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 demonstrates a high level of confidence through his genuine attempt to do what is best for his client.”
To put my trust in someone to protect and defend me, who I never knew, was a tremendous leap to take. From the beginning of our interaction and throughout this process, Tim demonstrated credibility. He is methodical: and follows through on his initial commitment to turn over every stone. He is systematic: he plans and organizes his strategy, by not only following the rule of law but keeping me informed on outcomes and next steps in the process while providing objective, realistic advice. He is strategic: he directs his interrogations and arguments by reviewing data, and preparing for and adapting to circumstances within the trial. He demonstrates a high level of confidence through his genuine attempt to do what is best for his client.
Diane - Avvo Review

“I Can’t express my gratitude enough and how happy I am with his representation”
Complete stud! Can’t express my gratitude enough and how happy I am with Timothy’s representation. Most say to strike when the iron is hot, but Timothy knew how to play it smoothly, held back his cards, and showed them at the right time. Timothy is your man if you want REAL representation and someone who cares about their clients. He is upfront and walks you through the whole process. It takes time to explain what you’re up against and tells you what could be the outcome both ways. He was able to get my EXTREME DUI along with many other charges dropped down to reckless driving with NO JAIL TIME!!!! Huge victory when the prosecutor wouldn’t budge! I hope to never be in trouble again but if I am Timothy is my man!
Robert - Avvo 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

“The process was smooth thank you”
Great law firm, don’t hesitate to come here, you feel safe, heard, and smoothly got divorced through them. The process was smooth thank you, Colburn Hintze Maletta!
Briana Ketzaly Christiansen - Google Review

“He is a wonderful lawyer”
David Maletta is a wonderful lawyer. He really went the whole nine yards for my daughter in what could have been a bad situation. I would highly recommend his office for legal representation.
Donna Carolina - Google Review

“He was extremely professional, thorough, and just genuinely outstanding”
Approximately six months ago, I was charged with disorderly conduct and was an anxious wreck about the entire situation (as I had never been in trouble with the law before). Throughout the entire process, my attorney, Kyle Castillo was extremely professional, thorough, and just genuinely outstanding. Kyle helped ease my anxiety and reassured me that they had my back. I would 100% recommend CHM Law!!!
Brittany martin - Google Review

“He is a very fine, experienced, and capable defense attorney”
David Maletta is a very fine, experienced, and capable defense attorney. He successfully defended 2 members of our family in the last 2 years, with very favorable outcomes. He is an excellent communicator who pays attention to detail and explains things well. Despite being a tough adversary in court, he is a kind and caring human being. We highly recommend him.
Stan- Avvo 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!
Brad Bryson - Google Review

“I Highly recommend him for those who need a great attorney “
Darin has been my attorney on a few different matters, over the past five years. He has become like family, as we have communicated he has been known to phone me on his way home, or on the weekend if something comes up. I have always valued Darin for his attention to detail, kindness, and passion for doing “what is right”. I would call Darin time and time again should I need his services. Thank you, Darin, for all you do – I appreciate you!
Karen - Avvo Review

“She’s smart, driven, and supportive”
I highly recommend this law firm to anyone going through a family law case. They are awesome. Lauren Bostick was my attorney and she knows how to bring her A-game. She’s smart, driven, and supportive. Even after my case was finalized she has still answered questions for me and has stayed in communication to ensure that all is well. If you hire this firm I hope she is assigned to your case – but you can feel confident with any of the attorneys here. However, Lauren would be who I ask for if I need them again. Thank you Lauren for your support and help through all of my dramatic twists and turns of my case! You did an awesome job!!!!
Jeremy Chinavare - Google Review

“She was very helpful”
Juanita Pena was very helpful in answering questions regarding family law. She clarified any concerns we had in a cordial manner.
Juanita Soto - Google Review

“She is a fantastic attorney”
Lauren, is a fantastic attorney and understands the judges quirks and perspectives very well. She is great at communicating with you the expectations and ground work that you will need prior to going to court in order to assist in helping you win your case. The tips and advice she gave me proved to be paramount in setting up my custody battle case to show trends and disprove the oppositions arguments prior to going in front of a judge. Lauren has an excellent team of paralegal that understand her expectations for preparing for court and they work around the clock to ensure that you feel comfortable with the materials and game plan strategy. During some financial hardships that I experienced last year due to a layoff, not only did Lauren and CHM allow me to go on a payment plan but Lauren personally reached out to her personal network to help me find employment. That was a WOW factor, because it showed me that I am valued as a client but more importantly she believed in my cause and valued me as a person. I have kept Lauren services since 2022 following her as she switched law firms and will continue to use her and her team as needed for any other family law issues. She is deeply valued and appreciated in my family making the family Christmas card mailing list.
Anthony Gregory- Google Review

“I will, without hesitation, seek his counsel in the future if there is ever a need”
In a time of panic, Mr. Hintze proved to be invaluable I recently was denied a level one fingerprint clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a result of a misdemeanor charge that occurred 16 years ago in my youth. This fingerprint card was the only thing standing between me and my ability to attend Arizona State University’s Edison College of Nursing. When I explained the details of my denial he immediately devised and executed a plan that ultimately resulted in me being awarded my fingerprint clearance card. Mr. Hintze’s confidence and steady demeaner brought a sense of relief to me, as I knew from the first conversation we had that his steadfast ability to navigate toward a productive resolution would be instrumental in my success. I appreciate Mr. Hintze beyond words and I will, without hesitation, seek his counsel in the future if there is ever a need.
Amanda - Avvo Review

“She is truly a phenomenal attorney”
Lauren handled my family law case. She is truly a phenomenal attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable about all laws. She is attentive and never missed a single detail. While working on my case, she was thorough and always kept in contact with me to keep me informed on the status of my case. She ensured our safety and achieved the absolute best possible outcome for my case. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone seeking a family law attorney. Lauren has the utmost integrity and she is a true asset to her profession.
Taylor fava- Google Review

“The amount of devotion they showed to my case and my situation was amazing”
Words cannot express how thankful and pleased I am with this firm and the professionals they have on staff here. I had the fortune to work with Donald D Colburn Esq, Henry Alzate Esq, and Kimberly Sisk. The amount of devotion they showed to my case and my situation was amazing. My case was very very complicated with a lot of moving parts that were about the Jurisdiction of a Custody battle for my two infant boys. Throughout the case it was clear to me that they were every bit as invested in my case as I was. They were relentless in their pursuit to get the proper venue for the case and were thorough in the preparation of every aspect of the case. This was most impressive especially because of the speed in which events proceeded. Everyone dedicated so much time and effort even working late and through weekends. They worked with me and kept me well informed and explained every aspect and step I did not understand even while I was on the other side of the country. I feel absolutely blessed to have gotten them as my council and would recommend them VEHEMENTLY. They are POTENT firm full of great council and teamwork that you can trust and rely on when you’re fighting for what’s most important to you. Though I hope to never have need of council again I can say with certainty that if I do, I will only call CHM LAW.
Jesse Latourneau - Google Review

“A true ally and an amazing attorney!”
Jessica Hernandez was awesome! Organized, prompt, and fought for us the whole way! A true ally and an amazing attorney! So happy we chose her to win our case! The entire office was great!!
Jennifer Wilson- Google Review

“They were exceptional from start to finish”
My experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta was exceptional from start to finish. They were very attentive to my concerns and questions. They took the time to explain the legal process clearly and kept me informed at every step. Their professionalism and commitment to achieving the best outcome for me was evident throughout the entire process. I highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking reliable and effective legal representation.
Chimal Lopez - Google Review

“He helped me win a case that was not in my favor”
David was an amazing attorney when I needed someone to defend me with my speeding ticket. He helped me win a case that was not in my favor. He knows what he’s doing and takes his time with each case. He is so experienced and could probably help with just about any issue. 10/10 Recommend
Afton Maxner - Google Review

“Their dedication and expertise ensured a favorable outcome”
I highly recommend this team for their exceptional professionalism and compassionate approach. They guided us through a challenging time with clear communication and unwavering support, making the process much easier for our family. Their dedication and expertise ensured a favorable outcome, and we are truly grateful for their outstanding service.
Armando Diaz - Google Review

“Super responsive, fun to work with, and knowledgeable”
Lauren and David are simply the best attorneys in Phoenix. Super responsive, fun to work with, and knowledgeable. Consummate professionals.