Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions
- Joint and several liability When multiple parties are found liable for an injury and either of them can be held liable to pay the total amount of damages if the other liable party cannot afford to pay.
- Joint Legal Decision Making When neither parent has superior decision-making authority except for things specifically identified by the court or the parents in the final judgment.
- Judge A government official appointed to regulate legal proceedings and decide lawsuits brought before the court.
- Judgment The final determination by the court of each parties’ respective rights and obligations to the other.
- Jurisdiction The geographic area or type of case a court has authority to hear and decide a case on. For example, a bankruptcy case can only be heard in federal bankruptcy court. If a case meets certain criteria, then it can be heard in both state and federal courts. The party initiating the action(...)
- Jury A group of six to twelve people, unless otherwise agreed to, that is sworn to hear and determine the outcome of a case after hearing both sides’ arguments.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“He was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel!”
If I could give 100 stars I would. Henry is the best family lawyer around! He fought for me with everything he had and above all with compassion. My child support case has been lingering for almost 3 decades and Henry Alzate managed to get it dismissed and get justice. I highly recommend Henry when you feel there is no hope! He was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel! Bravo my friend! You are my hero!
Bill Asimakis - Google Review

“Thankful for the excellent service he provide”
Dave stayed with me while he pushed back and forth with Covid-19 and the delays with the court. Once cited, the state basically decides that your guilty through the automatic suspension of your drivers license. Dave immediately took care of that problem and I never lost the privilege of driving. Dave took notes like crazy and was upfront about our uphill battle. I was also well aware that the plea deal that was given to us, was unacceptable and through Dave’s knowledge and experience I had put my trust in him to guide me to make the right decision on how to proceed. With Daves guidance I had decided that we needed to fight for something better than what the prosecutor was offering and Dave was 100 percent behind me on that decision. We knew the risks, be we also knew we had very little to lose based on the prosecutions stance. We decided to go to trial. I knew and felt that it was a long shot based on some of the information in the police report, but I also knew that it was not true. We met previous to the trial so I could better understand what the process is once we get into the court room. Dave answered may questions and spent a lot of time with me trying to be sure I understood things and what time I needed to be there and what would happen once we got there. We worked together on jury selection on the day of trial and we began the case. Watching the prosecution and then watching Dave was night and day!! Dave brought the case to life, Dave grabbed the attention of the jury, Dave had me staring, listening, watching and not missing a beat when he went to fight for me, his client. He went through his notes through the 2 days of trial and his big book. It was clear that he was completely familiar with the facts of the case, the facts on the incident and the responsibility of the prosecution in areas that they weren’t competent. Dave took steps throughout the 2 days that sometimes had me concerned, but his experience calmed me down, once he educated me on this. It was clear to the jury that we working as team. It was clear to the jury that the prosecution didn’t have their facts straight and were not addressing the facts that they could not address. I was nervous to say the least. There was a lot at stake for my personal life and my work life. I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me. I was not only found not guilty, I was found not guilty on 2 counts. I owe this to Dave to truly bring the facts forward, make the arguments, show his passion and his knowledge of the facts and convince the jury that they had reasonable doubt and could not find me guilty. Dave has some fire in him that will come out in trial and it’s rare to have someone with enough personality to relate to the jury and to his client. I am so thankful that I had Dave Maletta as my attorney. It has taken me over a week to finally let it all soak in after 2 1/2 years of stress.
Gregory - Avvo Review
“I’m Very grateful for the wonderful Service “
Very grateful they took care of my request in a timely manner very quickly and efficiently.I would recommend anyone needing family attorney assistance.
BRE - Google Review

“He is professional, knowledgeable, and kind”
I am so grateful for the support I received from Tim when I needed it the most. He is professional, knowledgeable, and kind. I felt so much better knowing he was in my corner and fighting for the best possible outcome. He prepared for every scenario and made sure I was protected. I highly recommend this firm.
Audra Johnson - Google Review

“They took care of me every step of the way.”
CHM really came through for me when I needed it most, they took care of me every step of the way. Jessica Hernandez was amazing, highly recommend using them for your car accident needs.
Marcos Cabanas - Google Review
“Their professionalism and dedication were evident in every interaction”
I had an outstanding experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC. Their team provided expert legal guidance and support throughout my case. They were responsive, thorough, and always kept me informed. Their professionalism and dedication were evident in every interaction, and they navigated the complexities of my situation with skill and efficiency. I am grateful for their expertise and highly recommend Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC to anyone in need of reliable and effective legal representation.
Devin Farias - Google Review

“Tim was absolutely amazing and worked diligently”
I had an incident and was given the catch-all charge. There wasn’t really anything I could do by myself to get out of it. Tim was absolutely amazing and worked diligently to ensure that I would have the best possible outcome from my case. Which he successfully achieved! As of right now, I am on the path to having my case fully dismissed. A couple of things that really helped me through this process was that Tim did an amazing job at answering my questions. He was available almost anytime and would respond promptly when he got my emails. He was also very approachable and comforting to be around while we had in person meetings and especially when I was at the court house. I would trust him and the company he works for with any other cases in the future, and as of right now, they will be my first choice if I need a lawyer in the future.
Dylan - AVVO Review

“There is NOBODY I would rather have defending me than David”
I hired David Maletta and it was the best decision of my life. His knowledge, genuine interest, overall attitude, and ability to connect with people is incomparable. I could talk about all of this at length. I COULD do all of that, but that wouldn’t do David justice. He first and foremost demonstrates his interest and genuine care for his client. Being in uncharted territory with a criminal charge and nowhere to turn, David’s presence and personality put all nerves at ease. I went through a jury trial with David beside me. The trial ran for 3 days and I spent a significant amount of time with David one-on-one. During this stressful time, he wanted to hear my input and thoughts on everything. David was incredible from the first day I met him. Not only is he a great attorney, but he is also a great person who cares about people and finding justice for his clients. He connects to the human side of people. I can’t put into words how much David cares about the individual in a case. When it comes to the courtroom, there is NOBODY I would rather have defending me than David.
Jacob - AVVO Review

“He was excellent, Worth Hiring for “
David was excellent at keeping me informed along the route, responding to all of my inquiries and questions, reassuring me that everything was proceeding as planned, and he established reasonable expectations. The conclusion pleased me.
Martin - Avvo Review

“Not all heroes wear capes!”
Going through a divorce was one of the most stressful times in my life. I was scared, feeling cornered, and in a financial pickle. Darin and his team made everything super easy and manageable. He listened, validated, and gave valuable feedback on each line item. I was very thorough in my search for an attorney since my case involved some complications. My divorce ended up being contested and then appealed. We went to court several times and Darin shined every time! For the amount of work he put in he was very reasonably priced! I spoke to many attorneys, have friends who are attorneys, and even worked with one prior to finding him, that’s how I know Darin is a gem! Hire him! Not all heroes wear capes!
Karen - Avvo Review
“Outstanding Family Law Attorney Office”
Outstanding Family Law Attorney Office the team provided exceptional service during a difficult time. Their professionalism, empathy, and expertise in family law were evident from start to finish. They were always responsive and offered clear, practical advice that made navigating my case much easier. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of a trustworthy and skilled family law attorney.
Lisa Carranza - Google Review

“I felt comfortable working with him”
Tim was fantastic! He answered all of my questions and provided a thorough outline for the next step. I felt comfortable working with him. Highly recommend contacting Tim for anyone looking to adopt!
Jasmine Shambo - Google Review
“They are excellent lawyers”
For me, they are excellent lawyers since in my family case they gave me exceptional service by winning custody of my daughter in my family case since I had almost everything lost, that is why I highly recommend them, thank you
Marcos Cabanas - Google Review

“They were both very professional and helped me through the whole legal process”
I had a great experience working with attorneys Alysa and Kimberly. They were both very professional and helped me through the whole legal process. Making it as easy as possible for me even while I was out of state they represented me and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. They also made me part of the team they didn’t just treat me like a client they took my input and really listened to everything I said. They were awesome and I will continue to recommend them and their office to anyone. If you need someone in your corner definitely reach out to them!
Dyllan Burton - Google Review

“She was a ray of light for me and my children when all hope appeared infeasible”
I appreciate Attorney Lauren Bostick because of all she did for my family, and words cannot describe the joy I feel making a decision to have her as my attorney. She was a ray of light for me and my children when all hope appeared infeasible. She was available to walk me through and was very kind to help with my questions. Thanks a lot from the deepest part of my heart for all you have done for me and my family and may God bless you. My children and I are eternally grateful and strongly recommend Attorney Lauren Bostick.
Nuli G - Google Review

“He handled my contested divorce with such professionalism and skills”
I was lucky to work with Attorney Tim Hintze on my family law matter, and I can’t thank him enough for the help he provided. He handled my contested divorce with such professionalism and skill, which really put my mind at ease. His guidance throughout the legal process was incredibly valuable, and he made sure to take care of every little detail in the court orders. Having Attorney Hintze by my side gave me so much peace of mind. He really listened to my concerns and offered thoughtful solutions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Attorney Hintze to anyone dealing with legal challenges, and I will always appreciate his support.
Ezequiel Magana- Google Review

“He made everything so easy and smooth”
I worked with Henry Alzate he was so helpful with my case, made everything so easy and smooth. Was very knowledgeable on what steps I needed to take to get my case transferred from the state of Arizona to Texas. Would recommend him 100 times over to anyone needing help!
Crystal Cox - Google Review

“Extremely professional compassionate and knowledgeable.”
David has been extremely professional compassionate and knowledgeable. He exhibited immediate and genuine concern for securing the most favorable outcome I could get. I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you
Jerry - Avvo Review

“I appreciate everything more than they will ever know”
Both my attorney Judie Rettelle and paralegal Whitney Stricker made a very difficult situation in my life (a divorce with 2 young children involved) a bit easier with first and foremost, their kindness to me and patience with me. I appreciate everything more than they will ever know. They were also extremely knowledgeable on all fronts and extremely prompt and detailed with their communication. I function the same way, so that really helped a lot. Thank you both again for everything. No one wants to have to go through a divorce, but if it happens, you need someone you can trust and count on – CHM and Judie/Whitney specifically – are those people.
Jennifer kelley - Google Review

“A lawyer you could have who is the gold standard professional”
Judie Rettelle is a life saver! She’s helped me through navigating family law from court procedures, communication and how to handle difficult situations throughout. She is the most shooting, bulldog of a lawyer you could have who is the gold standard professional, the most knowledgeable and well-rounded lawyer you could have and the best! CHM law as a whole are worth every penny you spend from the paralegals(Whittney you’re amazing) to the courtesy calls and how they manage an already nerve wracking and stressful need to helping you through it all. Truly a law firm worth going back to time and time again!
