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 […]
The September Surge: Understanding Seasonal Patterns in Child Abuse Detection

By Ryan T. McGuire, Woodnick Law Clerk When COVID-19 lockdowns began in March 2020, child welfare agencies noticed a significant decline in child abuse reports. [1] But did child abuse actually drop during the pandemic? Unlikely. Data from Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS) reveals a telling pattern. In June 2024, the agency received 2,756 […]
An Abuse Allegation Against You Has Been “Substantiated”: Now What?

A DCS Investigation Crystal is the mother of three-month-old Michael and six-year-old Grace. A few months ago, she was the subject of a Department of Child Safety (DCS) investigation when Michael fractured his leg after a fall in the park. The attending physician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital believed the x-ray showed a previous, healing break […]