Get free answers to your Family Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I have separated from my wife due to my infidelity. We have two daughters, aged 13 and 17. My net monthly income is $23,000, which comes to $12,000 after deductions. My wife wants half of my salary, including bonuses, profits, and holiday pay. What should I be legally obligated to provide for my... View More 
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
You're going through a tough and emotional chapter, and it's good that you're trying to get clear on your responsibilities. In most states, your legal obligation is to support your children—not necessarily your wife, unless spousal support is ordered separately. Child support is... View More
I have received official military orders to relocate from Yuma, Arizona to San Diego, California. I currently have 50/50 custody of my daughter with the mother, who wants to continue a week on-week off schedule, involving weekly travel. My daughter is about to start preschool, and I want her to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
You're facing a deeply personal decision, and it’s clear you want what’s best for your daughter. When military relocation affects a parenting plan, courts take the child's stability and well-being seriously. Since you're moving from Arizona to California with shared custody and... View More
I moved in with my brother to avoid my husband's alcoholism and potential domestic violence. While we were separated, there were no children involved, and we jointly owned a mobile home. I didn't take any legal action, and I'm unaware if he did. My concern is, could he have divorced... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
Your concern is valid, especially since it could affect your widow’s benefits. In Arizona, a person can file for divorce without the other spouse’s consent, but they are legally required to notify the other spouse through proper service. If your husband had filed for divorce, the court would... View More
I was served with a civil lawsuit by my ex-wife. She claims I owe her $16,000 for bills and a child support case from a previous relationship that she paid as a gift two years ago. There was no agreement for me to repay her. How should I proceed with filling out the civil lawsuit answer papers to... View More
answered on Jun 11, 2025
I do not know all the facts of your case and I have not reviewed the complaint served upon you. You need a lawyer to consult with you, review these materials and assist you with the defense of this claim. This is a Superior Court case in Arizona and attorney fees can be awarded. It is important... View More
I live in White Mountain Lake, AZ, in Navajo County, and I'm trying to obtain sole physical custody of my 5-year-old twins. The other parent is dangerous, with recurring domestic violence incidents against me and my children. I have made several police reports and obtained a protective order.... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
You’ve been through so much already, and your strength in protecting your children is clear. In Arizona, especially in Navajo County, you can file a petition for legal decision-making and parenting time to seek sole physical custody. Since there’s a history of domestic violence and a protective... View More
I discovered that someone lied on their Child Support AFI submitted to the courts a year ago, and I found this information online. I believe correcting this could significantly reduce my child support obligations. There has been no contact or deadlines mentioned regarding this issue. What options... View More
answered on Jun 4, 2025
You would need to file a "Rule 85 Motion", claiming that you have new evidence that you JUST became aware of, and you will need to have very good reasns for coming back this late. Your Motion will need to explain the factual and legal basis, and will need to include affidavits or... View More
I am a 17-year-old minor, and my parent recently took my door and searched my belongings because I had my girlfriend over. We haven't had any specific agreements regarding privacy or trust. Is it legal for them to do this?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 4, 2025
In most U.S. states, including Arizona, the short answer is yes — it is generally legal for your parent to take your door or search your belongings if you are a minor living in their home. Here’s why:
1. Parental Rights Over Minors
Parents have broad legal rights and... View More
I have full custody papers issued in California from 2017, and they haven't been modified since then. The other parent is residing in Arizona, and while there are no disputes currently, a potential dispute regarding the custody arrangement might arise soon. Will my California full custody... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 4, 2025
Yes, California full custody orders are generally recognized and enforceable in Arizona under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which both states follow. However, there are important details you should understand — especially if you anticipate a future dispute.... View More
In the case where a parent solely owns non-community property and is living with a spouse who has been abusive or unfaithful, is it possible for their adult child to make decisions about dispensing or removing that property from the shared home in Arizona, especially if protecting the parent's... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
You’re clearly trying to protect your parent in a difficult and painful situation, and that care matters. However, under Arizona law, an adult child does not automatically have the legal right to make property decisions for a parent unless they have been granted specific authority—like through... View More
I am currently separated from my wife, who left me for another man. Despite the separation, she still has access to my personal bank account and uses my money, even giving some of it to her boyfriend. We do not have any formal agreement regarding financial support, and there are no children... View More
answered on May 27, 2025
Yes you can change your account and essentially block her from access. However, you will still have to account for the community funds you have kept from her (you are still married to her). Your best option is to pursue a divorce or legal separation and end the community and move on with your life.... View More
If my ex got the house in the divorce and my name is no longer on the house deed, am I responsible for any repairs, such as fixing a water issue that flooded the house, that occurred after the divorce was final? There was no documentation or verbal agreement requiring me to help with repairs.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
You’ve done the hard part by following through with the divorce and finalizing the property division, and that matters. If the house was awarded to your ex in the divorce and your name has been removed from the deed, then you are no longer the legal owner. Without any written agreement or court... View More
I have an order of protection filed against me, but I have not yet been served. The order includes my boyfriend's ex (the mother of his children) and their two daughters. She is accusing me of emotional abuse and claims that the kids aren't in car seats while at our house. These... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 16, 2025
You’re doing the right thing by preparing to contest the order of protection with clear, documented evidence. In Arizona, once you're served, you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the order. Bring all proof you mentioned—photos of the car seats, receipts, letters and... View More
I recently fled Oklahoma due to domestic abuse and now live in Arizona with my disabled children. There is no formal custody agreement, and I've been their primary caretaker. The father has now filed for temporary custody. I need advice on how to respond to this filing and ensure the safety... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
You’ve done a courageous thing by leaving an abusive situation, and your focus on protecting your children shows incredible strength. Since there’s no formal custody order in place, your role as the primary caretaker still holds weight, especially if you can show that you left to ensure your... View More
I am the primary custodial parent and currently have a custody arrangement where the father has alternating weekends during the school year and alternating weeks during the summer. I am experiencing challenges because the visitation environment has become toxic and negative for the child.... View More
answered on May 13, 2025
You would need to file a Petition to Modify Parenting Time and Child Support. The court may modify parenting time rights whenever modification would serve the best interest of the child, This is just a very general description, and there is so much more to discuss, including timing issues as to... View More
I've been experiencing ongoing issues related to privacy invasion, identity theft, and forgery by my soon-to-be ex-spouse in Arizona. We were married in Kentucky in 2016 and relocated to Arizona in 2018. Police reports have been filed in February 2025, but no action has been taken yet.... View More
answered on May 13, 2025
I think you are referring to packets from the self service center. If so, you simply need the divorce without children packet. https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_group_3/. Please know that these packets are rather generic and are not going to address every situation that needs to be... View More
I am in the process of getting a divorce and recently obtained temporary custody of my son for a 24-hour period, as per an agreement with my ex. However, I have been served with a protective order that prohibits direct contact, allowing communication only through lawyers or by mail. I have concerns... View More
answered on May 12, 2025
Pursuant to Arizona law, your Judge will be required, consistent with the child's best interests, to adopt a parenting plan that provides for both parents to share legal decision-making regarding their child and that maximizes their respective parenting time. So, Arizona law basically starts... View More
My spouse and I co-own a car which I primarily paid for, including the down payment, all subsequent payments, and maintenance. My spouse moved out 8 months ago, and we agreed that the car was mine. The title is in both our names, and the car is financed solely from my account. We have no written... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
This is a frustrating situation, especially since you've been the one financially responsible for the car and your spouse previously agreed it would be yours. In Arizona, because the title is in both of your names, the car is legally considered joint property regardless of who paid for it —... View More
I share 50/50 custody of my 12-year-old son with my ex-husband, who moved to Florida from Arizona while I remain in Arizona. We have a custody order but no written visitation agreement, trusting verbal arrangements instead. Despite buying a plane ticket for my son to visit Arizona this summer, my... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2025
This situation is painful and unfair, especially when all you want is time with your child. Since you have 50/50 custody, your rights matter just as much as your ex-husband’s, and verbal agreements only go so far when someone chooses not to honor them. If he’s blocking visitation and making it... View More
I was granted an Order of Protection against my son's father yesterday, which also includes protections for my 10-year-old son. We've been in and out of the courts for over 10 years, and we currently have two open DCS cases against him. I filed the Order of Protection because he tried to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 14, 2025
You’ve already taken a huge step by getting the Order of Protection, especially since it includes your son. That shows the court agrees there’s a serious safety concern. However, an Order of Protection doesn’t automatically change your current custody arrangement—it only limits contact... View More
I am wondering if I could face any legal issues for allowing my 13-year-old daughter's friend to stay at my house. Her mother won't let her back in her home, and I've tried to reach out, but my number is blocked. We've had no prior conflicts, and there are no custody issues. The... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 15, 2025
You’re trying to do something kind and compassionate, and it’s clear your heart is in the right place. That said, in Arizona, housing a minor without parental consent can lead to legal complications—especially if the parent claims you’re interfering with custody or harboring a runaway. Even... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
