Tips from Chandler family law attorney

Divorce is a challenging experience for everyone in the family. While parents may be deeply absorbed in their own stress and emotional upheaval, it’s essential to acknowledge that children also carry their unique emotional strain during this transition. The disruption of their family life can lead to a wide range of emotions—sadness, confusion, fear, withdrawal, anger, and anxiety—as they struggle to adjust to the new reality.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for parents. Providing the necessary support, understanding, and open communication is essential for helping children navigate this difficult time. Although the marriage has ended, the child still needs the love and support of both parents. With time and effort, families can foster a supportive and caring environment for everyone involved as they navigate life after divorce.

How to Support Your Children Through Divorce: Essential Tips and Effective Strategies

• Plan how to discuss the divorce with your children: Whenever possible, both parents should work together to determine how to convey the information. Provide a clear, honest, and age-appropriate explanation to help your children understand the situation without unnecessary confusion.
• Remind your children that they are loved and supported by both parents: In the midst of a divorce, children may fear losing the love and support of one or both parents and may even feel guilty, believing they are responsible. It’s essential to reassure them that your love for them is unwavering and unconditional despite the changes in the family dynamic.
• Limit negative comments about the other parent: Avoid discussing your spouse’s faults or issues in front of your children. For the sake of their well-being, it’s essential to present a united front and set aside personal feelings.
• Maintain consistent routines: To ease your child’s transition to post-divorce life, prioritize preserving their familiar routines. Collaborate with your ex-spouse to create stable, predictable schedules that your children can rely on.
• Encourage your children to share their emotions openly: Be approachable and patient, as expressing feelings can be challenging for them. Create a supportive environment where they feel safe to talk, even if it means they may direct their emotions towards you. Children often withhold their feelings to avoid causing you distress, so offering active listening and empathetic understanding is crucial.
• Seek professional support: If your children continue to struggle with the effects of divorce, consider seeking professional help, such as counseling or therapy.

Top Divorce Attorneys in Arizona: Expert Guidance and Support for Your Family Law Needs

Remember, your children did not choose to be in this situation. While divorce is difficult for you, it can be even more challenging for them. By being patient, seeking the right support, and implementing these strategies, you can help ease their transition. Trust that with time, things will get better.

At Shaffer Family Law, we know that divorce is a complex and emotionally taxing journey for families. With a strong track record of assisting families throughout the Chandler area, we offer the expertise and support you need during this difficult time. Our experienced family law attorneys provide essential counsel to help you make informed decisions and protect your rights and those of your children. If you’re in the Chandler area and need trusted legal guidance, call us at (480) 470-3030 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Let us help you pave the way to a brighter future for you and your family.

Not every marriage ends with a fairy-tale conclusion, as movies often portray. Divorce is a common reality, affecting 2.4 people per 1,000 and resulting in about 673,000 divorces each year. If you’re contemplating divorce, remember you’re not alone. Ending your marriage is a major life event, and the choices you make now will have a significant impact on both your present and future. By taking proactive steps and seeking guidance from the experienced lawyers at Shaffer Family Law, you can navigate this challenging period more effectively and set yourself up for a more secure and positive future. To ensure a smoother process, consider these essential steps to help manage your transition successfully.

Before filing for divorce in Arizona, follow these five essential steps:

1. Are You Sure Divorce Is the Right Choice?  Before filing, it’s crucial to deeply evaluate whether divorce is truly the best path forward. Have you explored all possible solutions, such as counseling, mediation, or therapy, to address and resolve issues in your marriage? Take the time to reflect and ensure you’re making an informed and deliberate decision.
2. Assess Whether You Need a Lawyer. Consider whether hiring a lawyer is necessary for your situation. This advice goes beyond just our role as family law attorneys; handling complex issues such as child custody, property division, and debt can profoundly affect your life. To avoid potentially costly mistakes and ensure your interests are protected, it’s crucial to seek professional legal assistance.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Arizona Divorce Laws. Divorce regulations vary by state and can be quite complex, so it’s essential to know Arizona’s specific requirements. For instance, you or your spouse must have been a resident of Arizona for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. You will also need to state the grounds for divorce. Fortunately, Arizona provides a no-fault divorce option, allowing either spouse to claim that the marriage has reached a point of no reconciliation. This approach streamlines the process and helps both parties move forward with fewer legal complications.
4. Choose the type of divorce that fits your situation. Divorces are categorized as either contested or uncontested. A contested divorce arises when one party resists the divorce or when there are unresolved issues that need court resolution. On the other hand, if you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your separation without court involvement, an uncontested divorce may be more suitable. Uncontested divorces typically save both time and money by reducing court time and legal fees.
5. Assess your situation. Going through a divorce is a big change, moving from being married to being single. There will be difficulties as well as chances for new beginnings. Financially, you might want to separate your money from your spouse’s, and this might involve taking steps to protect your credit and handling any joint accounts. You’ll also need to work out living arrangements with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, especially if you have children. Planning for these changes will help you navigate this transition more effectively. Top of Form

Navigating the Arizona Divorce Process: How to Get the Help You Need

Once you decide to pursue a divorce, it’s crucial to grasp the process and the decisions you’ll need to make. Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life, and having a skilled and compassionate lawyer is essential. At Shaffer Family Law, our attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the divorce process, protecting your rights, and helping you and your family move toward a brighter future. Contact us today at (480) 470-3030 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a new chapter in your life.

Sources: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-checklist/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/arizona-divorce/

https://www.divorcenet.com/resources/filing-for-divorce/arizona.htm

https://www.brides.com/things-to-do-before-you-file-for-a-divorce-1103072

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/marriage-divorce.htm

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Divorce is a life-changing event that can be overwhelming for both parties. It is not easy if that’s what people think of. It is expected to feel sad, angry, exhausted, frustrated, and confused, which is intense. It is difficult, painful, and scary, even if you are the one who decided to part ways. It is hard, and there’s not one thing but many, and when children are involved, it becomes even worse. Each one’s experience is different and how they feel about the divorce. You can experience various emotions, stress, and emotional breakdowns over the ongoing things in your life. This is not all; there are legal, financial, parental, emotional, and practical challenges that require time, energy, and changes in responsibilities. Everything can stress you over, no matter what you think.

Arizona is a Community Property State

Apart from emotional and physical exhaustion, there are responsibilities one must deal with and fulfill. What happens if you divorce in Arizona to the assets, children’s custody, life plans, debts, business, etc.? Because Arizona is a community property state, any asset or debt accumulated by either spouse during the marriage shall be divided among both as much as possible. Although it may sound straightforward, it is not. Many states follow an equitable distribution, whereas, in Arizona, it is not precisely equal distribution of the property but as close as possible.

Business – a Community Property

When it comes to business, if either of the spouses established it during a marriage, then it must be divided between both spouses during divorce. It is considered as a community property. Even if the business is established before marriage, any income that the spouse receives during the marriage is a marital asset or, for that matter, any increase in the business value. Unfortunately, this is the last thing the spouse wants after struggling and establishing own business. It can be distressing, but Shaffer Family Law is committed to protecting your marital rights and ensuring you receive an equitable distribution of all assets and debts.

We Can Help Protect Your Marital Rights

Our experienced divorce attorneys can ensure the division is fair by identifying all relevant factors and assigning ownership and correct valuations to all assets and liabilities. Also, we can use forensic accountants to locate hidden assets, business valuation experts, and other financial experts when required. Therefore, you don’t have to fret over losing your assets; we will ensure you get what you deserve fairly. Reach out for a consultation with Shaffer Family Law at (480) 470-3030 today.  

If you are thinking about divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, or settlement in Arizona and don’t know if you should hire an attorney, we can help answer this for you! Divorce is hard anyway, as it is emotionally and physically overwhelming. Not only does one experience a range of emotions, but it can lead to sadness or depression even if you are the one who initiated the process. For some, it takes a while to come to terms and may undergo phases of shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Individuals undergo their emotional journey, and it is different for everyone.

Is Arizona a Community Property State?

However, talking about divorce in Arizona is contested, in which both parties cannot agree, whereas uncontested means both parties can agree. Arizona is a community property state, meaning the assets acquired during marriage should be equitably distributed. It means all assets, property, debts, etc., acquired during marriage are considered as community property. Suppose one spouse owns a business or has an interest in a company that was acquired or owned before the marriage; that is considered the spouse’s sole and separate property. Any property earned before the marriage is also considered separate property. It may seem straightforward, but not, and this is where you will need an attorney for the divorce.

How Shaffer Family Law Can Help?

Shaffer Family Law has helped hundreds of people dissolve their marriages. We have more than 20 years of experience confidently handling all types of divorce, from straightforward, uncomplicated divorces with no children and little property to complex dissolution cases involving significant assets and contested child custody issues. We provide all our clients with a realistic perspective of their unique situation and the potential legal outcomes, which allows them to make informed decisions throughout the process. We work diligently to achieve our client’s goals professionally and ethically.

Our team and staff are dedicated to helping and representing you and your case. The first step is to understand the case, and it will take some time to understand your legal situation so that we can answer all your questions. After your initial consultation with our attorneys, you will know what you are facing and what can happen to your case. We are committed to helping our clients through these challenges with a compassionate yet uncompromising representation. We map a substantial plan that will work for you and remove your worries. For a consultation, reach out to Shaffer Family Law at (480) 470-3030 today. 

Like pre-nuptials, post-nuptials are also popular and similar, with the difference being when they are signed, as pre-nuptials are signed before the marriage, and post-nuptials are signed after the marriage. Post-nuptial protects the financial rights and interests concerning the marital property and assets if the couple plans to get divorced. It is like a roadmap as to what would happen in case of divorce and how things may turn out to be. A thorough layout of the couple’s assets, debts, properties, and other finances and how they should be protected. Sometimes, couples have already decided, while others may have not talked about it. We understand it may or may not be awkward for many, as finances can be a sensitive subject.

When Financial Circumstances Change

We all know that circumstances change, and financial situations and interests no longer remain the same. Sometimes, one partner may stop working or open a business in a marriage. Financial circumstances may change; one spouse may win a lottery, or their financial situation may deteriorate. Everything must be considered, as what may happen in the future is unpredictable. In the case of children from previous marriages, it is essential to protect children’s future and financial rights. There are several benefits to going for a post-nuptial agreement, as no two circumstances are the same.

• Protect financial assets and property

A post-nuptial protects an individual’s assets and property and their sole decision to divide it among their partners. If one partner has significant personal assets and wishes to keep them separate, it may happen in case of divorce. Moreover, it even defines how jointly earned assets and property can be divided, which can prevent disputes and costly legal battles.

• Both spouses get a sense of clarity 

When a couple signs the post-nuptial agreement, it gives both partners a sense of clarity with finances in case of a divorce. How will the assets inherited remain with the partner who inherited them or be divided? Any financial debt incurred before the marriage or after remains the responsibility of one partner or both are cleared up. So, in case of divorce, both partners don’t have to fight over the finances as the process itself is overwhelming. Divorce is a tough road and can drain physically and emotionally. Setting out a roadmap gives assurance and mental peace as everything is already sorted in an unfortunate event, such as divorce.

• Builds trust and communication

Often, finances are discussed, but issues or points of contention remain unresolved. The talks are put off for later or swept under the carpet and linger around forever. Finances are complex and simultaneously a sensitive subject in terms of responsibilities. Having a comprehensive dialogue and a complete plan in case of unfortunate and unforeseen events is the most appropriate thing. It clearly defines and protects the interests of both spouses during tumultuous periods. This assures both spouses that their separate and joint finances are handled well.

Our attorneys have served clients over the years and worked in their best interests. Our attorneys have years of experience protecting clients’ financial and legal rights. Our team can assist you with all questions and concerns you may have now or through the entire legal process. We will support you and work with your best interests in mind. So, schedule an appointment with Shaffer Family Law at (480) 470-3030 today.

Pre-nuptials aren’t just for celebrities and rich people. The younger generation is embracing pre-nuptials who have been engaged or married. The dynamics are gradually changing as people try to establish themselves or accumulate wealth before settling down. Millennials are more concerned about creating wealth with their business, startups, intellectual property, etc. This makes them more concerned about protecting their wealth. Not only this, but they are also for everyone. They can address whether you and your spouse will have a joint bank account, whether you’ll pay off your student loans separately or together, and who gets what if you divorce. It is more than just wealth; it is also financial responsibilities that spiral any relationship.

More than ever, people are learning from their parents’ experiences and trying to protect their interests. And we know that alliances are all about celebrations and the coming together of families. With such celebrations, initiating pre-nuptials can be a bit awkward for many people. It may look like you prioritize financial interests, which can be weird for some. However, developing a dialogue and understanding before an alliance decision is important. It is great to ease your partner and make them understand the benefits of pre-nuptials and how it helps both. 

Why Should You Go for Pre-Nuptials?

• Protect Family Assets

It is likely that you may or may not inherit some family assets, and pre-nuptials can help define and determine what is yours and will remain yours in case of an unlikely event of divorce. You can protect your family assets, which will remain yours and will not be divided among your partners in case of divorce.

• Children from previous marriages

In case of single or both parties having had children from previous marriages, then it is essential to protect children’s rights. What part of your financial aspects should or should not be considered for children and current partners can be determined? This protects your children’s rights and future and reasonably acts to consider the interests of your partner.

• Debt

People entering marriages with financial debts such as student loans become their responsibility when they sign for pre-nuptials. This protects the partner and separates the financial responsibility of the spouse who incurred them.

• Emotional Arguments

Divorce is difficult, no matter what people say otherwise. It is stressful and contains a roller coaster of emotions. And when you talk about who gets what, it can be even more complicated. A pre-nuptial agreement is helpful in such scenarios and can save you from all the forthcoming anxiety and stress levels, as sometimes it can be extremely challenging to deal with it.  

Today, pre-nuptials have become common as they protect financial rights and benefit parties involved in the alliance. If you plan to marry your partner, pre-nuptial is like your health insurance and can help in many ways. Our attorneys have years of experience in protecting clients’ financial and legal rights. Our team can assist you with all questions and concerns you may have now or through the entire legal process. We will support you and work with your best interests in mind. So, schedule an appointment with Shaffer Family Law at (480) 470-3030 today.

Annulment refers to when a marriage is declared void. It means completely nullifying the marriage and giving the spouses involved in the marriage the status of single again. It is different from divorce or separation and ending the union between the two people in the marriage. Divorce dissolves your marriage, but annulment voids it altogether. The people involved become single again as they were never married in the first place. Divorce is the most common term when people are unhappy in a marriage. For years, they have been staying in marriage with each other while completely detached from each other. They continue to live separate lives while staying in the same house. They no longer share the love for each other, and for that matter, they no longer exist for each other.

So, how does it happen? Can any marriage be annulled? No, not really. An annulment can happen only if

• Underage: One of the spouses is underage to marry but still married.
• Incest: If both spouses are related to each other by blood, such marriage can be annulled.
• Polygamy: If the spouse intentionally or unintentionally gets married again while already being married.
• Fraud – Sometimes, people get married by falsely promising things that they never meant or wanted to fulfill in the first place. They lied or had been hiding their true intentions in such matters for a long time. For instance, if the person is sterile or infertile and can’t have children or is deceitful about their criminal records.
• Unsound mind: If the spouse was under drugs, highly intoxicated, and incapable of making any appropriate decision for themselves, then the marriage can get annulled.
• Threat: If the person blackmails, threatens, or coerces their partner into marriage, it can be annulled.

Annulment in Marriage

Honestly, it is not easy to get an annulment. Still, the attorneys of Shaffer Family Law have successfully had marriages annulled and can determine and determine whether an annulment is the proper legal action to take in your situation. It starts with a valid ground, and one can request it based on the above reasons. Then, the party must submit specific paperwork like contact details, all the information regarding marriage, children, proof of residency, etc., depending on what grounds. Then, serve your spouse with notice that you have requested an annulment and want to proceed. If you think it is a lengthy process, leave all your worries behind, as our experienced attorneys can quickly handle your case. We can take care of everything for you and help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Don’t overthink and schedule a consultation with Shaffer Family Law at (480) 470-3030 today.

When two people have decided they can’t live together, they look for reasons to part ways. They no longer feel loved or spend time with each other as they used to. Living like roommates and doing their things without spending time with each other. It is sad knowing that the marriage is coming to an end, and the most common way is divorce. At the same time, annulment is another way but may not be feasible for every other case. The marriage can be annulled only when it was considered illegal from the beginning of it. To get the marriage annulled, the spouse must prove that the marriage was illegitimate from the start. So, how does it happen? Can any marriage be annulled? No, not really. An annulment can happen only if

• Underage: One of the spouses is underage to marry but still married.
• Incest: If both spouses are related to each other by blood, such marriage can be annulled.
• Polygamy: If the spouse intentionally or unintentionally gets married again while already being married.
• Fraud – Sometimes, people get married by falsely promising things that they never meant or wanted to fulfill in the first place. They lied or had been hiding their true intentions in such matters for a long time. For instance, if the person is sterile or infertile and can’t have children or is deceitful about their criminal records.
• Unsound mind: If the spouse was under drugs, highly intoxicated, and incapable of making any appropriate decision for themselves, then the marriage can get annulled.
• Threat: If the person blackmails, threatens, or coerces their partner into marriage, it can be annulled.

To get the marriage annulled, you need to meet the legal requirements. Meanwhile, in case of divorce in a no-fault state, the couple seeking a divorce does not have to prove any wrongdoing by either party for divorce. If you want to file for a divorce in Arizona, either party must have lived in the state or the county. It can become more complicated with assets and custody of children in the family. Shaffer Family Law is committed to protecting your marital rights. Our attorneys ensure the property division is fair by identifying all relevant factors and assigning ownership and correct valuations to all assets and liabilities.

How Can We Help Your Case?

Our attorneys understand that the outcome of your divorce will affect the quality of the rest of your family’s lives. We focus on assisting people facing these difficult decisions regarding their home life, property, and parenthood. We are committed to helping our clients through these challenges with a compassionate yet uncompromising representation. We thoroughly sit down with the parties involved to help you understand the decisions and their impact on you and your family. We aim to ensure you understand the process and make decisions that benefit you. Mediation and negotiated settlements are almost always better alternatives to courtroom litigation. If litigation is necessary, we will fight aggressively, without hesitation, to protect your rights. So schedule a consultation with us at (480) 470-3030 today.

Marriage is a sacred and beautiful institution and the coming together of two people who love each other. People get married thinking that they want to spend the rest of their lives with their partners. But not everything we dream turn into reality, or even if it does is often short-lived. You marry your favorite person, thinking how wonderful the rest of your life will be for both, but now you realize it may not be accurate. When you love someone, you may ignore the red flags or think of it as no big deal at the moment and can turn it around. However, this disillusionment soon crawls into your heart and grows in you, day in and day out.

Each one’s story may never resemble the other, but some signs can be common for all; it’s just how you look at it. Being mindful of your surroundings helps you see through things that have been ignored for a long time. 

• Grow impatient and less empathetic toward 

When your partner is impatient and insensitive toward your feelings, they are not on the same page and do not understand and respect your perception and emotions. 

• More arguments

When the couple starts arguing over small things, it affects almost everything, and things go downhill with the relationship. It is a cause of worry and must be carefully addressed to understand what’s happening.

• Conversations turn into heated arguments and shouting

It may start as a conversation but swiftly turns into shouting with every other conversation. The high-pitched arguments turn ugly as both want to be correct and express their opinion.

• Stop sharing small things

How was the day like? Anything interesting? It can affect their relationship if the couple stops discussing their individual lives, work, or social. When the person realizes their partner is uninterested in their conversation or anything happening, it can stop them from sharing it.

• Do not want to spend time together

You find ways to spend individual me-time rather than doing something together. If a partner suggests an activity and you don’t want and decline, not only because you don’t want to, but you are not okay with doing it with your partner, too, due to whatever is happening.

• Thoughts like what if there was someone else instead of your partner

When you have thoughts that instead of your partner, was there someone else? What if your partner were not behaving the way they are, and if someone else was in their place, what would have been the response?

If you feel you might have married the wrong person and are seeking to file a divorce, our law offices can help! Contact our divorce attorney in Chandler today.

Are you a workaholic? Do you enjoy what you do? It is the most wonderful thing and keeps you moving daily. Not everyone likes what work they do, but it is great that you found your calling. Many working professionals spend most of their awake time in the office from Monday to Friday. However, if you are a workaholic, then it proceeds beyond. Some people may work more than 40 hours and feel engaged and fulfilled, whereas others may feel the same within the required hours. Sometimes, people are obliged to work for a more extended period due to a project. Meanwhile, at other times, some people may feel compelled to work more and more as much as they can exceed their required work.

Watch Out for These Signs

When the lines between work and personal life become blurry, work-life balance goes for a toss. You may spend more and more time at work than at home being with your partner. Spending quality time together and being engaged in your spouse’s life is essential. Taking time is vital for a healthy relationship; if you fail to do it, it is a sign of growing distance between the two. It is a huge red flag if you or your partner do not know what’s happening in each other’s lives.

• Puts work first than a relationship

Opting out of activities you would typically engage in, like dinner dates and movie nights, is a sign of ignoring your relationship.

• Too tired to spend time with spouse

Once back from working long hours at the office, it is likely that you are tired and do not want to go out or do something together, whereas the spouse has been waiting for it, which can be disappointing.

• No conversation other than work

If there’s nothing to discuss besides work, it is a clear sign that you may be growing apart from your spouse.

• Spouse, the work therapist

If you turn to your spouse for all the work-related minuscule things and constantly drop everything to them, including negatives, it can be a lot for them. Seeking advice may be a good idea, but you must give them a break.

A line must be drawn as work-life balance is essential. Bringing work to home or spending long hours at the office daily can affect your relationship with your spouse. If you are a workaholic or your spouse is, identify signs and try to talk things out. How do you strengthen your relationship with the spouse? Spend more time together by participating in fun activities together. Some introspection, time management, and openly conveying each other’s concerns can be the beginning of it.