Tips from Chandler family law attorney

Many changes come with divorce, and one of the hardest can be adjusting to spending less time with your children than you were used to. What some states still refer to as “visitation” is called parenting time under Arizona law, a more neutral term that refers to the schedule outlining when your children are in each parent’s care.

Arizona courts prioritize the child’s best interests and generally encourage arrangements that allow the child to maintain a strong, meaningful bond with both parents when it is safe and appropriate. In some situations, this may result in schedules that are equal or nearly equal, but that outcome is not guaranteed. That’s why having the right legal guidance matters. Custody disputes can quickly become emotional and legally complex, and even small mistakes can have a lasting impact on your child’s life and on your relationship with them for years to come.

At Shaffer Family Law, we bring clarity to a confusing process by helping parents better understand how parenting time works in Arizona custody cases, so they feel more prepared for the legal process and better equipped to make decisions that support both their child’s future and their own.

How Arizona Courts Determine Parenting Time

First, parents are generally required to submit a parenting plan in Arizona custody cases that outlines legal decision-making, parenting time schedules, communication guidelines, and any special circumstances. If both parties agree to the terms, the judge will review the agreement before entering it as a court order. However, if they can’t, the court will make a final determination based on the child’s best interests.

Some factors they may consider include:

• The child’s age and health
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s work schedule and availability
• The distance between the parents’ homes
• The child’s school schedule and routine
• The suitability of each parent’s home environment
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and consistent environment
• The mental and physical health of all parties involved
• Each parent’s willingness to support a positive relationship with the other parent
• Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
• The child’s wishes, depending on age and maturity

The court’s primary objective is to create a parenting arrangement that promotes the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental well-being.

Protect Your Parental Rights in Arizona with Shaffer Family Law

For years, Shaffer Family Law has proudly served Maricopa County, guiding families and individuals to navigate all aspects of family law and providing strong advocacy during some of their most difficult times. Whether you need assistance crafting a parenting plan, modifying an existing agreement, or representation in court when necessary, we are here to stand by your side. And when a co-parent fails to follow a court-ordered parenting schedule, we help you pursue enforcement through the Arizona family court system, including documenting missed visits and communication issues to support and strengthen your case.

If you’re facing a divorce or believe a custody dispute may be on the horizon, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to prepare. Call us today at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online to get started and discuss your legal matter.

Sources:
https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00403.htm
https://azcourthelp.org/faq/legal-decision-making-and-parenting-time/396-custody-considerations

Preparing for your initial divorce consultation can be the moment it truly sinks in that this is real. Whether you have been planning for a while or have recently been served divorce papers, this appointment is an important first step in unraveling the years, often decades, of life you built with your spouse.

To better prepare you, the team at Shaffer Family Law has put together a general guide outlining what is typically helpful to have on hand before your consultation. While these items are commonly recommended, it is always best to confirm with your attorney which specific documents or information they would like you to bring based on your individual circumstances.

Key Steps to Prepare for Your First Divorce Consultation

• Your Goals and Needs: Before meeting with a divorce attorney, take time to reflect on your priorities and what you hope to achieve. While emotions can run high, having a clear understanding of your goals guides the conversation and ensures your attorney can focus on what matters most to you.
• Personal Information: A valid photo ID or driver’s license is required for identification purposes. It is also important to have your marriage certificate available, as it serves as official proof of your marriage and establishes the legal basis of your case.
• Child-Related Documents: If you and your spouse have children, bring any relevant records such as birth certificates, any existing parenting arrangements (formal or informal), and schedules related to their care. You should also be prepared to discuss details about their current living situation, daily care, healthcare, schooling, and any other information relevant to their well-being.
• Financial Documents: Gather and organize documents that give your legal team a clear understanding of your financial situation, including recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and retirement or investment account records.
• List of Assets and Debts: Property division is a key part of the divorce process, so it is important to outline both the assets you own and what you believe is fair to seek. In addition, debts are also considered, so you should list any outstanding financial obligations.
• Legal Documents and Court Orders: Have copies of any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, along with relevant court documents such as protective orders, filed divorce petitions, or responses, if applicable.
• Prepare a List of Questions: For many people, the consultation is the first time they gain a clear understanding of how the divorce process works and what it may look like in their specific situation. Because of that, it is helpful to compile a list of any questions or concerns that come to mind so you can make the most of your time and get the clarity you need.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Divorce Attorney at Shaffer Family Law

At Shaffer Family Law, our goal is to ensure you get real value from your initial consultation. While beginning the divorce process can feel overwhelming, coming prepared can make a significant difference in both your experience and the outcome of that first meeting. It helps you feel more confident and in control, while also giving you peace of mind knowing you have a knowledgeable team guiding you from start to finish.

Just as importantly, it allows our attorneys to quickly understand the key facts of your case, accurately assess your situation, and clearly outline the options and strategies that best align with your goals. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Shaffer Family Law at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online.

Divorce is never just between two people; it affects the entire family. While it is a decision made by a couple and, in many cases, unavoidable, it can still be an emotionally challenging and confusing time for everyone involved. And if you share children, one of the first and most important questions that arises is: how do you tell them about this?

This is often one of the most difficult and emotionally painful conversations you will ever have. For kids, the separation of their parents and the breakdown of the family unit can be deeply unsettling and, at times, even traumatic. They may experience shock, uncertainty, anger, sadness, or guilt, and in some cases may even blame themselves for what is happening.

That is why the way you communicate with your children about your divorce is just as essential as the decisions you make throughout the process. While there is no single “perfect” way to explain it, there are thoughtful and effective ways parents can help their children feel supported, secure, and understood. Keep reading to learn how.

Tips for Parents on Talking to Kids About Divorce

• Tell Them Together: If possible, both parents should be present for the conversation. Presenting a united, calm message can help reassure your little ones that, although your relationship is changing, you remain committed to working together as their parents.
• Choose the Right Time and Setting: Pick a quiet, comfortable space where your children are at ease. Avoid bringing it up on holidays or other special occasions, or right before school or bedtime.
• Plan Ahead: Take time in advance to thoughtfully plan what you will say. This is not the moment to fully explain the “why,” but to focus on helping your kids feel safe and reassured that both parents love them and will continue to care for them.
• Keep It Age-Appropriate: What you say should depend on your child’s age and level of maturity. Keep the explanation simple, clear, and consistent, using language they can easily understand. Avoid overwhelming them with too many details; instead, let their questions guide the depth of the conversation.
• Emphasize It’s Not Their Fault: Make sure they understand that the divorce is not their fault and has nothing to do with anything they did or didn’t do.
• Acknowledge Their Emotions: Every child is different, so their reactions can vary widely. Whether they are sad, confused, angry, or even remain silent, all of these reactions are normal. Give them time to process, and when they’re ready, listen without judgment, validate their experience and let them know their emotions are understood, accepted and safe to express.
• Discuss What Comes Next: Help them understand what they can expect moving forward. Be specific about living arrangements, school routines, and time with each parent. Just as importantly, emphasize what will stay the same, as consistency helps create a sense of stability during this transition.

Protect Your Future with Shaffer Family Law

Talking to your kids about your separation is one of the most difficult conversations you will ever have as a parent. The reality is that this is not a one-time discussion. You will likely need to revisit it several times, offering clarity and reassurance as new questions and emotions arise. Approach it with honesty, compassion and patience. The way you communicate and the consistency of your presence can play a meaningful role in helping them cope, adjust, and move through this transition with emotional security and stability.

Divorce is a life-altering transition, not only for parents but also for children. The decisions made during this period will shape your family’s future. With guidance from Shaffer Family Law, you can make informed decisions, protect your interests, and work toward a fair outcome in important matters such as property division, custody, visitation, and spousal maintenance.

Get the support you need to step into the next chapter with clear direction, confidence and peace of mind. Contact us at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online .

Sources:
https://www.helpguide.org/family/parenting/children-and-divorce

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/how-tell-kids-about-divorce

A home is more than just a place to live; it represents the beginning of a couple’s shared life and, for many, the foundation of their family. From that very first look to moving in together and eventually raising children, it’s where lasting memories are made, daily routines take shape, and meaningful milestones are celebrated over time.

Because of this deep emotional connection, the property’s fate can also become one of the most contentious issues in divorce. Letting go of a space filled with cherished moments isn’t easy, especially when it holds value that goes beyond finances. In many cases, both spouses feel a strong sense of attachment, making it even more challenging to determine what comes next.

If you’re going through a divorce in Arizona, understanding your rights and options regarding the family home is an important first step. At Shaffer Family Law, we guide families in Maricopa County and surrounding areas through this process with compassion and clear direction, helping you make informed decisions while keeping your best interests at the center of every step.

How Is the Family Home Divided in a Divorce?

If the house was purchased during the marriage, it is generally considered community property and jointly owned regardless of whose name is on the title, and is subject to division. Here are some outcomes to consider:

• Sell the Home and Divide the Proceeds: This is a common option many choose to create a clean financial break and allow both parties to move forward independently. After the mortgage, closing costs, and any liens are paid, the remaining proceeds are split between both spouses.
• One Spouse Keeps the Home: If one spouse wishes to remain in the home, they can buy out the other spouse’s share of the equity.
• Co-Ownership: Some couples choose to keep both names on the property temporarily, often to maintain stability for children or for financial reasons. If you pursue this option, it is important to establish clear agreements outlining mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance responsibilities to avoid future disputes.

Protect Your Home and Assets with Shaffer Family Law

The family home is often one of the largest financial assets in a divorce, so it’s important to approach the process with care. Obtaining an accurate appraisal and valuation of the property is essential to understanding its value and moving forward with confidence.

Whether you’re considering divorce or have already begun, the choices you make now can have a lasting impact on your future. Too often, emotions take over, and one spouse may do whatever it takes to keep the house, only to be left with the burden of maintaining it. Between mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and ongoing upkeep, it can be difficult to sustain on a single income, which can affect your long-term financial stability.

Even after a divorce is finalized, both parties may still be responsible for the mortgage if their names remain on the loan. Missed payments can negatively impact both parties’ credit, which is why refinancing is often a critical step when one spouse keeps the home.

The attorneys at Shaffer Family Law have extensive experience in family law, guiding clients through divorce, property division, child custody, and spousal support. We are committed to protecting your rights, helping you avoid costly mistakes, and working toward a fair, practical outcome that supports what matters most to you. Call us at (480) 470-3030 or request your appointment online today.