Divorce and Family Lawyers
Serving the Kingman, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, AZ and Laughlin, NV areas
We’re here to help
Our Bullhead City, Kingman, and Havasu, AZ office’s offers help to those who have issues that fall under the area of divorce and family law. We are also serving the Laughlin, NV area as well.
Child custody
Naturally, as a parent, you want the absolute best for your child. If you are involved in a child custody dispute, you need a lawyer that can help resolve your issues effectively and with as little conflict as possible. We craft solutions that support positive familial interactions between children and their parents.
When it comes to matters of physical vs. legal custody or the modification of child custody orders and visitation orders, we have the resources to meet the needs of your particular case. We can provide support in the following cases:
- Parent gets a new job in a different city or state
- Parent remarries
- Parent endangers a child through abuse or use of controlled substances
- Child and parent no longer get along
- Child is older and cannot reasonably adhere to the current order
Child support
When it comes to child support, there are many factors that determine how much child support is paid. These include:
- The income of each parent
- The best interests of the child
- Any special needs of the child
- Primary custody arrangements
- Costs of education and day care
- Medical expenses
Despite whatever questions you have regarding your child support obligations, we can offer answers and options for achieving your goals.
Property division
Handling many cases involving the division of marital property, we are skilled in dividing up assets and characterizing items into community property or separate property. Community property includes:
- Houses
- Cars
- Land
- Retirement accounts/pensions
- Financial accounts
- Business interests
- Loans
These items are defined as those which are acquired during the marriage. If you wish to protect your rights to this kind of property our family lawyers can help you.
Post decree modifications
Since 1989, we have helped our clients to legally modify judgments and orders involving:
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance
A judge will take many factors into consideration before granting a modification to a custody order or support. Factors such as changes in employment, health, relationship status, age of children, relocation and the relationship between partners all come into play. We can help you to navigate the ins and outs of your particular situation.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is a hyper sensitive area of the law where the state has determined to step into delicate family and household situations. If you have been accused of domestic violence or have been a victim of abuse in your home, it is important to receive skilled guidance from a trustworthy and knowledgeable attorney.
Common Questions
As a Divorce and Family Lawyer serving clients across Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, and Parker, Arizona, I understand that navigating family legal matters can be incredibly emotional and complex. People often come to me feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and with many pressing questions about their rights and their future. Here are answers to 15 of the most common questions I receive, offering insights relevant to family law in our Arizona communities:
What's the first step to filing for divorce in Arizona?
The initial step is typically filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Superior Court in your county. This document formally notifies the court and your spouse of your intent to divorce. Arizona is a “no-fault” state, meaning you don’t need to prove fault; you only need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
Arizona law requires a minimum of 60 days from the date the Petition is served on your spouse before a divorce can be finalized. However, complex cases involving children, significant assets, or disputes can take many months, often 6 to 18 months, or even longer, to resolve.
What's the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all terms (child custody, support, property division) and can submit a settlement agreement to the court. A contested divorce means spouses disagree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention, negotiation, and potentially a trial.
How is child custody determined in Arizona?
Arizona courts prioritize the child’s best interests. They determine “legal decision-making” (who makes major decisions about the child) and “parenting time” (the visitation schedule). Factors considered include the child’s wishes (if old enough), each parent’s ability to provide care, and the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.
What is child support, and how is it calculated in Arizona?
Child support is financial assistance paid by one parent to the other for the child’s care. Arizona uses specific Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and the amount of parenting time each parent has.
How is marital property divided in an Arizona divorce?
Arizona is a “community property” state. This means all assets and debts acquired during the marriage (community property) are generally divided equally between the spouses. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift/inheritance) typically remains with that spouse.
Can I get alimony (spousal maintenance) in Arizona?
Spousal maintenance (alimony) is not automatic. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, age, health, and financial resources. It’s awarded to help a spouse become self-sufficient, not as a punishment.
What is legal separation, and when is it an option?
Legal separation allows spouses to live apart and formalize issues like property division, custody, and support through a court order, without legally ending the marriage. It’s an option for those who don’t want to divorce for religious, financial, or personal reasons, but still need legal clarity.
Can a divorce decree be modified after it's finalized?
Yes, aspects like child custody, parenting time, and child support can often be modified if there’s a “substantial and continuing change in circumstances.” Spousal maintenance modifications are also possible under certain conditions. Property division is generally final.
What is paternity, and why is it important to establish it?
Paternity is the legal establishment of a child’s biological father. It’s crucial for determining child support obligations, establishing legal decision-making and parenting time rights, and allowing the child to inherit from the father and access his medical history and benefits.
What if my spouse and I agree on everything? Do we still need a lawyer?
Even in an uncontested divorce, having a lawyer review or draft your settlement agreement is highly advisable. We ensure the agreement is legally sound, covers all necessary issues, and protects your long-term interests, preventing future disputes due to overlooked details.
How does domestic violence impact family law cases in Arizona?
Allegations or findings of domestic violence significantly impact legal decision-making and parenting time. Arizona law prioritizes the safety and well-being of the child, and a history of domestic violence can lead to restrictions on a parent’s contact or supervision.
What is mediation in family law?
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps divorcing spouses or parents communicate and negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution. It’s often a less adversarial and more cost-effective alternative to litigation.
Can I move out of Arizona with my children after a divorce or custody order?
If you have a legal decision-making or parenting time order, you generally need the other parent’s consent or a court order to relocate a child more than 100 miles within Arizona or out of state. The court will again consider the child’s best interests.
What's the first step if I'm considering any family law action?
The most important first step is to contact an experienced Divorce and Family Lawyer. We offer consultations to discuss your specific situation, understand your goals, explain your rights under Arizona law, and outline the best legal strategy for you and your family in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, or Parker. Early legal advice can make a significant difference.
Contact Our Kingman Business Litigation Attorneys Today
We invite you to contact Knochel Law Offices, P.C., today at 928-542-4218, or toll free 866-674-4003, to schedule a confidential consultation about your appeal. Our law office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. We offer many of our services for flat fees rather than billing by the hour. Our firm accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
