Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Felony A felony is a serious criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
- Fiduciary A person or company that has contractually agreed, or a court has appointed, to manage the money or property of another. For example, a trustee or an executor of an estate.
- Fiduciary Duty A legal obligation that requires a party to act in the best interest of another party. For example, a trustee has a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of a trust.
- Filing Fee The predetermined fee courts require for filing various documents with the court.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“He was professional, knowledgeable, understanding and very patient”
Darin has been great!!! I unfortunately, had a very long and complicated divorce because of the circumstances involved. He was professional, knowledgeable, understanding and very patient. I would highly recommend him for any legal services he can provide.
Ann Gaston- Google Review

“She helped me with everything I needed”
The experience I had with this law firm was exceptional. Juanita Pena helped me with everything I needed and any questions I had
Kasey - Google Review

“His expertise was what made this a smooth ride”
My experience at CHM was the best yet, Darin was an excellent help to my messy custody case from start to finish. His ability to convey complex legal matters in a clear and compassionate manner. His expertise was what made this a smooth ride. I highly recommend CHM to anyone seeking any type of legal assistance.
Annabel Pacheco- Google Review

“I highly recommend her”
I just want to share my extraordinary experience with Juanita . Very grateful they took care of my request in a timely manner very quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend her.
Karina Armendariz - Google Review

“I quietly thank him every day for the skills he brought to the table in dominating and winning my case”
There are times in life when it really matters to hire the BEST, and when I found myself in one of those critical situations, I relied on David Maletta to get the job done. From the moment I hired David, I knew I had made the right decision, and he performed at the highest level to protect and protect me from the legal problems I faced. I cannot say enough about the professional top-level service I received, and I quietly thank David Maletta every day for the skills he brought to the table in dominating and winning my case. When the outcome is important, do not pick a lawyer out of the phone book, -go straight to David Maletta and hire him, -HIRE THE BEST!
David - Avvo Review

“He was very thorough and professional all the way through”
Dave Maletta Attorney represented me in a legal matter and he did an excellent job. He was very thorough and professional all the way through. I would highly recommend his services and his firm. He and his firm did an excellent job apprising me every step of the way about what to do what to expect and the legal process. I very much appreciate his help and I would recommend his services and his firm very strongly as I feel I received a high value for the legal services I requested.
Roger Donohue - Google Review

“I could not have ask for a better person to be in our life. We are so thankful”
David and his firm have gone above and beyond for my family. We hired him for two different cases in which we were extremely worried about. David stayed on top of every detail. He updated us almost weekly sometimes even multiple times. In the mist of working with David, I had a baby and am pregnant with another. I had a great deal of stress that was able to be taken off me and baby due to David’s hard work. He worked with his financially and also became a great friend. I could not have ask for a better person to be in our life. We are so thankful for David.
Brooke & Duran - Avvo Review

“He treated us as individuals with unique circumstances and emotions”
I had an incredibly positive experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta’s firm, especially thanks to attorney Henry Álzate. He played a crucial role in guiding my mother’s case, especially regarding financial support after her unexpected divorce. Henry demonstrated a profound commitment, ensuring to pursue of the best possible outcome with dedication and empathy. One of Henry’s standout qualities is his genuine care for individuals. Despite my mother’s language barrier, Henry facilitated communication, ensuring she comprehended every step of the legal process. This made a significant difference in our comfort and understanding throughout the case. His ability to convey complex legal matters in a clear and compassionate manner is truly admirable. Throughout our interactions, Henry’s charisma and warmth made us feel valued beyond just being clients; he treated us as individuals with unique circumstances and emotions. His support and determination to achieve favorable results for my mother were evident from start to finish. I highly recommend Henry Álzate and the Colburn Hintze Maletta firm for anyone seeking legal assistance, especially in family law matters. Henry’s professionalism, empathy, and dedication are exemplary, ensuring that clients receive not only exceptional legal representation but also genuine support during challenging times.
Yajaira Magana - Google Review

“She’s provided me with the best experience”
Juanita was outstanding throughout my whole process. She’s provided me with the best experience I could possibly have through the toughest times of my life. Her team is exceptional as well as very knowledgeable and caring firm!
Danelly Aleman- Google Review

“Nothing but good things to say about my experience.”
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience working with David Maletta. I was in a very high-stress situation facing a pending DUI charge. He doesn’t know this, but I actually interviewed 5 potential lawyers, and he was the most optimistic of all of them. He took over and handled everything, and now I don’t have to live with a DUI. Thank you so much for everything! Highly recommend them to anyone looking for legal help.
Lauren Koontz - Google Review

“They are truly the best in the business!”
Colburn Hintze Maletta is an absolute game-changer! Their expertise in both family and criminal law is unparalleled. From the moment I stepped into their office, I felt heard, understood, and confident in their abilities. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. They went above and beyond to guide me through a complex legal process, providing clear explanations and unwavering support. I wholeheartedly recommend Colburn Hintze Maletta to anyone facing legal challenges. They are truly the best in the business!
Alex Morales - Google Review

“From start to finish the process was seamless and exceeded our expectations!”
Darrin Colburn represented my brother-in-law in a divorce case. He could not have been happier with the support and result achieved. From start to finish the process was seamless and exceeded his expectations.
Marc Bauman- Google Review

“Their expertise in family law is unparalleled”
Their expertise in family law is unparalleled. They provided clear explanations of legal processes, patiently answered all my questions, and always kept me informed about the progress of my case. What stood out the most was their genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me and my family.
Carlos Razo - Google Review

“Forever grateful I chose this practice for my representation”
David Maletta is nothing short of a miracle worker. While I don’t believe anyone looks forward to hiring an attorney, David makes the legal process as stress free as it can be and does not give up until you obtain the outcome he is working towards. Forever grateful I chose this practice for my representation.
Michelle DeDora- Google Review

“We would highly recommend him to any prospective client”
Mr. Hintze was exceptionally thorough in explaining the law, our options with our case, what to expect, and how the Court would proceed. His skill in presenting arguments at trial was exceptionally precise and detailed. He did not hesitate to defend and argue when necessary to protect his client, which we feel contributed to our win at trial. We would highly recommend him to any prospective client.
Lisa - Avvo Review

“She is the best and I could not have gotten through without her”
I cannot recommend Lauren Bostick and her team enough!!! She is a consummate professional and will work harder than anyone to ensure you achieve your goals through the process. It is truly rare to find a lawyer who is not only highly skilled in the field of law in every sense of the word, but also one who cares about the whole person. She is the best and I could not have gotten through without her.
Anna Mudroch- Google Review

“Great service thank you”
CHM is amazing they are great people they helped me with my worries about my case and also they treated me like family from the start and they got great service thank you, guys.
Ulises Mendoza - Google Review

“They displayed unparalleled professionalism and expertise throughout my legal matter.”
I had a fantastic experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC. Their team of attorneys displayed unparalleled professionalism and expertise throughout my legal matter. They were responsive, thorough, and strategic, ensuring I was informed and confident every step of the way. I highly recommend their services for anyone looking for reliable and effective legal representation.
Kai Cenat - Google Review

“He is awesome and I do not regret choosing him”
I was very worried after I got pulled over and charged with DUI for impairment by drugs, but, David Maletta had my case completely dismissed. Tempe (and AZ) in general are very harsh with DUI cases but I sat back while Mr. Maletta reviewed the case. I did not think it was winnable due to the circumstances but I got a phone call that the case was thrown out. I would highly recommend David Maletta to anyone seeking a DUI lawyer, he carefully examined all evidence including bodycams and interviewing the arresting officer. Needless to say, he is awesome and I do not regret choosing him.
Brandon - Avvo Review

” I’m really happy with the customer service”
Not only was this experience the best experience I could have asked for while going through one of the toughest times of my life, but the peace and ease that was reassured me throughout the challenging time of my divorce. I can reassure you this is by far the best option not the only option if you want a hard-fighting, honest, dependable, and welcoming firm to represent you!!