In Arizona, there are nearly 19,000 attorneys qualified to practice law. However, as of early 2024, the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization recognizes just 64 attorneys as certified family law specialists, which is about 3 out of every 1,000 lawyers. Within this prestigious group, Cantor Law Group distinguishes itself with two board-certified family law specialists and one board-certified criminal law specialist. This elite team is skilled in managing complex cases such as divorce and child custody matters in Sedona.
Understanding Divorce in Sedona, AZ
Divorce cases in Sedona can vary from simple alimony disputes to intricate divorces involving business interests. Navigating these complexities effectively requires the expertise of a knowledgeable Sedona divorce lawyer from Cantor Law Group. Their team offers a broad range of legal services tailored to various divorce scenarios and grounds for divorce, ensuring clients receive expert representation.
Selecting the Premier Sedona Divorce Lawyer Team in Arizona
Choosing the right family law firm for your divorce case in Sedona involves several considerations. Cantor Law Group, which has been serving clients for over 20 years, is a trusted partner of DM Cantor, known for its criminal defense expertise. The family law division at Cantor Law Group focuses on divorce, child custody, and juvenile family law matters across Arizona. With board-certified specialists like Nicholas Boca and Travis Owen on their team, the firm is well-equipped to handle both high-asset divorces and cases with significant legal complexities.
Key Aspects of the Divorce Process
In Arizona, divorce proceedings are governed by Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and encompass several critical issues:
- Child Custody and Care: Determining parental responsibilities and living arrangements.
- Financial Matters: Dividing marital assets and debts, and addressing child support or spousal maintenance.
- Freedom to Remarry: Completing the divorce process to allow both parties to pursue new relationships.
Legal Separation vs. Divorce
Legal separation differs from divorce in that it does not dissolve the marriage. It may be chosen for reasons such as religious beliefs, health insurance considerations, or as a trial period before deciding on divorce. Unlike divorce, legal separation does not require a 90-day residency period, only that one party is domiciled in Arizona.
Covenant Marriage and Divorce
Covenant marriages in Arizona have stricter requirements for divorce compared to traditional marriages. This type of marriage necessitates specific grounds for divorce, such as adultery or abandonment, making the process more complex.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all issues, leading to a consent decree. In contrast, a contested divorce arises when disputes remain unresolved, requiring court intervention.
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce is a process focused on cooperation and negotiation between spouses, facilitated by their attorneys.
Annulment
An annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was invalid from the beginning, effectively making it as if it never existed.
Preparing for Divorce
Effective preparation for divorce includes:
- Contacting a Sedona Divorce Lawyer: Engaging with Cantor Law Group as soon as possible.
- Protecting Privacy: Updating social media settings and changing online account passwords.
- Organizing Financial Information: Collecting financial documents and listing assets and debts.
- Maintaining Well-being: Focusing on mental and physical health.
- Building Support: Seeking support from family and friends.
- Acting with Integrity: Working towards an amicable resolution.
Initiating Divorce in Arizona
The divorce process begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which outlines the facts of the case and the petitioner’s requests regarding custody, property division, and support. Additional documents include a notice of appearance, family court cover sheet, sensitive data sheet, summons, and notices related to health insurance and creditors.
Serving the Divorce Petition
After filing the petition, the petitioner must serve the spouse with the documents either through a process server or certified mail. The spouse has 20 to 30 days to respond, depending on their location, with a failure to respond potentially resulting in a default judgment in favor of the petitioner.
Temporary Orders During Divorce
Temporary orders address interim issues such as parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and use of community property until the final trial or settlement.
Cantor Law Group’s Approach
Cantor Law Group is dedicated to guiding clients through challenging times with hard work, strong trial skills, and high-quality client service. Clients begin by meeting with a paralegal to discuss case details and prepare an affidavit of financial information, followed by working with the attorney to set goals and timelines for the case.
Conclusion
Cantor Law Group’s expertise in family law, bolstered by their board-certified specialists, makes them a premier choice for handling complex divorce and family law matters in Sedona. Their thorough and client-focused approach from initial consultation to final resolution ensures clients receive expert legal representation and support throughout the divorce process. For dependable family law attorneys in the Sedona area, Cantor Law Group offers the experience and commitment necessary for achieving successful outcomes.