Legal Blog Articles & Helpful Information
Adjusting Child Support Payments for Inflation and Cost of Living in Arizona
When parents go through a divorce or legal separation in Arizona, child support orders are often a key part of the final judgment. But what happens when the cost of living goes up? Gas, groceries, rent, and child care are all more expensive than they were just a few years ago. If child support amounts stay the same over time, the paying parent may struggle to afford it—or the receiving parent may not be able to meet the child’s needs.
What Rights Do Siblings Have in Arizona Child Custody Cases?
When families separate, it’s not just the parents and children whose lives change—siblings often feel the impact too. In many Arizona child custody cases, a common question arises: do siblings have legal rights to remain together, and can a judge separate them? Arizona law focuses heavily on the “best interests of the child,” and this includes maintaining healthy sibling relationships when possible. However, the courts also look at each child individually, especially if their circumstances, ages, or parental attachments differ.
Arizona Income Withholding Order for Independent Contractors (Garnished Wages)
Income withholding orders (IWOs) are a cornerstone of Arizona’s child support and spousal maintenance system. Yet many business owners pause when the person named in the order is not an employee but a 1099 contractor. Does that difference change your duty to withhold? This article answers that question and explains the steps Arizona companies must take to stay on the right side of the law.
Can Other Relatives Obtain Child Custody in Arizona?
When most people hear “child custody,” they picture a custody case involving a biological parent. But in the state of Arizona, the law recognizes that sometimes other relatives may be better suited to care for a child. When a parent cannot provide proper care, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or another relative may petition the court to obtain custody of a child.
Aggravated Identity Theft Charges: Understanding ARS 13-2009
If you or a loved one is facing charges under ARS §13-2009, you could be looking at a felony conviction, mandatory prison time, and long-term consequences to your personal and professional life. Understanding how these charges are filed, what the state must prove, and the penalties involved is essential to building a strong defense. The good news is, with the right legal strategy and early intervention, you can fight back.
Felony Interference with Judicial Proceedings: ARS 13-2810
When someone is charged with interference with judicial proceedings in Arizona, they often have no idea how serious the consequences can become—especially when the charge is filed as a felony. These cases typically involve allegations of violating a court order, refusing to comply with a legal subpoena, or disrupting courtroom activities. What may begin as a simple misunderstanding can quickly escalate into a criminal offense under Arizona law, particularly if the court believes the interference was deliberate and part of a larger criminal matter.
Can an Unmarried Parent Move Out of State with a Child?
Raising a child as an unmarried parent comes with unique legal and practical challenges—especially when one parent considers relocating out of Arizona. While a move might be necessary for a new job, family support, or better living conditions, it can also dramatically affect parenting time and the other parent’s rights. Because Arizona law prioritizes the best interests of the child and both parents’ involvement, relocating without the court’s permission could have serious legal consequences.
Reproductive Rights in Divorce: Frozen Embryos
This article is designed to help you understand how Arizona law approaches frozen embryo disputes during divorce. We’ll break down the most relevant statutes, explain how courts typically rule on these cases, and explore what factors may influence the final decision. We’ll also discuss how CHM Law can protect your rights, whether you’re hoping to preserve the embryos for future use or seeking to prevent parenthood after divorce.
The Role of Guardian ad Litem in Arizona Family Law Cases
Understanding what a Guardian ad Litem does and how their involvement can affect your case is important for any parent going through issues in the family court system. Whether you’re going through a contested divorce, a child custody modification, or a dependency case, the presence of a GAL can influence major decisions. This article breaks down what parents need to know about a Guardian ad Litem appointed by the court in Arizona family law matters.
How a DUI Conviction Can Impact Your Custody Case in Arizona Family Court
Whether your DUI happened years ago or during the middle of a contested divorce, it’s important to understand how Arizona courts are likely to interpret it. Will a single DUI automatically mean you lose custody? Not necessarily. But if the court sees a pattern of unsafe choices, or if the DUI involved your child or excessive impairment, it could significantly affect your parenting time or decision-making rights. In this article, we’ll walk through how family courts evaluate DUI convictions, what the Arizona statutes say, and what actions you can take to protect your parental rights. You’ll also learn how the attorneys at Colburn Hintze Maletta (CHM Law) can help you manage both your family law and criminal defense matters with a strategic, coordinated approach.