Family Law Attorneys in Scottsdale & Lake Havasu City
Trusted Legal Guidance Across Maricopa & Mohave County
Family law issues are personal and often emotionally overwhelming. Whether you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or a child support matter, the attorneys at Rideout Law Group are here to protect your rights and support your future.
We represent clients across Maricopa County and Mohave County, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding areas. With experience in both courtroom litigation and family-focused negotiation, our legal team works to secure practical, long-term solutions for you and your family.
Our Family Law Practice Areas
Click any topic below for detailed information about Arizona family law, your rights, and how we can help:
- Divorce – Arizona’s no-fault divorce process, community property division, contested vs. uncontested, and timelines
- Child Custody – Legal decision-making, parenting time, best interests factors, and custody modifications
- Child Support – Arizona Child Support Guidelines, income calculations, modifications, and enforcement
- Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) – Eligibility factors, duration, modification, and enforcement of support orders
- Property Division – Community vs. separate property, business valuations, retirement accounts, and debt allocation
- Paternity – Establishing parentage, voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing, and fathers’ rights
- Modifications – Changing custody, support, or maintenance orders when circumstances change substantially
- Enforcement – Enforcing court orders when the other party refuses to comply with custody, support, or property terms
- Protective Orders – Orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, emergency orders, and defense against false allegations
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements – Protecting assets before or during marriage, enforceability requirements under Arizona law
- Grandparent Rights – Visitation rights, third-party custody, in loco parentis, and standing requirements
- Relocation/Move-Away Cases – Notice requirements, burden of proof, and how courts evaluate proposed relocations
How We Help Protect Your Family
Family law decisions shape your future and your children’s future. Our attorneys help by:
- Working toward amicable resolutions where possible through negotiation and mediation
- Providing aggressive representation in contested hearings and trials when necessary
- Protecting your parental rights, property interests, and financial security
- Helping you navigate custody evaluations, financial disclosures, and court procedures
- Filing for emergency orders when safety is at risk
- Pursuing modifications and enforcement when existing orders are not being followed
We have helped hundreds of Arizona families resolve difficult issues with strength, clarity, and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
Arizona requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served. An uncontested divorce with no children and no disputes can be finalized shortly after that 60-day period. Contested divorces involving custody disputes, complex property division, or business valuations can take 6 months to over a year. The timeline depends largely on how much the parties agree on and whether the case requires trial.
How does Arizona determine child custody?
Arizona uses the “best interests of the child” standard under ARS 25-403. The court considers 11 statutory factors including: each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, each parent’s mental and physical health, which parent is more likely to allow meaningful contact with the other, and whether there has been domestic violence. Arizona favors maximizing both parents’ involvement unless safety concerns exist. There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers.
Can custody or child support orders be changed later?
Yes. You can petition the court for a modification if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. For custody, this might include a parent’s relocation, a change in the child’s needs, substance abuse concerns, or a significant change in work schedules. For child support, a change of 15% or more from the current order based on updated income typically qualifies. The modification takes effect from the date the petition is filed, not retroactively.
How is property divided in an Arizona divorce?
Arizona is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be community property and are divided equitably (which usually means equally). Separate property – assets owned before the marriage, gifts, and inheritances – generally remains with the original owner. However, commingling separate and community funds can complicate this. Retirement accounts, business interests, stock options, and real estate all require careful analysis. We work with financial experts when needed to ensure an accurate and fair division.
What is spousal maintenance and who qualifies?
Spousal maintenance (alimony) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after divorce. Under ARS 25-319, a spouse may qualify if they lack sufficient property to meet their reasonable needs, cannot support themselves through employment due to age, health, or caring for a young child, contributed to the other spouse’s education or career, or had a marriage of long duration. The amount and duration depend on factors including the standard of living during the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the length of the marriage.
What if my ex is not following the court order?
If the other party is violating a custody, support, or property division order, you can file a petition for contempt of court. The court can impose sanctions including fines, jail time, attorney fee awards, and modified orders. For child support specifically, Arizona has aggressive enforcement tools including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and even criminal prosecution for chronic non-payment. Do not ignore violations – document everything and contact an attorney.
Do I need a lawyer for my divorce?
Arizona allows you to represent yourself, but family law involves complex statutes, court rules, and financial implications that can permanently affect your rights. Mistakes in property division, custody agreements, or support calculations cannot always be fixed later. If children, significant assets, retirement accounts, or business interests are involved, legal representation protects you from costly errors. We offer free initial consultations so you can understand your options before deciding.
What is a protective order and how do I get one?
An Order of Protection is a court order that prohibits a person from contacting, threatening, or coming near you. In Arizona, you can request one against a household member, romantic partner, or someone you have a specific relationship with as defined by ARS 13-3601. Emergency orders can be obtained the same day from a court or after hours from a magistrate. The initial order is temporary and a hearing is scheduled within 10 days for the respondent to contest it. We handle both filing for protective orders and defending against false or exaggerated allegations.
Meet Our Family Law Team
Our family law team is led by Brad Rideout, an experienced Arizona attorney and former prosecutor, alongside Steve Eckhardt and Carolyn Keist-Gilbert. Together they bring decades of experience in divorce, custody, support, and protective order cases throughout Arizona.
We bring compassion, focus, and clarity to every case.
Brad Rideout
Founder, Criminal Defense & Family Law
Steve Eckhardt
Family, Bankruptcy, Criminal & Civil Law
Carolyn Keist-Gilbert
Criminal Defense, Creative Strategy & Juvenile Law
Serving Clients Across Arizona
We represent clients throughout:
- Maricopa County: Scottsdale, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Avondale, Peoria, Laveen, Tolleson
- Mohave County: Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Golden Valley
Contact Rideout Law Group Now
Do not face family law issues alone. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with our legal team.
- Toll-Free: (833) 854-8181
- Offices in Scottsdale, AZ and Lake Havasu City, AZ
Let us protect what matters most. Let us help you move forward.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content. Arizona law changes frequently. For legal guidance specific to your situation, contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.