Tempe Arizona Family Law Blog

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.

If you are considering filing for a divorce in the state of Arizona, you may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Embarking on the divorce process can feel overwhelming, especially because you will have only a limited idea of how long it will take.

This is why it is important to mentally plan your divorce before actually taking action. This will help you to manage your own expectations and understand the timeline accurately. No two divorces are the same in Arizona, so it is impossible to predict the course of divorces in general. However, certain details can lengthen the process.

The process of divorce has the potential to take a toll on many aspects of your life. You may find that the stress of your relationship has made you more distant with your children, and that your friendships and career progression have been affected.

You may feel that your mental health is suffering, and that you no longer have the positive outlook on life that you prided yourself in.