Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Temporary restraining order A temporary order issued by the court to prevent immediate and irreparable damages or loss in an emergency.
- Testify When a person answers questions in court as a witness.
- Testimony The answers a person gives when testifying as a witness in a case. Testimony is considered evidence in a trial.
- Tort When a person or entity breaches a duty to another person causing a civil wrong or injury.
- Transcript An exact written record of what was said in a trial or other proceeding related to a case.
- Trial A legal proceeding that happens when a defendant pleads “not guilty” and challenges the state’s evidence in front of a judge or jury. A trial occurs if opposing parties are unable to reach an alternative resolution.
- Trust A legal device set up by a person or business to help manage real or personal property for the benefit of another.
- Trustee The person or entity appointed in trust documents to manage the real or personal property put into a trust.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“She has the ability to make everything understandable with all the knowledge she has”
Juanita is Outstanding! She has the ability to make everything understandable with all the knowledge she has. She is professional and helps make what could be a difficult and draining process much easier to navigate.
Breanna M - 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

“Very Impressive”
Dave was very impressive he helped me a lot with his knowledge and helped me with the process.
Ana Dalay Vega - Google Review

“He know’s how to get really good results”
I had an unfortunate DUI arrest a little over 3 months ago. There were many DUI law firms I found online, and the reviews all seemed to be pretty good. What stood out to me about Timothy’s credentials though, was his sheer expertise in the field. After speaking with his firm during my initial consultation, it was clear to me they all took pride in fighting for their clients and achieved outstanding results. Everything was explained to me in great detail, in an honest and easy to understand way, and all my questions were answered thoroughly. Upon taking him on as my legal representation, he appeared for me in court so that I didn’t have to. Tim also called me periodically to keep me updated on my case. The outcome was a complete dismissal of my DUI case, along with a void of the license suspension which I did not think would ever happen. Those are amazing results… This is a very professional law firm, and Timothy know’s how to get really good results. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants somebody that’s truly on their side and will fight for them.
Jonathan - Avvo Review

“He wanted the best outcome for me and not to settle just to be done”
I recently went through a divorce, with two children and custody to settle, my lawyer was Darin Colburn and he made the experience as painless as possible for me. Darin listened to my case, listened to my questions, and helped ensure I got a fair settlement. Along the way, I often wanted things to hurry up from my ex, and Darin was patient in reminding me that he wanted the best outcome for me and not to settle just to be done, but to get a fair settlement. From answering my phone calls, and emails and explaining the legal process around divorce I felt that Darin had my best interest at heart and had the experience for me to have a divorce where I was happy with the outcome. I would highly recommend this office and Darin Colburn to anyone looking for a family attorney.
Lindsay Hudson- 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 very professional firm that I highly recommend”
A very professional firm that I highly recommend. Their staff was very friendly and courteous, most especially Juanita who listened to me and guided me through this tough time.
Cody Fullmer - 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

“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 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 would give them more stars, but the option is not there”
Best divorce lawyers in Arizona, hands down. Timothy Hintz handled my divorce, and as a father, I have my son and our house. I would give them more stars, but the option is not there. His paralegal Jennifer Bone is extremely competent, and the whole team is very friendly. Took a big weight off, having them behind me.
Joseph A. - Google Review

“I recommend her fully!”
Juanita Pena was very quick to respond and helped direct me to the resources I needed. I recommend her fully!
Ann MacDonald- Google Review

“She was knowledgeable and patient but educated as well”
Juanita was absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to meet. She was knowledgeable and patient but educated as well to be more involved and aware of our case. Thank you, Juanita, for being a blessing to us! May God continue to bless you tenfold!
Cassandra Hemphill- 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 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

“She exceeded my expectations”
Lauren Bostick is exceptional! She took the stress and worry out of the divorce process and completely put me at ease. She exceeded my expectations and fought to protect my kids and me. I would highly recommend her and cannot thank her enough for the impact she has had on our lives.
Carmen Waggoner - 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

“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

“This law firm is the absolute best!”
This law firm is the absolute best! They were responsive, communicative, and professional. Customer service is always on top answering calls in a timely manner. I will be recommending this firm to everyone I know.
Samantha Tagala - 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!