Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Law clerk (staff attorney) An attorney that assists judges with researching case law and writing opinions for cases.
- Legal aid Organizations that may provide legal services to people or businesses which are unable to afford an attorney otherwise.
- Litigation The judicial process of bringing a lawsuit in a court of justice for the purpose of enforcing a right or a law.
- Living will A written legal document that instructs others how a person wants certain medical treatments handled if they ever lose consciousness, are disabled to the point where they cannot make the decision themselves, or end up on life-support.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“She’s very helpful and treated me with respect”
I would highly recommend Juanita. She helped me understand what was happening at all times. very helpful and treated me with respect.
Mary B - Google Review

“They had very clear understanding with great patience”
I love the customer service. They really take their time to provide knowledge and a very clear understanding with great patience.
Monica Scott - Google 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

“They were very professional”
I had a great experience with this law firm, they were very professional from the first touch to the resolution of my case, and fully recommended.
Eduardo Domínguez - Google Review

“He is truly the best”
I was new to AZ, and Scottsdale, when I was driving to the airport to pick up a friend coming to visit for the weekend. I was pulled over for a very minor traffic violation, which turned into a very surprising DUI arrest. I have only had one speeding ticket ever in my life, and I’ve never driven drunk before. I was confused how any of this had happened. Of course, as someone who doesn’t have any law issues, I wanted to have the best in my case. Luckily, I found Tim who truly is the best. I asked him many questions throughout our time working together and was very uneasy about the entire situation. He answered my questions and remained calm throughout the months it took to go to court. I was found not guilty of the DUI charges, and it was all thanks to Tim. I couldn’t recommend him high enough, he handled everything perfectly.
Megan - Avvo Review

“They handled my case very well”
I had a very great experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC, they handled my case very well and the process was smooth. definitely will be recommending it!
Ezrah Laina - Google 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

“He is a very impressive man! He was outstanding throughout the entire process”
David Maletta representing me made me very delighted. He is a very impressive man! He was outstanding throughout the entire process. Superbly cordial and expert. Having him on my side made all the difference in the world. I couldn’t have imagined a better result. I advise him to everyone who is facing legal difficulties. I appreciate all of your effort.
Audy - Avvo Review

“The calm in the middle of my storm…”
I recently consulted with Darin after my wife filed for divorce. He was referred to me by a friend whom I very much trust. Darin was the antithesis of the first two attorneys I consulted (who were matter-of-fact and had very little empathy about the fact that I was struggling emotionally with what was transpiring). From the first few minutes of speaking with Darin, it was obvious that he was very knowledgeable and skilled with divorce and family matters. While that was most important to me, the thing that made the difference was his calming, logical, and empathetic approach. He took the time to listen and empathize with me. He took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve through this process and laid out my options. After the consultation, I knew he would be my attorney if I had to pull the trigger. I, ultimately, didn’t have to engage Darin’s services due to a reconciliation with my wife. I hope I never have to go through that process again. However, if I do, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who I will be hiring to represent me…Darin R. Colburn. Darin, thank you for caring and being more than an attorney.
Frank - AVVO Review

“The outcome was what I was hoping for!”
Darin Colburn was wonderful, professional and a wealth of information. He was so helpful along with Whitney his paralegal.. the outcome was what I was hoping for !! Thank you all for everything !! His entire office staff was great!! I am so thankful for all of you!!
Vicki Poutre - Google Review

“Their service was by far the best! Couldn’t be happier”
Their service was by far the best! Couldn’t be happier, This firm had me at ease and with full confidence, took much of stress off. Can’t help to mention but thanks to Juanita for your patience with me.
Hose B - Google Review

“Fantastic customer service”
This place is amazing! They listened to my concerns and needs and had fantastic customer service, they also gave me the best outcome for my case!
Aspen Bailey - Google Review

“He has my respect as an attorney and being a well rounded representer”
I honestly just want to let it be known to any and everyone looking for an attorney on a case. Whether it be Dui, possession, or your every day to day traffic violations where you need representation Tim Hintze is your man. You have to respect a man that listens to every per request that you make on a case and he gets in there and get it done. Tim has my respect as an attorney and being a well rounded representer. From him being honest on the possibility and options for your case to him being easy to work and communicate with via over the phone or face to face Mr. Hintze is working it out.
Ben - Avvo Review

“I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me.”
Dave stayed with me while he pushed back and forth with Covid-19 and the delays with court. Once cited, the state basically decides that you’re 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 Dave’s 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… Watching the prosecution and then watching Dave was night and day!! 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…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.
Gregory - AVVO Review

“He ensured that I could get the best possible outcome for my case”
Tim Hintze was absolutely amazing. He worked diligently, He ensured that I could get the best possible outcome for my case. It’s hard to find good help these days. I really got lucky finding them online
JC Evans - Avvo Review

“The Service they provide is top notch”
I’m Extremely happy with the help I receive from CHM. The Service they provide is top notch. If you’re looking for an attorney I recommend CHM.
James Barajas - Google Review

“Very professional, and efficient and they are always here for you.”
Hands down the absolute best team you will ever work with. Throughout the entire process never had to worry about anything at all. Very professional, and efficient and they are always here for you.
Amina Riley - Google Review

“A job well done, Thank you!!”
I hired Darin after my ex abandoned our marriage. Darin put me in touch with a private investigator to serve papers to my ex that I’d filed seven days after she disappeared. No luck there, the P.I. could not find my ex, so Darin prepared me for a default case. Lo and behold, my ex surfaced and had a process server deliver legal papers to me. I emailed copies of the papers to Darin. We had a meeting where we detailed our response. A dispute resolution conference was set, and Darin gave great advice including a settlement proposal. We met with the opposing parties, my ex had hired a lawyer. The conference was a bust since my ex decided to claim a larger settlement, including personal property?! Darin assured me my ex had no valid claim to my personal property since I had gained them before the marriage. Before the next resolution conference, my ex upped her claim to approximately $1300/month for four years plus money from my personal property. She’d made unfounded allegations against me. I think she thought the allegations would be taken seriously even though there was no evidence to support her allegations. This is why she was asking for so much money and my personal property. She had been here in the U.S.A. for only two years and left two days after the approval of her ten year spousal green card.
An alternate resolution conference was set for April. The opposing council asked for an extension of my settlement proposal for $500 a month for one year and money to pay off the vehicle my ex took when she left. A judge pro tem presided over the alternate resolution conference. He asked questions of Darin, I and the opposing party. The process went well. All the advice given to me by Darin proved invaluable. The judge ended the conference when my ex finally accepted the settlement proposal. At the end I shook Darin’s hand for a job well done.
The process of my divorce took ten months and attorney’s fees but in my opinion was worth it to end a failed marriage.
Keith - Avvo 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

“I cannot speak highly enough of her exceptional legal representation”
I recently had the privilege of working with Attorney Lauren Bostick, and I cannot speak highly enough of her exceptional legal representation. From the outset, Lauren demonstrated a remarkable balance of empathy and assertiveness, which truly set her apart. One of the most impressive aspects of Lauren’s approach was her unwavering empathy. She took the time to truly understand my situation and concerns, ensuring that I felt heard and supported throughout the legal process. Her compassionate demeanor provided much-needed reassurance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. Moreover, Lauren’s assertiveness and tenacity were instrumental in securing a favorable outcome for my case. She navigated the complexities of the legal system with confidence and determination, advocating fiercely on my behalf. Thanks to her diligent efforts, I was able to achieve the custody arrangement I deserved and negotiate a fair settlement. In summary, Attorney Lauren Bostick is a consummate professional who goes above and beyond for her clients. Her combination of empathy and aggressiveness makes her a force to be reckoned with in the legal field. I am immensely grateful for her expertise and support, and I would highly recommend her services to anyone in need of legal representation.