Child support is calculated based on a standardized formula. It doesn't account for your bills because the child is prioritized above all other expenses. You can find the current (2015) Arizona Child Support calculator online to double check the court's math. If circumstances have changed... View More

You'd need to ask a California attorney. I am not licensed to practice there but I can tell you that if the process is anything like Arizona, it sounds like paternity may have been established against you (no DNA test is required here). If so, it's going to be very difficult to undo it.... View More

When child support is established, it may be established retroactively for up to three years. So, yes, theoretically she could ask for back support for up to that amount of time. I'll warn you that the amount you pay is very little based on your limited parenting time. While you could try to... View More

The State can help you establish support but it doesn't represent you. Its interest is ensuring that the government does not have to support you or your children.

I'll warn you, it's going to be very difficult for you to trace cash income. You may need to focus on admitting... View More

Your spousal support is unrelated to child support. If you believe you have overpaid child support, you can pursue recovery, but it will not offset the obligation you owe in spousal support.

Not on that basis, but you shouldn't worry. The initial appearance is likely a preliminary hearing such as a resolution management conference or a return hearing and you will not be prejudiced by not having an attorney.

Get the agreement in writing.

Yes, grandparents can seek emergency temporary orders. The forms can be found at any local Superior Court or at its website.

You can't will child custody. Unless the court deems father to be unfit, he now has presumptive sole legal decision-making.

Yes, unrelated third parties can seek custody or visitation rights pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-409. These cases are extraordinarily complex and involve constitutional issues. The family friend should schedule a free consultation with experienced family law counsel.

Some lawyers do offer document preparation assistance or unbundled legal advice. These services usually aren't cost effective though because the self-service forms are fairly simple.

It is without children until a child is born. Though she should indicate in her petition that she is pregnant.

If he has answered the petition, you cannot unilaterally withdraw your petition. However, the parties can stipulate to dismissal.

You can agree and submit your agreement, but there is no guarantee the family court will adopt it. It depends how that figure compares to the support that should be paid pursuant to the Arizona Child Support calculator. The more significant the difference, particularly if your agreement is for the... View More

Your best option is to simply remarry.

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of free or cost controlled resources available in family law. Perhaps contact ASU's law school or consult the court roster of attorney's who accept cases at a modest means rate. It still won't eliminate the cost, but it might make it more manageable.

This type of compliance with the court order isn't subject to a statute of limitations, but you may compromise your case by waiting indefinitely. You should consult with an attorney about a contempt action, although make sure it's cost effective for you if you decide to pursue it. In a... View More

The criminal implications of domestic violence makes this not a family law question. You'll need to ask a criminal attorney, but yes, cases closed or dismissed without prejudice can typically be reviewed and reopened for a certain period of time.

Spousal maintenance eligibility is controlled by A.R.S. § 25-319(A). There are four criteria, but only one must be met to be eligible for spousal maintenance. However, there is no such thing as entitlement, as it is a discretionary (not mandatory) award. Even if you qualify under that statute,... View More

Was that property addressed in the divorce decree? Generally speaking, you need to make reasonable efforts to arrange a time for him to retrieve some of his belongings. There is no bright line rule about this, so err on the side of caution.