Posts by Lawrence & Jecmen PLLC
How is Property Divided in a Divorce?
How is Property Divided in a Divorce? The topic of “property” and how it will be divided in a divorce can be filled with contention and emotion. In this article, we dive into defining “property” broadly, the factors that influence how it is divided in a divorce and how to protect one’s “property” prior to…
Read MoreWhat Happens if a Divorce Goes to Trial?
The majority of divorces can be settled without a trial. However, there are instances where a trial is necessary. “About 5% of the divorces I’ve represented go to final trial,” said Andi Lawrence, Partner and Family Law Attorney with Lawrence & Jecmen PLLC. This is close to the national average where more than 90 percent…
Read MoreWhat are Your Legal Rights in Determining Paternity?
Arizona paternity laws do not require either parent to establish paternity, but in the interest of a child’s overall well-being establishing who the father is highly encouraged. The State’s paternity laws are intended to provide predictability and stability. For instance, there is a presumption that when a married couple has a child, the husband is…
Read MoreShould You Get a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement, or “prenup” as many call it, is a legal document couples agree to sign before they marry. A prenuptial agreement is typically used to specify what might happen in the event of divorce or death. Most often the Agreement specifies what happens to assets and debts acquired during the marriage in the…
Read MoreDivorce Mediation Vs Litigation – Which Should You Go With?
Few life events are as emotional and challenging as separation and divorce. Arizona’s divorce and custody laws recognize that couples and families are better served when emotions are less charged and have developed a framework to support Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to avoid protracted litigation. The attorneys at Lawrence & Jecmen, PLLC, strongly endorse ADR…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Child Custody in Arizona
Child custody is a key question parents must settle before an Arizona court will allow them to legally separate or grant a divorce. Ideally, both partners agree that their children’s well-being is paramount and are able to calmly communicate with one another about this. Arizona updated its laws addressing custody in 2013. The major impacts…
Read MoreSample Parenting Time Schedule
Telephone Contact. General unscheduled contact. Each parent shall have reasonable telephone contact with the children when the children are in the care of the other parent. “Reasonable” shall include during the children’s regular waking hours and shall NOT include an excessive number of calls each day. Telephone calls between the children and a parent shall…
Read MoreTop Legal Reasons for Divorce in Arizona
Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to provide, or prove, grounds for divorce. The Court does need to determine that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and that there is no realistic chance of resolving irreconcilable differences. It can be as simple as one party citing incompatibility and no longer…
Read MoreCan a Trial Separation Save Your Marriage?
It’s a question many married couples with marital problems wonder: will a trial separation work and give them time to assess their marriage and possibly save it? Historically and statistically, the answer is no. During the 2010s, up to 80% of separated couples ended up divorcing. However, divorce rates are actually falling, and people aren’t…
Read MoreDivorce Advice for Men
Ending a marriage is a major life event that can undo even the strongest of men. Regardless of gender or which partner initiated the separation, divorce is challenging and takes most people some time to recover from and rebuild their lives. Post-divorce, both men and women have a hard time adapting to a new life,…
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