When to Use a Family Law Attorney

July 19th, 2009 at 04:38pm Under Family Law

A family law attorney can help any family with the various problems that arise throughout the lifetime of a family. Those problems can be divorce, child custody, child support, child visitation, domestic violence, marital assets, spousal support, restraining orders and much more. A family is the foundation of the United States and sometimes families just don’t get along and need to split up.

Divorce is defined as the ending of a marriage in the presence of a court to the extent that the man and woman are no longer legally bound to each other by the same last name. A divorce is not legal unless it is certified by the court and in some jurisdictions of the country, one party or the other must prove fault in the divorce case. A family law attorney can help with divorce proceedings. Going through a divorce can be physically and emotionally draining for everyone involved, including the children, if there are any.

Divorce involves more than just the division of debt and the distribution of property between the two people involved. Divorce also involves deciding on child custody, visitation rights, child support and spousal support. All of this can be done with the help of a family law attorney. Going through a divorce without the helping hand of a lawyer can be a daunting task and can be ultimately impossible to obtain success. The lawyer will be able to help his or her client in regards to what decisions need to be made.

Child custody is one of the most disheartening battles during a divorce because the husband and wife will use different methods of making the other look unfit to care for the children. Many people make up stories of physical and emotional abuse to tell the judge in a child custody battle. This is when a lawyer would be needed. A lawyer can help the person being accused of these horrible actions get through the allegations and present their case in an appropriate manner.

Child and spousal support are not one in the same. Child support is payments that must be made by one half of the couple in a divorce case to the other half of the couple. Child support is to be used for the child’s education, clothing, food, school supplies, medical bills for the child and any other necessities that the child needs to live by. Spousal support on the other hand is payments made to one spouse by the other after a divorce case has been completed. Spousal support goes towards medical bills, legal bills, food, clothing, transportation needs and much more.

If the person who is supposed to be sending the payments refuses to do so or forgets to send them they can be fined by the court or can even face time in jail. A family law attorney will be able to help the party involved in the divorce case receive their payments of spousal support or child support if they are not coming through regularly. All matters involving family law can be resolved with the help of an attorney.

Understanding The Law… Defacto, Divorce And Family Law

July 19th, 2009 at 10:38am Under Family Law

The following Q&A’s have been provided to help you better understand Family Law.
Q. I recently divorced my husband who has left me with the four children and he has suggested that as we have no assets he will give me half of his superannuation. What should I do as I am unemployed and on a single mother’s supporting pension and he does not pay child support?
A. Unfortunately you are being very badly treated as your entitlements would include spousal maintenance, child support (see the child support agency) and access to at least 50% of his superannuation. You need to seek urgent legal assistance and perhaps legal aid is where you should look first.
Q. I have been divorced from my former husband for over seven years and although I am in employment he has been on the dole throughout and has a history of violence. Recently he approached me and suggested that as he was now in a stable relationship he would like to have contact with our son. What should I do?
A. In all cases involving children it always gets back to what is in the best interests of the child. Should your ex-husband have a history of violence involving both yourself and the child, custody would not be an issue and supervised contact is probably what would be allowed. This always gets back to working out a program which will be acceptable to both parties provided that the child will not suffer as a result.
Q. I am currently involved in a de-facto relationship and my partner has excluded me from the home by locking me out. What can I do as she has become personally violent towards me and we need to sell the house so we can go our separate ways?
A. In regard to the property you should ask your solicitor to write to your ex-partner indicating that you wish to have the property sold and if they do not comply then you can always approach the Equity Division of the Supreme Court for relief.
Q. Do you think it advisable for me to enter into a financial agreement with my intended defacto partner as I have all the assets and she has very little?
A. Yes. There are a number of reasons for doing this but principally you need to ensure you are fully protected given your age and if the relationship breaks down then you have a level of protection which would not otherwise be available to you.
Q. I have been involved in a same-sex relationship with another person for over 20 years and I have retained a firm of solicitors who seem reluctant to push my case as strongly as I would like. The other side is making mincemeat out of my representative who does not seem to know what to do to counter their attacks. What do I do in the circumstances?
A. If you are unhappy with the type of representation you are receiving and the service is falling well short of your expectations then you need to consider whether or not it is in your best interests to move to another lawyer. Same-sex defacto relationships and marriages which fail all require representatives who possess skills appropriate to best represent their client’s interests. If counselling, mediation and conciliation has not worked for you such that you find you are under constant attack and need to take a more forceful approach then perhaps it is time for you to consider changing lawyers to one who can better represent your interests as a 5-10% swing in entitlements from one party to another may mean that legal fees become irrelevant in this context as you will need to fully protect your interests in these circumstances.
Q. I have just broken up with my defacto partner and everything was in her name, although I did a lot of building work to improve the property and paid the mortgage instalments whilst we were together. Am I entitled to be recompensed for my contribution to the relationship?
A. Yes. Effectively where two people are in a defacto relationship and one makes all the financial contributions to it whilst the other takes the benefits even though they may own the principal asset the court will look to the nature and extent of the financial contributions you have made and the assets will split based on this after accounts have been taken.
Q. My boyfriend has a couple of children to an ex-girlfriend who has packed up, moved on and not told anyone where she has gone. Is there anything my boyfriend can do?
A. Yes. He can approach the court for orders which means that anybody who has any knowledge of those children’s whereabouts has to deliver up information so that their current location can be discovered so the court can make orders for their return.
Q. I am a grandmother – do I have any rights to see my grandchildren?
A. Yes. You fit within a particular class of important individuals which the court considers important to the development of your children and therefore you would be entitled to see them after you have approached the court for orders.
Q. What effect with the new changes in the family law system have on children?
A. All children will have a right to know both their parents and to be protected from harm.
Q. What impact will the new changes have on parents?
A. Parenting is regarded as a responsibility which should be shared equally. This may not mean equal time; it could mean substantial or significant time spent by both parents with the child.
Q. Is it true that these new family law changes mainly focus on children?
A. Yes. These changes in the law are all about putting the needs and best interests of children first.
Q. What are the responsibilities of parents in this regard?
A. Parents bear the responsibility for their children’s physical and emotional wellbeing which should be share equally between parents provided they are not subjected to abuse or violence. Co-operation between separating or separated parents is an essential part of these reforms.
Q. Do these reforms mean that children will spent equal amounts of time with each parent?
A. No. The focus is both parents will have an equal role in making decisions about important issues such as schooling and health care.
Q. How do parenting plans and parenting orders sit with each other?
A. Basically it means that both the parents and the court need to have the best interests of the child in mind at all times when making decisions affecting the child’s wellbeing.
Q. How will the courts determine how much time the child spends with each parent?
A. Courts will determine this by reference to what is in the best interests of the child and other practical considerations. Time can mean equal time or substantial or significant time with both parents which may include day to day routine time not just weekends and holidays.
Q. When will these changes which focus on cooperatively resolving disputes come into operation?
A. It is expected they will start on 1st July 2007 when parents will be required to attend family disputes resolution sessions and be expected to make a genuine effort to resolve issues and disputes before taking a parenting matter to court.
Q. How does the court system accommodate these changes?
A. In parenting cases there will be change to a case-management approach with the focus being on the early detection and dealing with of violence and abuse.
Q. What will happen where there has been a breach of parenting orders?
A. The court will have wider powers to deal with people who breach parenting orders.
Q. What will happen where parents fail to fulfil their responsibilities?
A. Where parents fail to fulfil their major parenting responsibilities the courts will be able to take these matters into account.
Q. At what stage will this disputes resolution mechanism come into play?
A. Separating parents will be required to undertake some form of disputes resolution for parenting disagreements before proceeding to court. Parents will have access to the new family relationship centres or may attend another accredited service or practitioner in this regard.
Q. Will it be compulsory for separating couples to attend a family relationship centre?
A. No, but the law will require separating parents to attempt disputes resolution before taking a parenting dispute to court.
Q. What does the court bear in mind when considering what is in the best interests of the child?
A. That the children know both their parents and to be protected from harm each being given equal weight.
Q. Are there any other considerations which are taken into account?
A. Yes. Additional consideration is given to views expressed by the child, the nature of the child’s relationship with his/her parents and other important persons such as grandparents, relatives and extended family members as well as the practical difficulties of a child having contact with a parent(s).
Q. Are children entitled to independent legal advice where a matter proceeds to court?
A. Yes. The court may order an independent lawyer be engaged to represent the best interests of the child and to inform the court of their independent view in this connection.
Q. What is a parenting plan?
A. A parenting plan is an agreement worked out between a child’s separating parents which can take any form provided it sets out the parenting arrangements for children. It must be produced in writing and dated and signed by both parents.
Q. Can a parenting plan be changed at any time?
A. Yes, as it is voluntary it needs to have the agreement of both parents. It should be borne in mind that parenting plans are not legally enforceable.
Q. Will the court have any regard to parenting plans if they are not legally enforceable?
A. When the court is making a parenting order in relation to a child they are required to consider the terms of the most recent parenting plan and to consider the extent to which both parents have complied with their obligations in relation to the child.
Q. Where a court has made a parenting order with respect to parenting arrangements can the parents change it without having to go back to court?
A. Yes provided the court order does not prohibit this.
Q. Although it is expected that family disputes resolution to new parenting cases will apply from mid-2007 when will it apply to all parenting cases?
A. The final date is expected to be mid-2008 but it will not apply in cases of family violence or child abuse.
Q. Will family disputes resolution apply in all cases?
A. No. It will only apply to parents who want to go to court over a parenting issue where it is compulsory unless they fit within the listed exceptions or where they have already agreed on parenting arrangements.
Q. How does the court know that compulsory family disputes resolution has already taken place?
A. This is because a certificate is required from an accredited family disputes resolution practitioner before the court can hear an application for a parenting order. Basically the certificate states that family disputes resolution did not work for a number of reasons.
Q. How will family violence and child abuse be dealt with under the current changes?
A. Family violence and child abuse will not be tolerated. This is the fundamental principle of the new reforms. Family violence includes actions or threats by a person against any family member or their property including witnessing such actions or threats. Fear and the apprehension of violence are addressed. A person must reasonably fear for or be apprehensive about their personal wellbeing or safety. The courts are required to act promptly in cases of violence or abuse. State and territory agencies are expected to investigate allegations of violence and abuse without delay.
Q. My de-facto partner and I recently separated and it is proposed that we split the assets 50:50. What should I do?
A. If there are no children then it is purely and simply a question of splitting the assets but it should be remembered that de-facto couples are not treated as generously as married couples. It really gets down to taking accounts and the extent of financial contribution made by each partner.

Services From A Riverside Family Law Lawyer

July 19th, 2009 at 04:38am Under Family Law

There are many reasons why hiring an attorney who specializes in family law may become a necessity. The field of family law is a broad one that encompasses many different types of cases and issues. Familiarity of these issues will help one choose the best professionals to help them.

Divorce

Divorce is a painful, stressful process, but a Riverside family law attorney can help make the process a bit easier to handle. This professional can ensure that issues like child custody, child support and spousal support are handled in the fairest way possible. It is generally recommended that each spouse have their own attorney represent their specific interests. Sometimes children are involved in the divorce process, and they may need their own representation as well.

Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements have become a common practice today, and for many new couples, this agreement is essential to protecting property, children and businesses. However, a prenup that is not completed or filed properly will not hold water in a court of law. For this reason, it is necessary to hire the services of a professional who will ensure that the process of a prenuptial agreement is followed to the letter, making the agreement legal and legitimate.

Adoption

Adoption is generally a much happier event than divorce, but it is still necessary to have the proper representation of a Riverside family law attorney. If a woman is relinquishing the rights to her child to free him for adoption, she will need representation to ensure that her rights are protected. The adoptive parents will also require representation that can help them file all the correct paperwork to finalize the process.

Paternity

Sometimes the custody of a child cannot be determined until paternity is settled. An experienced family attorney can help to establish paternity that has been ordered by the court, such as in the case where the two parents are not married. Once paternity is established, the child may receive the same rights as children that are born into a marriage. It will also protect the rights of the father to have a relationship with his child and possible custody as well.

Domestic Violence

When domestic violence is occurring, it can be very difficult for the victim to feel comfortable seeking help to get out of the situation. However, a sensitive Riverside family law attorney can handle the situation with privacy and compassion, helping that victim get the help and protection she needs. From filing the protective order to enforcing it, the attorney can be just the one to help a victim get out of this abusive cycle.

There are many aspects of family law that might require the services of a Riverside family law attorney. Whether a family is in the midst of an adoption or a divorce, this professional can ensure that the rights of everyone involved are protected and the final settlement is fair. Many cases that are seen in family court are highly charged and very emotional. It takes the confidence and compassion of a professional well trained in this area to ensure a family law issue is resolved quickly and fairly.

What You Should Know About Family Law

July 18th, 2009 at 10:38pm Under Family Law

When issues arise within the family unit or domestic relationships get out of hand, family law is the branch of judicial problem solving that deals with a wide range of family-related issues. Throughout the United States, it is the family courts that often handle the heaviest caseload, as many jurisdictions tackle concerns that deal with gaining custody of a child to dealing with the proper procedure of finalizing a divorce.
Within the system, family law cases extend to the wealthiest of local residents to the poorest of single-parent families. No social or economic class has been spared the family court system when any area of family law is involved. Below are some of the many different areas of regulation attached to family law:
When two people wish to get married, they have to go through family law to get the proper approval needed to continue their wedding plans. The same goes for civil unions and domestic partnerships. A civil union provides same-sex couples the rights, benefits, and responsibilities much like the parameters associated with married opposite-sex couples. Domestic partnerships recognizes relationships between two people who live together in a domestic setting that have chosen not to enter traditional marriage, common-law marriage, or a civil union.
Family law then deals with the legal issues that arise during marriage. They will step in when married couples inflict harm upon one another. They will oversee adoption processes and settle surrogacy issues. When a parent abducts his or her own child, family law will be called upon to hear out the case. Child abuse is also an important branch of the law that falls under the most pressing family-related concerns.
When the relationship between two people has soured and the termination of their union has arrived, family law will deal with the matters concerning divorce and annulments. They will see that property settlements and alimony payments are arranged. In the United States, the responsibilities of the parents are dealt with under family law, such as custody hearings, visitation rights, and child support awards.

Finding The Best Family Law Divorce Lawyer & Attorney

July 18th, 2009 at 04:38pm Under Family Law

Family law disputes range from complex legal battles to the unchallenged officialising of circumstances. Though aspects may be very simple, and be included in all legal service, others can become heated and highly disputed legal battles lasting many months. While the former may be delivered by any qualified lawyer, it’s best to invest in the best family law attorney if you are expecting a fight.Finding one isn’t just a matter of establishing a big budget for your legal battle. In fact, the first step to finding a strong attorney is to take money out of the equation.Firstly, it’s generally not legal or advisable to use your usual family solicitor if they have previously represented any party that you will be fighting against. In the case of family law, this typically represents the other half of a marriage or a child’s second custodian. You may, however, ask your solicitor for advice in selecting a strong person to represent you.Secondly: Choose experience and specialization. Family law encompasses a vast and varied knowledge base. Lawyers will use substantial reference material to help them pursue complex cases, but their overall knowledge and experience with the subject will substantially affect research time and the quality of their results. A lawyer charging an hourly rate which initially seems quite cheap may in fact take many more hours to accomplish the same as a more experienced attorney. Look for experience, specialization and then price, with an aim to balance the three factors.Budget with your attorney. Most attorneys will be flexible when it comes to formulating payment plans, they are aware that their services can be costly and are sensitive to a clients constraints. Just because you are on a budget does not mean you can’t afford an excellent attorney, in fact it may be to your advantage to spend that little bit more. An experienced attorney will prioritize workload based upon your budget and will be able to establish a far more accurate overview of case costs.To get in touch with an excellent family law Divorce Lawyer Attorney, seek out your local or regional law society or guiding body. These institutions exist, in one form or another, in most western countries and aim to document and accredit genuinely excellent lawyers. That said, you should be wary of false accreditations and ask any prospective lawyers how you might verify their record.It should be clear by now that finding the best family law Divorce Lawyer Attorneydoes not necessarily mean spending a fortune. In fact, you may find cheaper attorneys ultimately cost more due to extended research time and protracted cases. Ensure that they have a good understanding of the areas of law he may be required to fight, and ask them for an estimation as to the length and complexity of the case they are undertaking.

Assemblyman Jim Beall Jr. Introduces AB 612 – prohibiting PAS in Family Law

July 18th, 2009 at 10:38am Under Family Law

The Center for judicial Excellence Advocacy is active with AB 612 which will prohibit PAS (Parental Alienation Syndrome) in Child Custody cases in Family Law Courts.

As part of CJE’s ongoing committment to protecting children, and the rights of children while in the courts, we have identified an alarming number of critical gaps in how the California Family Courts deal with child custody disputes, allegations of physical and sexual child abuse, and domestic violence. In light of the seriousness of these issues, it is CJE’s opinion that an audit and evaluation of the California Family Courts by the California State Auditor is warranted.

In 2008 CJE worked closely with the office of Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Sally Lieber to develop a letter to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) requesting an audit of the California Family Courts with respect to child custody disputes. In June 2008, Assemblywoman Lieber submitted the letter to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Unfortunately, due to the absence of the committee’s chair, the JLAC failed to meet after the request was submitted. Assemblywoman Lieber, who has been a remarkable champion for children in the California legislature, and a great friend to CJE, was termed out of office in 2008 and is unable to re-introduce the audit request during the 2009 legislative session.

Senator Mark Leno has agreed to pick up the mantle and become the lead sponsor for the audit request this year. CJE applauds Senator Leno’s commitment to open, accountable government and we look forward to supporting his efforts. Click here to read a February 18th column from the Marin Independent Journal announcing Senator Leno’s decision to sponsor the audit proposal.

This audit will help identify any existing inconsistencies in the application of domestic violence, child custody, and child abuse laws and processes within the state, and will bring clarity to issues the Legislature should address for the protection of parents and children of the state of California. The next step in this process will be a public hearing on May 13, 2009 at which the Joint Legislative Audit Committee will discuss and act upon the audit request.

2009 Leglislative Priorities

AB 612 (Child Custody – Non-Scientific Theories) has been introduced by San Jose Assemblyman Jim Beall Jr. and would prohibit a court from considering a nonscientific theory (such as Parental Alienation Syndrome) in making a determination regarding child custody or visitation with a child. AB 612 would also prohibit a court from considering or receiving into evidence a report, assessment, evaluation, or investigation prepared pursuant to the provisions described above if it includes a nonscientific theory.

Don’t Get Caught Out By New Privacy Rules In Family Law Cases

July 18th, 2009 at 04:38am Under Family Law

Don’t get caught out by the new rules on privacy laws which allow the media to attend many private family court hearings where previously they would have been excluded, says family law solicitor Anne Blenkinsop.The rules, which came into force on April 27 2009, aim to encourage greater openness in future.Anne, a partner and a collaborative lawyer* at leading regional law firm Furley Page, explains: “While the majority of such proceedings won’t be of interest to the press, there is always the chance that a reporter will ask to be admitted to the court room. They might be present, for example, when the court fixes the time table for financial disclosure and valuation of assets – or at the final hearing at which the assets are divided.“But even if they are permitted to attend a hearing, it doesn’t give them the right to see private documents. Neither can they necessarily communicate information relating to the proceedings to the public.”The media is excluded when the identity and interests of a child, a party or a witness need protection. The court can make this decision after hearing representations or on its own initiative. * The collaborative family law process is a relatively new way of dealing with family difficulties and aims to resolve disputes in a fair way. It involves private face-to-face meetings between a separating couple and their solicitors and is felt to be preferable to the standard procedure of negotiating by letter and telephone. Both parties and solicitors sign an agreement to resolve the couple’s differences without going to court. If successful, their case would then be unlikely to attract any media attention.

Learn About Family Law – Find a Great Family Law Divorce Lawyer & Attorney

July 17th, 2009 at 10:38pm Under Family Law

Family Law is a specialty that not all lawyers have experience in. If you are going through a divorce and having issues with custody you want to find an attorney that knows family law. This field of law can be complicated so make sure you find somebody that you feel comfortable with can do the right job for you. Domestic issues whether it is divorce or child custody touches just about every social class, whether you are wealthy or you are poor. This type of law deals with many issues that come up with in a marriage. You may be having an issue with your acts and getting proper custody of your children, a good family lawyer can help you with your rights.

Find Free: Family Law Help

If you are thinking about it not being a child you will also need a family lawyer who has experience to draw up the papers that you need. Also you can consult with this type of attorney to make sure you go through the right processes in finding a new child. There have also been cases where a family lawyer with needed to get involved when a child was a abducted from their biological parent.

Free: Divorce Attorney Advice

There are many reasons that you would need to hire a family law attorney but sure you find one that you feel comfortable with. You should always check to see if they specialize in this type of law. Many lawyers have a degree but do not specialize in anything specific this is not who you want.

Remember that family law can be complicated and if you are going through divorce or dealing with child custody it is important you find a good attorney. You should not settle for the first attorney you visit, it is important to find someone that you feel comfortable with.

Pointers on Family Law in South Africa

July 17th, 2009 at 04:38pm Under Family Law

Family law is simply the law that governs domestic or family-related issues in South Africa and includes

Each and every one of us will, at some stage in our lives, be affected by family law, whether it is the legal ramifications of forming a union with our chosen partner, the dissolution of that union, how the children of the union are affected or simply inheritance issues following the death of a family member.

As most issues relating to family can become contentious at times, it is crucial that there are laws governing all aspects of family relationships. Most of us will become far too angry or upset to deal with a breakdown in a family relationship, and this is where family lawyers are invaluable. They deal with the client’s needs even-handedly, following the letter of the law every step of the way.

Marriage

Marriage is basically a formal contract between a man and a woman that effectively sets out the rights and duties of each. In South Africa, we have laws governing civil marriage, Christian marriage, marriage by Muslim or Hindu rites, African customary marriage and even same-sex unions.

There are also several other unions that enjoy similar legal status to marriage, including cohabitation, common-law marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships, all of which have dedicated laws dealing with the finer intricacies of each.

Divorce

Sadly, a growing number of unions end in acrimony, but fortunately there are also formal decrees that govern the dissolution of any partnership. Divorce is a legal dissolution of a marriage and in South Africa there are only two grounds for divorce:

The latter speaks for itself, but with irretrievable breakdown, one or both partners have to prove in a court of law that the marriage is beyond salvaging. Evidence may include

Our children

In all instances, it is crucial that both partners engage family law attorneys so that they can be apprised of their rights. Sadly, it is often the children of the marriage or union that are most affected by the breakdown and family law will give clear direction with respect to custody and child support.

Family law is also critical in all aspects pertaining to children, such as whether they are born within the confines of marriage or not. Issues such as paternity, legitimacy, adoption, foster care and legal guardianship are also dealt with within the realm of family law.

Find A Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Support Attorneys

July 17th, 2009 at 10:38am Under Family Law

Find A Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Support Attorneys

The attorneys at The Britt Law Group, P.C. fully understand the legal and emotional ramifications of a divorce. Our attorneys aggressively negotiate an appropriate resolution while putting clients at ease and protecting the children during this emotional time.http://divorcelawyer-source.blogspot.com/

Divorce, also known as dissolution of marriage, addresses a wide range of issues, including shared or sole parental responsibility, child custody, child support, visitation, relocation or residency out of state, alimony and equitable distribution of property, including real estate.

No two divorces are alike. Through extensive one-on-one contact with our clients, we are able to create a plan for achieving individual client goals.

Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience handling hearings, trials and appeals. We also are skilled in mediation of divorce cases and handle legal separations and annulments.

Our experience is diverse. We can handle every divorce, from the simplest filing, to one involving intricate asset division. We work with clients in determining the value of their assets and extent of their liabilities and in assessing the tax implications of major divorce-related decisions.

We are aggressive advocates for each client’s rights and will negotiate and litigate in court to ensure those rights are protected.

Whether you require a fairly simple divorce or one that involves complex asset

Highest rating possible by Martindale-HubbellBishop Law Office seeks to obtain the best results for its clients, and to provide quality family law services at a reasonable cost. We are committed to settling cases early in the proceedings without sacrificing our client’s interests. If litigation is necessary, Bishop Law Office attorneys are very experienced and aggressively seek to obtain the best results for our clients. Bishop Law Office has two convenient locations for its clients in Phoenix Arizona (right off Hwy 51) and Tempe, Arizona (right off I-10 by IKEA).

The founder of the firm, William D. Bishop, is one of a limited number of family law and divorce attorneys in Arizona who is a certified family law specialist in the State Bar of Arizona. (See Certified Specialist). Only approximately 80 attorneys in the State Of Arizona have obtained such distinction. Bishop Law Office has obtained the highest rating possible by Martindale-Hubbell Rating System (i.e. less than 5% of law firms have obtained such rating), and is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registrar of Preeminent Lawyers. (See Comparing Law Firms).

Our firm has selected what we consider the best family law attorneys available to provide you with the professional and competent legal services that you deserve. Bishop Law Office specializes in divorce and family law and does not practice in other areas of the law in order to provide its clients with the most experience and knowledge for their family law case.

Our Family Law and Divorce PracticeOur experienced and trusted Arizona divorce and family law attorneys represent your interests in all areas of family law and divorce issues including but not limited to the following:

Divorce proceedings Legal separation proceedings Annulments Complex property and debts issues Child Custody (including modification and enforcement) Paternity actions (where parties have a child, but have not been married) Child support (including modifications and enforcement) Spousal Maintenance / Alimony (including modifications and enforcement) Parenting Time / Visitation (including modification and enforcement) Interstate Child Support and Interstate Custody issues (UCCJEA and UIFSA) Relocation / Move-aways (relocating with children to other states) Orders Of Protection and Restraining Orders Grandparent rights (grandparent custody and visitation) In loco parentis (custody by a non-parent) Guardianship Premarital and Postmarital Agreements Mediation Our Team Approach and Commitment to You.Bishop Law Office attorneys attend and speak at numerous continuing legal education conferences in order to maximize their expertise regarding complex family law issues. The firm attorneys meet regularly to discuss cases and to provide a team approach to handling its family law cases. Bishop Law Office is one of a limited number of firms that require its attorneys to also participate in its own internal firm education programs to make sure that its attorneys are fully aware of new cases and strategies to handle your complex and critically important issues.

Providing Valley-Wide Legal ServiceBishop Law Office has offices in Phoenix (off the 51 and Glendale Ave.), and Tempe (by IKEA on the corner of Warner & Priest). Bishop Law Office provides quality family law and divorce services to its clients in all areas of the Valley of the Sun, including Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert and other surrounding cities.http://divorcelawyer-source.blogspot.com/