Family Law Services
Family Law Services in Phoenix
Are you facing a challenging family law issue in Phoenix? The Law Office of Scott Griffiths is here to help. Our experienced and compassionate team offers personalized legal support for a variety of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, paternity, and more. We are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with care and expertise.
Why Choose The Law Office of Scott Griffiths for Family Law Services?
Expert Legal Guidance
Personalized Attention
Proven Results
Comprehensive Divorce Services in Phoenix
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, our comprehensive divorce services are designed to support you through every stage of the process. We are committed to providing compassionate, effective legal representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your divorce, legal separation, or annulment in Phoenix.
Amicable Divorce
For couples who reach mutual agreements, the Law Office of Scott Griffiths facilitates the process to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution. This includes drafting and reviewing consent decrees, documenting terms of property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements. Our goal is to minimize conflict and help you achieve a fair settlement without unnecessary stress or delay.
Contested Divorce
When agreements cannot be reached, the Law Office of Scott Griffiths provides robust representation in court. Our experienced attorneys advocate for you in all hearings and trials, presenting compelling arguments to protect your rights and secure favorable outcomes. We handle all aspects of contested divorce, including negotiating complex property disputes, high-conflict custody battles, and disputes over spousal support.
Child Custody and Support
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we prioritize the best interests of your children in all family law matters. We understand that custody and support issues can be emotionally charged and complex, and we are dedicated to guiding you through these challenging times with compassion and expertise.
Property Division
Navigating the division of assets can be one of the most challenging aspects of divorce. The Law Office of Scott Griffiths provides expert guidance on Arizona’s community property laws, helping you identify, value, and divide marital assets. Our approach ensures that your financial interests are safeguarded.
Spousal Support
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we work to secure fair spousal support agreements, whether you are seeking support or contesting an obligation. Our team considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and future earning potential to advocate for a just outcome.
Legal Separations and Annulments
If you are considering a legal separation or annulment, the Law Office of Scott Griffiths can guide you through these alternative processes. Legal separations allow couples to live apart while remaining legally married, addressing issues like property division, spousal support, and child custody. Annulments declare a marriage null and void, as if it never existed. We will help you determine the best course of action for your situation and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Post-Divorce Modifications
Life changes, and so can the terms of your divorce. At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we understand that circumstances evolve and what was once a fair arrangement may no longer be suitable. Our team is here to assist with modifications to custody, support, and other arrangements as needed, ensuring that your agreements remain equitable and relevant.
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Establishing Paternity & Child Support in Phoenix: DNA Testing, Parenting Plans, and Legal Support
Ensuring the well-being and legal rights of a child begins with establishing paternity and setting up appropriate child support. At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we offer comprehensive services to help you navigate these critical processes efficiently and effectively. Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from DNA testing to creating detailed parenting plans and determining appropriate child support amounts.
Determining legal paternity is essential for several reasons. It secures a child’s right to financial support, access to medical histories, and inheritance rights. Establishing paternity also plays a vital role in setting up custody and visitation arrangements, ensuring that both parents can fulfill their responsibilities and maintain a relationship with the child.
Establishing Paternity
DNA Testing
Upon properly supported requests, Arizona courts facilitate reliable DNA testing to establish biological parentage. This scientific approach provides accurate results that are recognized by the courts. We coordinate with the courts and accredited laboratories to ensure a smooth and efficient testing process.
Legal Documentation
Once paternity is established, we assist in preparing and filing all necessary legal documents to officially recognize the father. This includes updating birth certificates and ensuring that all legal records reflect the established paternity.
Challenging Paternity
Paternity can be challenged in situations where fathers are coerced or manipulated into accepting paternity. In such cases, a finding of paternity can be set aside, and child support awards and arrearages can be removed. The experienced legal team at the Law Office of Scott Griffiths has successfully handled numerous cases challenging paternity, ensuring that our clients’ rights and interests are protected.
Setting Up Child Support
Once paternity is established, determining appropriate child support is the next step. Child support ensures that the child’s financial needs are met, providing for essentials such as food, clothing, education, and healthcare.
Calculating Support Amounts
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we use Arizona’s child support guidelines to calculate the appropriate amount of support. This takes into account factors such as each parent’s income, the needs of the child, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
Court Orders
We help you obtain a court order for child support, ensuring that the support arrangement is legally binding and enforceable. This provides a clear framework for the financial responsibilities of each parent.
Enforcement and Modifications
If circumstances change, such as a significant change in income or the needs of the child, the Law Office of Scott Griffiths assists with modifications to the child support order. We also help enforce existing orders if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Creating Parenting Plans
A well-structured parenting plan is essential for providing stability and clarity in co-parenting arrangements. It outlines how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions about their child’s upbringing.
Custom Plans
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we work with you to create a parenting plan tailored to your family’s unique needs. This includes schedules for custody and visitation, guidelines for decision-making, and procedures for resolving disputes.
Best Interests of the Child
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, our primary focus is on the best interests of your child. We strive to create a plan that promotes a healthy and supportive environment for their growth and development.
Flexibility and Detail
Our parenting plans are detailed yet flexible, allowing for adjustments as your child’s needs evolve. We ensure that the plan covers all necessary aspects to minimize conflicts and provide clear expectations for both parents.
Grandparent & Third-Party Rights
In certain circumstances, grandparents and other third parties may seek custody or visitation rights with a child. The Law Office of Scott Griffiths understands the significant role that extended family members can play in a child’s life and offers dedicated legal support to navigate these complex situations.
Grandparent Rights
Under Arizona law, grandparents may petition for visitation rights if it is in the best interest of the child. Situations that may warrant such a petition include when the parents’ marriage has been dissolved for at least three months, or if one of the parents has been deceased or missing for at least three months. Our attorneys will help you present a compelling case to demonstrate the importance of maintaining a relationship with your grandchild.
Third-Party Rights
Third parties, such as stepparents or other relatives, may also seek custody or visitation rights under certain conditions. The court will consider factors such as the child’s best interests, the historical relationship between the third party and the child, and the ability of the third party to provide a stable and loving environment. The Law Office of Scott Griffiths is committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring that the child’s welfare is prioritized.
Adoptions
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we are dedicated to helping families grow and provide safe, loving homes for children and adults through adoption and guardianship. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team offers comprehensive legal support to guide you through the complexities of these processes, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the best interests of the child or adult are always at the forefront.
Stepparent and Relative Adoptions
Stepparent and relative adoptions are common and often less complex than other types of adoption. Our attorneys will assist you in navigating the legal steps required, including obtaining consent from the biological parents, completing necessary background checks, and finalizing the adoption in court. We strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for all involved.
Agency and Private Adoptions
For families pursuing agency or private adoptions, we provide thorough guidance on the entire process. This includes working with adoption agencies, complying with state and federal regulations, and ensuring that all paperwork is properly completed and filed. Our goal is to help you bring your new family member home with confidence and peace of mind.
International Adoptions
International adoptions come with unique challenges and requirements. The Law Office of Scott Griffiths has experience in handling the complexities of international adoption law, including compliance with the Hague Convention, immigration issues, and coordination with foreign agencies. We are here to support you through every step of this rewarding journey.
Adult Adoptions
Adult adoption can be a meaningful way to formalize a parent-child relationship between consenting adults. Whether you are adopting a stepchild who has reached adulthood, formalizing a long-standing parental relationship, or seeking to ensure inheritance rights, the Law Office of Scott Griffiths can assist with the legal process. Our attorneys will guide you through the necessary legal steps, ensuring that the adoption is recognized and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Child Guardianships
Child guardianship is a legal arrangement that allows a non-parent to make important decisions on behalf of a child. This arrangement can be essential when parents are unable to care for their child due to various circumstances. At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we offer comprehensive legal support to guide you through the guardianship process, ensuring the best interests of the child are always prioritized.
Establishing Guardianship
Establishing guardianship involves several legal steps, including filing a petition with the court, notifying all interested parties, and attending a court hearing. The Law Office of Scott Griffiths will guide you through this process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that your guardianship petition is presented effectively.
Temporary vs. Permanent Guardianship
There are different types of guardianship arrangements depending on the needs of the child and the circumstances of the parents. Temporary guardianship can be established for short-term situations, while permanent guardianship may be necessary when parents are unable to provide long-term care. Our attorneys will help you determine the best type of guardianship for your situation and ensure that the child’s best interests are always prioritized.
Guardianship Responsibilities
As a legal guardian, you will have the responsibility to make decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare. The Law Office of Scott Griffiths provides ongoing support to guardians, ensuring that you understand your rights and responsibilities and are well-prepared to provide the best care for the child.
Contested Guardianships
In some cases, guardianship petitions may be contested by parents or other family members. Our experienced attorneys will represent you in court, advocating for the child’s best interests and ensuring that your voice is heard. We understand the emotional complexities of contested guardianships and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Discuss Your Legal Matter with Us
At the Law Office of Scott Griffiths, we are committed to delivering exceptional legal services across a variety of family law matters.
Our team is here to provide expert guidance, compassionate support, and vigorous representation to help you achieve the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your family law needs.