The Better Divorce
A better divorce exists. Divorces are often emotion-filled and endless drains of time and money.
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Entries by Brittany Labadie
Adoption Costs and Factors
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?
ICWA has a number of protections, but they can be summed up with two words: participation and difficulty.
Department of Child Safety Central Registry
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?
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?
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?
ICWA affords opportunities for an Indian child’s family and tribe to participate in any DCS case involving an “Indian child.”
New Legal Profession Starting in Arizona
Lewis Labadie’s participation in the Arizona Legal Paraprofessional program was highlighted in this article by the Arizona Capital Times.
What to Do and Not Do in a Court Case
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
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
The Adoption Subsidy Program is available to children with special needs.
Probate in Arizona
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?
The adoption process is faster than most court cases…
Certified to Adopt or Not?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.