate Court with this Quick Estate Planning Guide

October 27, 2023

Unlocking a Secure Future for Your Young Kids: Create the Ultimate Estate Plan

October 20, 2023

Estate planning is not about you, or even about you and your spouse. Estate planning is about making difficult decisions, so your loved ones don’t have to make them for you when you are gone.

Pre-nuptial and Post-nuptial Agreements

April 15, 2023

A prenuptial agreement or post-nuptial agreement is a contract between both parties and in the event the marriage crumbles and you end up in a divorce or one of you dies, it determines the outcome.

What is the downside of filing for bankruptcy?

December 28, 2022

The one downside to filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is that you may lose assets to pay off your creditors.

Is it worse to file bankruptcy or just not pay?

December 14, 2022

Ignoring debt will have lasting negative impacts that may force you into bankruptcy anyway.

Judge Pro Tempore

November 18, 2022

The New Summary Consent Decree

November 3, 2022

A Summary Consent Decree is a newer process that allows parties that are in full agreement on all of the terms to be able to divorce in an easier process...

Contested vs. Uncontested Court Case

October 27, 2022

A contested legal matter means you and the opposing party in your case do not agree on everything. On the other hand, if the parties agree, then it would be an uncontested matter

Credit counseling, debt settlement, or debt relief programs better for my credit than Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

September 15, 2022

Debt settlement can take years, and your credit usually does not improve much during that time.

What is the Chapter 7 bankruptcy Means Test?

September 7, 2022

The Means Test is an eligibility criterion for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. If you do not pass the Means Test, you do not qualify for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Is Chapter 7 bankruptcy better for my bank account than credit counseling, debt settlement, or debt relief programs?

September 2, 2022

Let’s examine how debt settlement programs have generally worked for these credit or debt programs.

If I file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, can I keep my house and car?

September 2, 2022

In the past, you didn’t need to be overly concerned about losing everything. But whether you can keep your house and vehicle has become more complicated in 2022.

Second Parent Adoptions

June 1, 2022

There are times when a second parent must adopt to obtain legal rights of their own child.

The Better Divorce Part 2

May 10, 2022

Do you want a Better Divorce? Part 1 covered what a Better Divorce is and Part 2 explains what the process looks like and possible issues.

The Better Divorce

April 26, 2022

A better divorce exists. Divorces are often emotion-filled and endless drains of time and money.

Adoption Costs and Factors

April 12, 2022

A question that is often asked is about the cost of adoption. Adoptions range from no expenses to $100,000s. Seems extreme, right?

How does ICWA affect a DCS (or CPS) case?

March 24, 2022

ICWA has a number of protections, but they can be summed up with two words: participation and difficulty.

Department of Child Safety Central Registry

March 9, 2022

How can I do my best to adopt my ICWA foster care placement?

February 18, 2022

How does ICWA benefit me or my child?

February 11, 2022

How does ICWA affect the placement of an Indian child?

January 29, 2022

ICWA affords opportunities for an Indian child’s family and tribe to participate in any DCS case involving an “Indian child.”

What to Do and Not Do in a Court Case

December 15, 2021

Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do in court and the common sense that is often discarded when it comes to going to court.

Agreements for Communication – Open Adoption

December 2, 2021

In most adoptions, the prospective adoptive parent has the option to keep the adoption open. An open adoption allows communication after the adoption.

Adoption Subsidy Program in Arizona

November 5, 2021

The Adoption Subsidy Program is available to children with special needs.

Probate in Arizona

October 19, 2021

Most probate cases in Arizona are informal and can be filed and monitored by court personnel with no need to appear in court for any hearings.

Adoption Hearings – How long do I have to wait?

October 4, 2021

The adoption process is faster than most court cases...

Certified to Adopt or Not?

September 6, 2021

Foster parents do not require formal certification to adopt a foster child, as their licensing meets this requirement.

Legal Separation in the State of Arizona

August 25, 2021

Legal Separation will divide all of the assets and debts, and award legal decision-making (custody), parenting time, child support and/or spousal maintenance.

Informal and Formal Probates in the State of Arizona

August 18, 2021

Most probate cases in Arizona are informal and can be filed and monitored by court personnel with no need to appear in court for any hearings.

Organization of Corporations and LLCs

August 11, 2021

There are various types of entities depending on whether you have other members or partners in your company. You will either incorporate for a corporation or organize for an LLC.

Estate Planning in the State of Arizona

August 4, 2021

Divorce in the State of Arizona

August 4, 2021

Divorce is the legal process of dissolving your marriage. It is also typically referred to as a dissolution of marriage action.

Establishing Paternity in the State of Arizona

July 28, 2021

Paternity is the legal process of establishing the paternity of a child. A paternity action cannot be filed until after the child is born and can be initiated by either the parent of the child.

Stepparent Adoption in the State of Arizona

July 13, 2021

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