Family Law

Phoenix and Mesa Family Law and Divorce Lawyers ◦ Dissolution of Marriage in Arizona

Responsive service and Effective representation since 1985.

Gillespie, Shields & Durrant has cultivated nearly 20 years of experience handling family law cases for our clients in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Our family law practice includes:

Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage

The breakup of a marriage with its child custody and financial concerns can often be a time of stress and confusion. Having an experienced attorney on your side can give you a sense of order in the midst of chaos.

Arizona is a no fault divorce state, meaning if one of the parties wants to a divorce, the court will grant it. A person simply alleges that the marriage is irretrievably broken without reasonable prospect of reconciliation. However, a divorce involves more issues than the desire to end a marriage. Custody, visitation and support of any children must be determined. Property accumulated during the marriage must be divided, which will be an equitable division under Arizona's community property law unless there is a written agreement to the contrary. In order for property division to occur, the marital property must be appraised. Also the payment of alimony or spousal maintenance must be determined. Divorce lawyers at Gillespie, Shields & Durrant have represented many clients in cases involving custody and business and asset valuations.

Gillespie, Shields & Durrant also provides post-decree assistance for any modifications that must be made after a marriage is dissolved or child custody and support is established.

Paternity

If a child is born out of wedlock that means the child's parents are not married. In order for the father to have a legal say in the child's life, or for the mother to receive child support, paternity must be legally established. The fact that the father's name is on the birth certificate is only a presumption that the person is the father and fatherhood must be officially established. An action must be filed with a superior court in order to officially establish paternity.

Adoption

Gillespie, Shields & Durrant has guided many families through the adoption process. If you are a family who wishes to adopt a child or a birth parent who would like to give her child up for adoption, contact us.

For the latest information on Family Law, Divorce or Adoption, see our Practice Centers on this site.