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Do you need an Arizona divorce or family law attorney?

If you are thinking about legal separation, divorce, annulment, or child custody/child support establishment in Arizona, you may wonder whether it is absolutely necessary to hire an attorney. After all, legal representation is a significant expense. The reality is that you are always better off with legal representation, or at least legal advice, from an experienced, knowledgeable family law attorney. But if finances are an issue, you may be able to dissolve your own marriage or handle other family legal matters without any legal representation.

When it makes sense to go it alone

The key consideration in deciding whether to hire a family law attorney is whether you have the time or patience required to get up to speed on the laws and rules, familiarize yourself with the court forms, fill them out, gather the required attachments, and file them with the court. It is no small task. But as long as you can read English, you probably can follow the step-by-step instructions provided with the forms, which are available either online or at self-help centers at Arizona county Superior courthouses. If the matter is simple and the other party is cooperative, you may be able to save hundreds or thousands of dollars by proceeding without an attorney.

When you need an Arizona family law attorney

Unfortunately, legal matters that begin simple can escalate quickly for reasons beyond your control. Your case may become contested, meaning you are forced to go to trial. This is when you definitely need a lawyer. It is almost never a good idea to represent yourself in an Arizona court, especially at an evidentiary hearing or trial. You have too much at stake to enter a playing field that is tilted heavily against you.

You definitely should hire a lawyer if:

  • The other party has hired a lawyer.
  • You and the other party cannot agree on everything or, worse yet, cannot even have a civil conversation.
  • One or more minor children are involved, and you and the other parent disagree over how to split parenting time or come up with a workable schedule for regular time, holidays, and special days.
  • The matter involves unique or complex legal issues, such as new or emerging areas of the law. Same-sex parenting issues are one example.
  • You have a highly complicated set of circumstances, such as ownership of a family business, a professional firm, multiple business concerns, or pieces of real estate in multiple states.

Cost-saving alternatives

Even if you cannot afford to hire an attorney to represent you from start to finish, there are less expensive alternatives. For example, the State Bar of Arizona recently began recognizing limited-scope representation, which means hiring an attorney to handle some aspects of your legal matter but not others. For example, you might hire a lawyer only to appear on your behalf in court. Or only at trial. Or instead the lawyer could simply help you behind the scenes to apply the law to your particular set of facts, advise you on the best course of action, or help ensure that you do not overlook any important deadlines or steps in the process.

Another alternative is hiring a paralegal or legal document preparer to assist you. But keep in mind that he or she is not an attorney and cannot give you legal advice without getting into a great deal of trouble with the State Bar of Arizona.

Things to keep in mind

Always keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. This does not necessarily mean that the most expensive attorney is the best one. He or she may simply be better than others at marketing or have been practicing long enough to build a vast referral network. At the same time, an attorney advertising a free initial consultation or low flat fee may not be the best choice for you. Sometimes the most expensive aspects of legal representation are hidden beyond the asterisk and in the fine print. The old adage applies: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Be sure to check around and compare rates, fee structures, and philosophies before meeting with or hiring a family law attorney. During the initial consultation, try to get a feel for how well you and the attorney would get along, how honest and straightforward he or she appears to be, how likely he or she would be to use your money as efficiently and economically as possible, and how experienced and knowledgeable he or she is with cases like yours. If the attorney meets these criteria, he or she probably is worth every penny.

One other consideration: Most people do not anticipate having legal needs, much less save up for them. But even if you do not think you currently have enough money for an attorney, you might be surprised at the options that are available if you take a deep breath and consider them. Family or friends might be willing to help. A bank or credit union might be willing to give you a signature loan. You might be able to get a credit card with a low introductory interest rate.

No one likes to ask for money or go into debt. But consider how much the legal outcome means to you and your family, and then think of ways to make it possible to get the level of legal representation you need.

Disclaimer: This legal guide provides general information, not legal advice that can be applied to any specific matter. It does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

What people are saying about Joan Bundy Law…

Having you for a lawyer was the best thing I did…

Oh my goodness! I have been at this for months! I can’t thank you enough for helping me through it! You made all the difference. Thank you again Joan! Having you for a lawyer was the best thing I did in this whole thing.

— E.H. | Post-decree matter

…I really appreciate all of the help you gave me!

Thank you…for all of your help with this case, as well as being so patient with the other party and their lawyer. I really appreciate all of the help you gave me!

— C.R. | Animal law matter

Thank you Joan…

Thank you Joan for your legal advice and your good listening ear.

— P. S. | Animal law matter

…I feel like I’m on cloud nine!…

OMG…I am still soooooooo happy, I feel like I am on cloud nine!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You again…I don’t feel like I can say it enough!

— E.B. | Child visitation and support matter

…I feel like I’m on cloud nine!…

OMG…I am still soooooooo happy, I feel like I am on cloud nine!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You again…I don’t feel like I can say it enough!

— E.B. | Child visitation and support matter

…I’d be lost without you…

I greatly appreciate all your help and knowledge, I’d be lost without you in all this and you made me feel at ease and calm. It was great getting to know you. Thanks again!

— M. F. | Child custody matter

…I can’t express our gratitude and appreciation enough!…

[We] want to thank you for all your help with this!! … I can’t express our gratitude and appreciation enough! I couldn’t have done it without you! We will be in touch!

— T. S. | Parental termination matter

…Yes, we did triumph…

Thank you, Joan, for everything….Yes, we did triumph. I hope that [father] could see that I truly am moving forward for the kids’ sake.

— A. A. | Child custody matter

…I was so glad to have you represent me.

Thank you for all of your help and noticing the refund. … I was so glad to have you represent me.

— S. S. | Divorce/relocation matter

…Thank you for being an advocate for animals.

I need to remember that there are good people out there like you! Thank you for being an advocate for animals.

— M.V. | Animal law matter

Thank you so much…

Thank you so much for your boost and help!

— M. S. | Divorce matter

We would like to thank you for everything…

We would like to thank you for everything. We will be in touch.

— J.R | Child custody/Support matter

…I appreciate your help!

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your help!

— M. S. | Divorce matter

…thank you for helping me…

This is a scary place to be and thank you for helping me to navigate through it.

— D. .M. | Divorce matter

…YOU ROCK!

Thanks Joan as I have stated before…YOU ROCK!

— D. .M. | Divorce matter

…you have been a good listener.

Thank you so much.  You have helped me so much with good legal advice and beyond that, and more important, you have been a good listener.

— R.P. | Legal separation/Divorce matter

…I highly recommend [Joan] for all your personal legal needs.

Joan is a great person, with compassion, and knowledge to help you through troublesome times. She realized that I had particular problems in my divorce, and helped me with timeliness and professionalism that a quality attorney gives to her client. She listens well and represents honesty. I highly recommend her for all your personal legal needs.

— J. S. | Legal separation/Divorce matter

…I would highly recommend Joan to anyone who wants someone with intelligence and integrity to represent them.

Joan helped me through a very long and difficult process, trying to collect on a settlement. She put a lot of time and effort into my case and never gave up. As a result, I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and can take a deep breath! I would highly recommend Joan to anyone who wants someone with intelligence and integrity to represent them.

— C. W. | Post-decree matter

…I really felt like she cared.

I hired Joan to handle my divorce. Although the process itself was difficult, Joan made it much easier. She handled my case with compassion and professionalism. She gave me a clear and accurate fee schedule so I knew exactly how much I could expect to pay. She was always available to answer any of my questions or concerns. I really felt like she cared.

— S.P. | Divorce matter

I was very impressed with the legal services that Joan provided…

I was very impressed with the legal services that Joan provided and she was able to assist in me getting my overpaid alimony money back.

— S.H. | Post-decree matter

…I am so glad I hired Joan for my issues.

I initially talked with another firm (a large family practice here in Phoenix) and I just did not get the warm and fuzzy feeling that they were going to do everything I required. Joan certainly did and I am so glad I hired Joan for my issues.

— S.H. | Post-decree matter

…I recommend her highly.

Joan is a very intelligent and professional attorney that listens carefully and offers very sound advice. I recommend her highly.

— L. N. | Initial consultation

…Words cannot express what peace having you involved gives us.

Thank you for all your help thus far. Words cannot express what peace having you involved gives us.

— K, S. | Guardianship matter

When I couldn’t even get a call back from ANY attorney with my problem, Joan called me back.

When I couldn’t even get a call back from ANY attorney with my problem, Joan called me back.

— C.R. | Animal law matter

…[Joan] continued to assist me and give me courage to my favorable conclusion.

Even though she felt I could handle my situation without an attorney, she continued to assist me and give me courage to my favorable conclusion.

— C.R. | Animal law matter

…Joan handled it with utmost confidence and professionalism.

Despite my case being VERY complicated, Joan handled it with utmost confidence and professionalism.

— T.D. | Same-sex matter

…[Joan] responded to me in less then 24 hours…

When I found myself in the unthinkable with the end of my 16 year marriage upon me, I reached out to Joan.  She responded to me in less then 24 hours and helped put me at ease in reference to his threats.

— M. F. | Divorce/Pet custody matter

…[Joan] can only be described as compassionate and competent in her handling of my case.

From the moment I began working with Joan, she can only be described as compassionate and competent in her handling of my case.

— M. F. | Divorce/Pet custody matter

Joan was very motivated, organized, responsive, and thorough in communication.

Joan was very motivated, organized, responsive, and thorough in communication.

— B. F. | Same-sex matter

She is very supportive of families of all make-ups…

She is very supportive of families of all make-ups and understands Arizona laws surrounding married, unmarried, and LGBT families.

— B. F. | Same-sex matter

…If you are looking for a kind and trustworthy attorney, hire Joan Bundy.

[E]very email and phone call I made, was returned personally by Joan within 24 hours. If you are looking for a kind and trustworthy attorney, hire Joan Bundy.

— W. S. | Legal separation matter

…Ms. Bundy is stellar compared to what we have dealt with in the past.

Communication via email, phone or otherwise is immediately addressed, and, quite frankly, after utilizing the services of another similar attorney, Ms. Bundy is stellar compared to what we have dealt with in the past.

— K.R. | Post-nuptial matter

…Ms. Bundy had our best interests at heart.

The communications process was smooth and efficient, professional and left us in no doubt whatsoever Ms. Bundy had our best interests at heart.  She is a very caring, understanding and compassionate attorney – a true rare breed in today’s world!

— K.R. | Post-nuptial matter

I found her to be competent, professional and assertive…

I found her to be competent, professional and assertive when she needed to be. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for an attorney.

— C.W. | Post-decree matter

…I would definitely recommend Ms. Bundy as a divorce attorney.

She was aggressive, but appropriate, in her dealings with my ex-husband, for which I was grateful.  Additionally, she was very ethical in her billing practices.  I would definitely recommend Ms. Bundy as a divorce attorney.

— K.H. | Divorce matter

…In the courtroom Joan was assertive, took action, and was effective.

Ms. Bundy displayed a genuine concern for the outcome of my case and put heart and soul into every action.  In the courtroom Joan was assertive, took action, and was effective.

— L. S. | Child custody matter

…Joan was always professional, timely and compassionate…

As a single parent of four children navigating a complicated history of court filings, proceeding, evaluations etc… I needed someone knowledgeable and sensitive to the nature of not just the case but the family behind it. Joan was always professional, timely and compassionate concerning my families wants, needs, financial situation, and overall desired outcome.

— L.S. | Child custody matter

…Thank you, Joan, for helping us with our case!

Communication was quick and clear, and we would recommend her for anyone of need of legal services. Thank you, Joan, for helping us with our case!

— N.R. | Animal law matter

…Joan is honest and upfront and I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.

I was very emotionally distraught and I had no idea what to expect in court, but she was very supportive and reassuring. Joan is honest and upfront and I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.

— N.H. | Protective order matter

…[Joan] is supportive of families regardless of what they look like, and was very comforting during a very difficult time.

Joan was very friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough in preparation and communication. She is supportive of families regardless of what they look like, and was very comforting during a very difficult time.

— B. F. | Same-sex matter

…[Joan] helped me get myself back together.

I called Joan, and she first calmed me down and told me all would be all right and it was going to be fixed. When I called her, I was an emotional wreck, and she helped me get myself back together so that she could help me get this done.

— R. A. | Divorce matter

…My divorce was as quick and as painless as it could possibly be because of her quality work.

I can speak volumes on her professionalism, amazing response times and great character. She was always available by phone, email or in person. My divorce was as quick and as painless as it could possibly be because of her quality work.

— J. M. | Divorce matter

…I really felt like she cared.

She handled my case with compassion and professionalism….She was always available to answer any of my questions or concerns. I really felt like she cared.

— S.P. | Divorce matter

Joan handled my case with a great deal of professionalism.

Joan handled my case with a great deal of professionalism.

— D. M. | Divorce matter

…you get what you pay for with Joan…

[A] good family law attorney is going to be relatively expensive… it is a field that requires loads of knowledge, experience and time. At least you get what you pay for with Joan, and without “surprises.”

— J. L. | Child custody matter

…[Joan] eased my concerns and kept me informed throughout every step in the process…

She responded quickly to every email I ever sent her and patiently answered all my questions, eased my concerns and kept me informed throughout every step in the process, a most important courtesy when going through such a difficult time.

— J. L. | Child custody matter

…[Joan] has worked hard and efficiently…

She has worked hard and efficiently with me to ensure that I had the best possible shot in court and represented me very well when the day finally came.

— J. L. | Child custody matter

…We highly recommend [Joan] for working with same sex parents or opposite sex parenting plan needs.

Throughout everything, Joan handled the situation with the upmost professionalism. We highly recommend her for working with same sex parents or opposite sex parenting plan needs.

— Anonymous | Same-sex matter

Joan was very professional while handling my case…

Joan was very professional while handling my case against an attorney that was less then ethical. Joan held her ground and remained confident the entire time.

— D.M. | Divorce matter

Joan was very professional while handling my case…

Joan was very professional while handling my case against an attorney that was less then ethical. Joan held her ground and remained confident the entire time.

— D. M. | Divorce matter

I would highly recommend Joan Bundy…

She is and has been very organized and keeps up to date with details regarding my case. She also has taken swift action when it has been necessary. I would highly recommend Joan Bundy if you are looking for an assertive, capable and compassionate attorney.

— C.W. | Post-decree matter

[Joan’s] patience with me not only helped win both legal cases, but has allowed me to start getting back on my feet.

I was facing a couple of different legal as well as medical problems and Joan was always very patient, doing what I asked unless there was a specific or strategic reason not to. Her patience with me not only helped win both legal cases, but has allowed me to start getting back on my feet.

— Rob | Avvo, 2011

Joan Bundy is a family attorney who is very dedicated to her profession…

Joan Bundy is a family attorney who is very dedicated to her profession and is becoming a force to be reckoned with. If you want an attorney who is honest to a fault and dedicated to her profession, there is none better.

— S.B. | Child custody matter

[Joan] won my case all the way…

I know the best thing I could have done was hire her as my attorney in my situation being I have children I wanted my divorce done right. Joan surely did the job. She won my case all the way and I would definitely keep her as my lawyer for anything in the future.

— S. S. | Divorce matter

[Joan] showed that she was very easy to talk to she listened…

When we first met with the lawyer she showed that she was very easy to talk to she listened gave us options and did not come across stuffy like the first one we had talked to from another firm.

— K. M. | Post-decree matter

…We couldn’t have asked for a better representation.

You have really helped us get on top of this situation and gave [us] the confidence that [we] needed to be able to put [our] foot down for [our] daughter. We couldn’t have asked for a better representation.

— C. M. | Post-decree matter

You are the greatest!…

You are the greatest! Thanks so much for caring….I WON! …Thanks again for your guidance!

— C. R. | Animal law matter

…She listens well and represents honesty.

Joan is a great person, with compassion, and knowledge to help you through troublesome times. She realized that I had particular problems in my divorce, and helped me with timeliness and professionalism that a quality attorney gives to her client. She listens well and represents honesty.

— J. S. | Divorce matter

You have been a great influence and help in my life.

You have been a great influence and help in my life.

— M. S. | Divorce matter

I will continue referring others to you…

I will continue referring others to you. I appreciated your timely and quality advice as well as your professionalism.

— R.R. | Child-custody and child-support modification

Joan proved to be very knowledgeable and competent…

I used Joan’s practice for my divorce. Although it was quite straightforward, no debts, no estate, no kids, the difficulty was that from my part, it was long-distance and international since I reside in France. Joan proved to be very knowledgeable and competent, she gave me clear information and advice about what would happen and the applicable laws.

— V.J. | Divorce matter

[Joan] helped us accomplish everything we set out to do.

Joan was very attentive to our situation and needs. She always got back to us in a timely manner. All of our questions and concerns were addressed. She helped us accomplish everything we set out to do.

— J.V. | Post-decree modification/relocation matter

[Joan] is the most professional lawyer I have ever had…

She is the most professional lawyer I have ever had. She responds quickly and is way more knowledgeable than any of my previous lawyers.

— A.C. | Child custody matter

Contact a Chandler legal separation attorney

If you are thinking about filing for legal separation or have to respond to a petition for one, be sure to consult with an Arizona family law attorney who is knowledgeable in and has considerable expertise with legal separations. Do not go it alone.

Call Joan Bundy Law at 480.463.4600 to find out how an experienced Chandler legal separation attorney can help guide you through the complexities.

Contact Chandler divorce and family lawyer Joan Bundy.