Understanding the Arizona Dissolution (Divorce) Process

By Ryan T. McGuire A divorce, which Arizona refers to as a “dissolution,” can be an intimidating process. Not only is it a highly emotional process, but it also often involves more interaction with the legal system than the average person will experience in their lifetime. You may need to hire an attorney, though it […]
Rough Diaper Changes and Classic Metaphyseal Lesions

By Ryan T. McGuire In August 2024, an Indiana father, Tristan Dean Gerhardt, was charged after his six-month-old was found with fractures in all four limbs [1]. A skeletal survey revealed multiple fractures in both arms and legs. Oral injuries suggested something had been forced into the infant’s mouth. Treating physicians told investigators that most […]
How Flagstaff’s High Cost of Living Shapes Spousal Support Under A.R.S. § 25-319

By Ryan T. McGuire Does your city of residence impact your divorce? You might assume it does not matter. Divorce is primarily governed by state law, so any city within the state should yield the same result. But divorce often hinges on money, and in high-cost cities like Flagstaff, financial realities can significantly shape outcomes. […]
Will I Keep My House in My Divorce?

A house is often the most significant piece of property involved a divorce case. Commonly, people ask whether they can keep the house in the divorce. The answer is, “it depends.” Community Property Laws in Arizona: Arizona is a community property state, which means that married couples share in the assets acquired during the marriage. […]
So You’re Getting Divorced. What Happens to Your Retirement Accounts?

The short answer to “What happens to my retirement accounts if I get divorced in Arizona?” is “About half of the value will probably go to your spouse.” The longer, more technical answer requires a bit of background first. Arizona Is a Community Property State Arizona, and a handful of other states, view marriage as […]
Grey Divorces in Arizona: What, Why, and How

You might know an older couple who is suddenly getting divorced after being married for decades and thought, “Why now?” These “grey divorces” happen. And increasingly so, according to research conducted earlier this year [1]. What Is a “Grey Divorce”? The “grey” in “grey divorcing” refers not to an ethical area, but rather to the […]
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 […]
Help! My Ex Falsely Accused Me of Child Abuse!

False allegations of child abuse from former partners are a reality. Sometimes, they are retaliatory to damage the other parent’s credibility or reputation. This (highly unethical) strategy is used to gain leverage over the other person or to induce the court to change parenting orders. These reports may also be done after a decree has […]
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 […]