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Imagine your family as a team navigating a winding river. Divorce, custody, and child support are like the oars, rudder, and compass—each essential for steering toward a safe, stable future. In Mesa, Arizona, understanding these topics is the first step to protecting your rights and your children’s well-being.
Divorce, known legally as “dissolution of marriage” in Arizona, is the process that ends a marriage and sets the stage for everything that follows: property division, custody, and support. Arizona is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning you only need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” In 2023, Maricopa County, which includes Mesa, processed over 10,000 divorce filings, reflecting the area’s growth and diversity.
Custody isn’t just about where a child lives—it’s about who makes important decisions and how parents share time and responsibilities. Arizona law divides custody into two main parts: legal decision-making and parenting time.
This refers to the right to make major decisions for your child—such as education, healthcare, and religion. Arizona courts favor joint legal decision-making unless there’s a reason not to, like abuse or neglect.
Parenting time (sometimes called “physical custody”) is the schedule for when a child spends time with each parent. Courts in Mesa prefer arrangements that give children meaningful contact with both parents, unless it would harm the child’s well-being.
When deciding custody, Arizona courts focus on the child’s best interests. They look at:
In Maricopa County, more than 85% of custody cases result in some form of joint legal decision-making, reflecting the trend toward shared parenting.
Child support is money paid by one parent to help cover the costs of raising a child. Arizona law expects both parents to contribute, but the amount depends on several factors.
Arizona uses a formula that considers:
The average child support order in Arizona is about $500 per month per child, but amounts vary widely based on circumstances.
Life changes—jobs are lost, incomes shift, children’s needs evolve. Arizona law allows either parent to request a change in child support if there’s a significant change in circumstances.
Think of divorce, custody, and child support as a long road trip through unfamiliar territory. You need a reliable map, a clear destination, and someone who knows the best routes. Your attorney is your GPS—guiding you around roadblocks, warning you about hazards, and helping you reach your new beginning safely.
Mesa offers a range of resources for families facing divorce, custody, and child support issues. The Maricopa County Superior Court provides self-help centers, mediation services, and educational programs. Community Legal Services offers free or low-cost legal aid for those who qualify. Many local law firms, including Moon Law Firm, offer consultations and flexible payment plans.
Let’s follow a real-world example inspired by cases handled in Mesa.
Jessica and David, married for 12 years with two children, decide to divorce. Jessica worries about supporting the kids on her own, while David wants to stay involved in their lives.
Jessica’s attorney files the petition for dissolution, requesting custody and child support. David is served and responds, seeking joint legal decision-making and equal parenting time.
The court issues temporary orders giving Jessica primary parenting time and setting a temporary child support amount based on both parents’ incomes.
Jessica and David exchange financial documents and information about their living situations. The court reviews their incomes, expenses, and proposed parenting schedules.
With help from a mediator, Jessica and David create a parenting plan that gives each parent significant time with the children. They agree on a child support amount using the Arizona guidelines.
The court approves their agreement and issues final orders for joint legal decision-making, shared parenting time, and child support.
Jessica and David follow the plan, adjusting as needed when life changes. They communicate openly, putting their children’s needs first.
This case shows how preparation, cooperation, and expert guidance can help families find solutions that work for everyone. The process is rarely easy, but with the right support, parents can build a stable, loving future for their children.
Divorce, custody, and child support decisions shape your family’s future. With the right information and support, you can protect your child’s well-being and build a stable foundation for the years ahead. If you’re facing these issues in Mesa, reach out to Moon Law Firm for compassionate, knowledgeable guidance every step of the way.
Moon Law Firm
1423 S Higley Rd #112, Mesa, AZ 85206
If you need help with divorce, custody, or child support in Mesa, contact us for expert support that puts your family first.
