Phoenix Arizona Family Law Blog

Considering divorce? Become familiar with new tax laws

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

At first, all marriages are joyous occasions and cause for celebration. However, it is a statistical fact that half of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce. Ending a marriage is undoubtedly difficult and can have significant financial ramifications. Those in Arizona who have recently divorced or are planning to divorce should be aware of recent tax law changes.

The new laws relate to alimony or separation payments under a divorce agreement, such as written separation agreements, divorce decrees and separate maintenance decrees. Under previous tax laws, alimony payments could be deducted from the payor's taxes, and receiving spouses were required to include alimony payments as a part of their income. However, as of Jan. 1, 2019, new federal tax laws state that alimony payments cannot be used as a tax deduction by the payor spouse.

Children suffer when child support payments are neglected

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child support on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

For parents in Arizona, the number one priority is the safety and well-being of their children. However, when parents split, it can sometimes have negative financial implications on the family. These days, food, clothing, shelter and other necessities often require financial support from both parents. Child support laws were established so that the needs of children can be financially fulfilled. Those who break these laws can face harsh penalties, including jail time.

In another state, a man who owed thousands in child support apparently received some very serious charges. After a divorce about 10 years ago, the man was ordered to pay child support for his three children, reports said. However, his former spouse alleged that the man never made a child support payment. About a year after the divorce, the man owed nearly $4,500 in child support and was ordered to pay the sum or he would be taken into custody, according to reports.

Summer is the season of divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

Summer in Arizona is traditionally a time of barbecues, vacations and fun. However, according to a recent study, summer is also a time when divorce filings ramp up. During this season, children are out of school and vacations are planned, which can add stress to a lot of marriages. As couples spend more time together, problems in the marriage can get exacerbated. If problems persist, some experts say summer is also a good time to begin planning for a divorce.

If spouses want to separate, planning should begin months before the actual divorce. Summer is often a good time to plan ahead and begin conversations with attorneys, financial planners and the family, of course. Begin collecting information about assets, financial accounts, credit card statements and any other records that may be needed.

Co-parenting requires teamwork from the adults

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law on Friday, June 21, 2019.

Co-parenting is a common method for raising children after a divorce. There are many different things that you have to consider, but the one that must always remain as the primary focus is that the children are the most important people in the arrangement. This can help to ensure you are doing what is best for them.

You might find that co-parenting is a bit challenging at first because you are still trying to deal with the feelings left behind from the marriage. This isn't easy to deal with, but trying to work through them can help you to be a better co-parent because you can put your feelings aside.

Child support: What parents need to know

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child support on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

Children not only require emotional, psychological and physical support, they also require financial support. When parents split, one parent may be required to make child support payments to the custodial parent in order to meet the financial needs of the children. This process can be very confusing. Here are a few things Arizona parents need to know about child support.

Child support is basically a monetary payment that the noncustodial parent makes to the primary caretaker of the children. The parent who makes the payment is known as the obligor, while the parent who receives the payment is known as the obligee. However, the conditions and the amount to be paid are determined by state law and can vary greatly from state to state.

How to move on after the heartbreak of divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

Those who experience the end of a marriage can find themselves drowning in emotions. During a divorce, it's not uncommon to feel stuck, and coping with the heartbreak that often follows a split can definitely be tough to handle. Moving on after a big life event like divorce is not easy, but drawing on the positives of this situation is a good place to start. Here are a few more tips for those in Arizona who suddenly find themselves amid the turmoil of a divorce.

No couple gets married with separation in mind, but yet nearly half of all marriages will end in divorce. Unfortunately, plans do not always work to expectations. Divorce is not unlike death, and in order to heal the sadness, these emotions must first be felt and processed. Embrace the grief, feel it and process it. Grief will then turn to acceptance and, ultimately, forgiveness.

How to thrive after a divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Friday, June 7, 2019.

Anxiety, heartache and fear are common emotions when marriages end. Divorce is tough -- there's just no easy way to put it. However, it does not have to be all negative. In fact, there are a lot of positives in a divorce, and focusing on these positives can help those in Arizona thrive after a split.

During an emotional event like a divorce, it can be difficult to let go of the past. However, in order to move on, it is crucial to let go of baggage, both emotional and physical. Look at this time as a chance to experience a new life. Try new activities and be open to new opportunities that may happen to come along. This can make divorce a liberating experience instead of an experience that robs a person of joy.

Child custody: Tips for co-parenting during dummer

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child custody on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Summer is a season of fun and freedom for families in Arizona. However, for children of divorced parents, summer can be a time of stress and anxiety. The majority of divorced parents these days are choosing co-parenting as the preferred child custody arrangement. Two-household summers can be difficult, but good co-parenting can help alleviate some of the stress that children experience during this time of year.

Cooperation and communication may be the most important factors when it comes to successful co-parenting or shared parenting. Children will naturally feel more secure and relaxed when parents are on the same page. Unexpected things will always happen, and when they do, it is important to communicate with the other parent. It can also be helpful to seek professional help such as counseling or mediation to address those areas where agreements are elusive.

Yes, you will probably split your retirement account in a divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

Deciding that a divorce is your best option for future happiness can lead to a large number of confusing complications. For example, you may find yourself worrying about your upcoming retirement and what impact your divorce could have on it.

While it is true that the older you are when you divorce, the less time you have to recover before retirement, you shouldn't let that stop you from pursuing your happiness in your golden years. However, you can avoid unnecessary heartbreak by accepting the reality of divorce, which includes the likelihood of splitting your pension or retirement with your ex.

Divorce: Learning to let go

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, May 23, 2019.

Marriages in Arizona end for countless reasons, but separating from a spouse is rarely easy. Divorce is a lot like death, in that someone close and familiar is lost. Like a death, there may be a grieving period following a divorce. Also like death, in order to get over it, it is important to learn to let it go.

Yes, a divorce can be traumatic and hard to get over, but hanging on to the past will only bring disappointment in the future and can prevent a person from beginning a new life. Staying attached to a past outcome or a person will cause suffering and will not change the events that have occurred. Peace can never be obtained by living in regret over what has happened in the past. Do not resist what is.