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False Allegations of Child Abuse Can Happen to Anyone, Even Cardi B

Recently, someone called Child Protection Services on Cardi B in the middle of the night. The caller claimed that Cardi B was physically abusing her children. The rapper has had pranks pulled on her in the past (e.g. food deliveries she never ordered), but she draws the line at “pranks” affecting her children. In turn, […]

Drowning in Cash—And Infidelity

Less than a month ago, the Court of Appeals of Arizona heard a case from a wife who accused her husband of using $530,578 “for non-community purposes” [1]. But what does that mean? To fully understand the gravity of the situation (and to understand why it is even worse than that allegation suggests), you will […]

How Public Is a Registry Substantiation?

While we have previously discussed the extent of publicity in a family court proceeding, it is important to note that registry cases are an entirely different area of law. Consequently, different rules apply to the findings, processes, and disclosure obligations, including the rules governing publication of registry findings and records from the administrative proceedings. A […]

How Public is a Family Court Proceeding?

Whether it is true crime stories or high-profile celebrity divorces, it goes without saying that a significant amount of popular content revolves around courtroom drama. The constant exposure to dramatized legal proceedings may lead to an inaccurate idea of how these processes actually work. This exposure can also contribute to the fear that everyday court […]

Looking to Lower Legal Fees? Organize Early and Often

Before deciding to hire an attorney, prospective clients often ask, “How much will this cost me?” Hiring legal representation is certainly a significant expense, but the cost of an attorney’s services can be mitigated if a client is willing to be proactive and involved in the process. One of the quickest ways for a client […]

Understanding the APS Registry System: What is Exploitation?

Neglect or physical abuse are likely the first things that come to mind when an ordinary person hears about Adult Protective Services; however, Adult Protective Services (also known as “APS”) – which is the Arizona agency responsible for investigating exploitation of vulnerable adults – reviews thousands of claims of “exploitation of resources” every year. Other […]

AI Editing Technology in Family Communications

In their latest end-of-year summary of legal profession developments, LexisNexis reports that 2023 brought significant growth to practice in three novel new areas: generative AI, ESG (environmental, social, and governance matters), and space law. While it is unlikely that an average person will be involved in a space law dispute, generative technology that influences how […]

Benefits of Remote Family Law Mediation Services for Arizona Families

The pandemic wreaked havoc on our lives in many ways.  For attorneys, we had to embrace technology and learn to lawyer online.  Attorneys had to learn to navigate digital exhibits, meet with clients and colleagues over Zoom, sign documents remotely, and conduct trials completely online. I learned to navigate these developments, and while it was […]

Is Corporal Punishment Permitted in Arizona?

It seems that corporal punishment has fallen out of favor among parents as the preferred way to discipline children. If the stereotypical American “Simpsons” family has moved on from spanking, choking, or otherwise making physical contact with misbehaving children, then shouldn’t millennial parents who also grew up watching the show not also choose a different […]