Tempe Arizona Family Law Blog

Children may have to deal with many impacts when their parents divorce. Unfortunately, this situation usually can't be avoided. Parents who are in this position need to take steps to help their children thrive. This means addressing the challenges of divorce and teaching your kids coping strategies.

Parents must pay close attention to what their children are doing and saying during the divorce. You have to look for clues about how to help them because they might not be able to relay those needs to you. As you spot potential areas of concern, take the time to discuss them with your ex so you can be a unified front of support to your kids.

Every divorce is different because of the unique scenarios that each couple faces. For this reason, it is impossible to predict the exact timeline of a specific divorce. However, there are certain factors that directly influence the length of the divorce process. One of the biggest factors that affects this is the question of whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

If you are considering going through a divorce in the near future, it is important that you take the time to conduct research into the law. By understanding the most typical timelines, you will be able to plan your life around these milestones.

After your divorce is finalized in Tempe, you may find yourself required by the court to make child support payments. This will impact your budget and financial standing in a number of ways, but, after a few months, you should be able to settle in.

Sometimes, the previously court ordered child support obligation proves too difficult to keep up with. If you find yourself in this position, take the following steps to get a child support modification:

• Don't fall behind: Until you receive a modification from the court, you're expected to make payments in full and on time. Neglecting to do so, regardless of your financial situation, will only make matters worse as the court will expect you to pay this money in the future.
• Ask the other parent for help: It's difficult to reach out to your ex to discuss your financial troubles, but it may be necessary if you're unable to make child support payments. Their approval of a modification doesn't guarantee that the court will agree, but it will definitely help your cause.
• Document your change in financial circumstances: Collect evidence related to your change, such as documents showing that you lost your job or medical reports proving that you're unable to work. The court won't simply take your word for it. They want to see proof that your financial circumstances have changed.

Leaving an abusive marriage is a frightening prospect. Attempting to leave an abuser can often lead to an escalation in violence. Even if you believe you can leave without any issues, you may worry that you don't have anyone you can turn to. It is common for abuse victims to hide their issues from the people close to them. Abusers also often isolate their victims from their support networks.

Thankfully, there are laws in place in Arizona intended to protect the victims of domestic violence during dangerous transitions. If you intend to leave a spouse who has engaged in physical abuse against you or your children, securing an order of protection can be one way to help keep you safe.