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Our Office

Practice Areas Overview

From their Tucson office, the attorneys at Pahl & Associates help individuals and families throughout Southern and Southeastern Arizona, with a wide variety of family law issues, including:

Divorce

Arizona is a no-fault state, meaning that in a divorce, one party does not have to prove fault or blame on the other party.  Rather, a dissolution of marriage can be granted on the basis that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."  Grounds for a divorce must be pled and proven only if the parties had entered into a "covenant marriage," which provides a higher standard for dissolution.

The residency requirement in Arizona mandates that at least one spouse be a resident of the state for a minimum of 90 days before one may file for a divorce.  After the process has begun, a divorce cannot be granted in less than 60 days from the date the petition is served on the other spouse.  This process can take considerably longer if there are complex issues of child Legal Decision Making or support, property division, or spousal maintenance to resolve.

If the parties cannot come to an agreement between themselves on how to resolve the issues in the divorce, the final determination will be made by the judge following a trial.  Our office can help you in resolving all the issues in your case, from the equal distribution of marital property to the calculation of child support.

  • Legal Decision Making
  • Visitation / Parenting Time
  • In Loco Parentis
  • Child Support
  • Spousal Maintenance / Alimony
  • Property Settlement

Legal Separation

Sometimes, spouses may desire to live apart yet remain married for religious, financial, or other reasons.  A legal separation can provide definite boundaries for the parties to live as though divorced, yet without the finality of a divorce, leaving open the possibility of a reconciliation.  Another reason to seek a legal separation is when neither party meets the 90-day residency requirement to file for a divorce.  A separation agreement can address all the issues of a divorce, and its terms are given effect by an enforceable judicial decree. 

  • Legal Decision Making
  • Visitation / Parenting Time
  • In Loco Parentis
  • Child Support
  • Spousal Maintenance / Alimony
  • Property Settlement

Paternity

If the child's parentage was never established, this issue often surfaces during a divorce proceeding.  Only a legal father has a right to Legal Decision Making and visitation, and only a legal father has a responsibility to financially support his child.  The court may order genetic testing in a proceeding to establish or challenge paternity.

  • Legal Decision Making
  • Visitation / Parenting Time
  • In Loco Parentis
  • Child Support

Post Decree

The issuance of a decree is not always the last word in a divorce.  Legal Decision Making and support orders can be modified upon a showing of changed circumstances, such as a change in either party's income or the needs of the child, or one party's desire to relocate.  Also, failure to pay support or otherwise follow court orders can lead to enforcement actions, including proceedings for contempt of court.  We help our clients through any of these eventualities.

  • Contempt for Failure to Follow Court Orders
  • Modifications of Legal Decision Making
  • Modifications of Visitation / Parenting Time
  • Modifications of Child Support
  • Modifications of Spousal Maintenance / Alimony
  • Relocation

Termination of Parental Rights

A stepparent adoption may sometimes be the best move for all family members, but it may necessarily involve the termination of another's parental rights.  Unless the other parent agrees, this can only be accomplished upon proof of factors such as abuse, neglect, unfitness or abandonment, or a paternity proceeding establishing parental rights in another.  Whether seeking to terminate another's rights, or fighting to save your own, you will likely need the assistance of an aggressive, experienced family law attorney who understands what is at stake and will fight for the best interests of the child and all family members involved.

Grandparents' Rights

The court can grant reasonable visitation rights to grandparents if it is in the best interests of the child, in the event that the child was born out of wedlock, if the marriage of the parents has been dissolved for at least three months, or if one of the parents has been deceased or missing for at least three months.  Great-grandparents may also be granted visitation rights under similar circumstances.

Other Legal Matters

A divorce is a life-changing event, and as a consequence other legal matters may need to be attended to in order to reflect that change.  For instance, your wishes for the distribution of your estate may have changed, but just as importantly, you will want to take measures to make sure you are taken care of in the event of physical or mental incapacity which renders you incapable of making or communicating decisions regarding your financial affairs and medical care. 

Our firm is experienced in preparing the proper documents and handling all the relevant matters to make sure your interests are protected in this area, including:

  • Simple Wills
  • Living Wills / Healthcare Powers of Attorney
  • General Durable Powers of Attorney

If you are contemplating a divorce or separation, the law office of Pahl & Associates can represent you in all your family law needs.  Call (520) 628-1111 to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers.