Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Negligence Failure to act in a way that a reasonable and prudent person would under similar circumstances.
- No-fault Divorce Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, meaning parties can get a divorce regardless of the cause and without fault assigned to either party.
- Nolo Contendere A term meaning “no contest.” In a criminal case, it has the same effect as pleading guilty, but is not considered an admission of guilt, rather the defendant does not wish to contest the charges.
- Non-custodial Parent A child’s parent that has no legal custody of them or is not the primary caretaker.
- Notary Public A state authorized person who can administer oaths or certify documents.
- Notice of Appearance A written document filed with the court informing the other parties of their or their lawyers’ involvement in the case.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“She exhibited remarkable attention to detail”
I recently engaged the legal services of Attorney Lauren Bostick to finalize my divorce, and I am compelled to share my experience as it was truly exceptional. Going through a divorce is undoubtedly a challenging and emotionally taxing process, but Lauren navigated me through it with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication. From our initial consultation, it was evident that Lauren possessed a deep understanding of family law and a genuine commitment to helping clients through difficult transitions. Lauren exhibited remarkable attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of my case was thoroughly examined and addressed. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns, patiently answering my questions and providing clear explanations of the legal processes involved. Lauren has the ability to balance assertiveness in negotiations with a sincere desire to achieve a fair and amicable resolution. Furthermore, Lauren demonstrated exceptional professionalism and reliability throughout the entire duration of my case. She was consistently responsive to emails and calls, promptly addressing any new developments or inquiries that arose. This level of accessibility and responsiveness greatly alleviated much of the stress associated with a divorce. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Lauren Bostick to anyone in need of legal representation for divorce proceedings. Her combination of legal expertise, compassion, and dedication truly sets her apart as an outstanding advocate for her clients.
Cathy Miller - Google Review

“He is the best he got all the charges dropped”
I was assaulted by two drunk bigots who threw anti semitic slurs at me outside of my favorite restaurant. Im 5’8 158 pounds the main guy “William” who assaulted me is 6’2 205 pounds and tattooed up but falsely claimed I hit him so hard his face was swollen up to the point where he couldn’t work for a month and was seeking $7348 in damages. A false police report was filed against me and William’s best friend Taylor who also assaulted me corroborated the bs story to the best of his ability. For a while I lost my faith in humanity because I was being charged with assault for self defense by the state of Arizona. Rather than pay off William with a misdemeanor compromise I did something he didn’t expect and hired David. In court David proved to the judge that William and Taylor were lying through cross examination he found four cases where they contradicted each other or changed their stories. David also brought up police body camera footage of a civilian explaining what happened which was a completely different story than what William and Taylor had told police, the look on the prosecutors face was priceless. If found guilty I would have a criminal record for the rest of my life and probably lose my real estate license so it meant the world to me that David got all the charges dropped.
Michael - Avvo 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

“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

” I’m really happy with the customer service”
I am a family therapist and I like to use CHM to help my clients who are going through legal issues in family court. I am impressed by the staff’s knowledge and their willingness to help every client. Thanks to CHM!! I’m really happy with the customer service I received from Juanita Pena when I called for some assistance in referring clients to your agency. With the help of Juanita and the CHM team, we were able to get our family law questions answered to help our clients with their custody and immigration needs.
Aracelia Sanchez - 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

“This was the best possible outcome, great price, and fast.”
Darin helped me with a complex family law issue involving ownership of multiple businesses and other assets. He was able to structure a win-win that wasn’t only better than I thought was possible but that protected the business I had built. Above and beyond that, he did it with great customer service and character – which really matters to me. This was the best possible outcome, great price, and fast.
David R. - Google Review

“Throughout the whole process and he did a wonderful job”
Darin Colburn was my lawyer throughout the whole process and he did a wonderful job. He was always there when I needed him, explained things thoroughly, and wanted what was best for everyone. I’m very glad I chose him and in the end, we won the case. Thank you again!
Rita Canales- Google Review

“He made me feel like I was his number 1 priority”
Mr. Dave Maletta represented me in a legal matter that I had no idea where to start at. I contacted his office and they were very polite and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. Mr. Maletta was very thorough and professional! He returned my calls when I would leave a a message. He made me feel like I was his number 1 priority. Thank you again to the CHM office for everything you all did for me! I will definitely be recommending others to this place.
Living Life- Google Review

“I still have a clean record to this day.”
One piece of advice for people who are charged with anything in Arizona is to hire a great lawyer because the state does not care if you’re innocent or not. The Arizona legal system will try to ruin your life. A couple of years ago I was the victim of an antisemitic hate crime when a guy named Billy, who had a history of drug and alcohol issues and was thrown out of the Navy for being violent, decided to attack me after drinking all day in Old Town (Sunday funday) over a pointless argument over whether it’s better to buy homes immediately post-recession or during the 10th year of a bull market run which was his argument. The disagreement led to Billy making several anti-semitic comments and assaulting me, which led to me beating up billy. Billy and his friends then went to the police and lied to try to get me thrown in jail for months for assault while getting 10s of thousands of dollars in restitution in the process. I hired David Maletta. We went to court and destroyed Billy and his best friend/roommate Taylor who were trying to extort me and ruin my life. In Arizona there is a 3.5% chance you’ll get all charges dropped because of how hard the state is on crime but we pulled it off and I still have a clean record to this day.
MJ Walsh - Google Review

“He brought me great success and left me with peace of mind”
This is an upstanding law firm with the highest level of character and integrity. My family law attorney, Henry, was very knowledgeable and wise. My situation was very complex with lots of moving parts and he expertly navigated everything from beginning to end. Henry is a great steward and never wasted a single hour of the time I paid him for. He also has a commanding presence in the courtroom. Henry is very discerning and will lead you through the most difficult situations with compassion and empathy. He brought me great success and left me with peace of mind when all that other attorneys had done for me is leave me with debt. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I’m telling you: please call Henry.
Christopher Burke - Google Review

“I’ll highly recommend them”
The whole process was really informative and helpful Dave and Juanita were the best, I’ll highly recommend them.
Dulce Sepulveda - Google Review

“I’m very grateful for them and will definitely be recommending them to everyone!”
This law firm was so easy to work with, I recently got myself into some trouble and needed a lawyer they were able to help out of a worse outcome. I’m very grateful for them and will definitely be recommending them to everyone!
Devilish Nikki - 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 recommend his service to anyone who is looking for a lawyer n the Arizona area”
I was facing a probation violation. I’m from Ohio and was sentenced to 4 years probation back in 2016. I violated back in Ohio I picked up another charge and was sentenced to 18 months in Ohio. As soon as I was released Arizona was there to pick me up to come to Arizona to answer that violation. The prosecutor wanted a presumption 5-year prison term. Dave and I went threw the process for 3 months and finally at the end Dave got me reinstated back on probation with 3 yrs credited so I only had to complete 1 yr on probation. Dave had me do a couple extra things the help better my case out I took his advice did community service while waiting for the outcome and did a couple other things, at the end it worked in my favor I recommend Dave service to anyone who is looking for a lawyer n the Arizona area, he is a hard worker him and his associates and they get u the best outcome possible. I appreciate everything he did and it was well work the price. Thanks Dave appreciate it.
Rasta - Avvo 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

“They worked fast and hard to win my case”
They helped me and provided me with outstanding service. They worked fast and hard to win my case. I’m very grateful. Thank you!
Miguel Gomez - Google Review

“So knowledgeable and professional”
Mr. Dave Maletta Is so knowledgeable, professional, and all-around the person you want to go to. I left the office feeling secured and more enlightened on what was going on. They handled my case with such delicacy and I would recommend this office If you want people who will take on your case with a strategic and professional approach.
Miranda Flores- Google Review

“They made the process smoother!”
Juanita and her team were fabulous. Very informative, educational, patient, and empathetic during one of the most difficult times in my life. They made the process smoother!
Nercy Aguiniga - Google Review

“He was the most professional in dealing with this case”
Tim was most professional in dealing with this case. I know it was stressful for all waiting on doctors and getting the reports. He was able to explain things to my husband even with him being highly frustrated. He kept us all informed. Thank you, Tim!