Phoenix Arizona Family Law Blog

Money issues are a common cause of divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Marriage is a happy and joyous occasion that should be celebrated. No couple ever marries, thinking that they will one day separate. However, statistics say that over half of all marriages in Arizona and across the United States end in divorce. A number of factors can contribute to a divorce, such as infidelity and lack of communication. However, one of the most common reasons why couples separate is money issues.

Even wealthy couples who seem to be financially secure can have marital issues rooted in money. The divorce proceeding of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and estranged wife Judith recently made headlines. According to reports, Judith detailed claims of lavish spending by Rudy while she was cut off from finances.

Helpful tips for parents seeking child custody

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child custody on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

For most parents in Arizona who have separated, the custody of children is a primary concern. One of the most difficult situations for parents to experience is losing custody of a child. Parents can lose custody due to valid reasons like unstable environments, criminal charges or drug issues. However, some parents may be able to regain child custody. The following tips could be helpful to parents seeking custody.

Sometimes, litigation may not be necessary. Responsible discussions with the other parent could be very beneficial in working out any prior issues while avoiding unnecessary stress to children. However, parents have the right to ask a judge to review the situation, although this does not guarantee that changes will follow. The judge will make a ruling depending on the best interest of the child. Also, depending on age, children may also have a say in the proceedings.

Financial tips for those facing divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

In some situations, ending a marriage is the best course of action. Going through a divorce is never easy and can be extremely costly, financially and emotionally. By following these helpful tips, the process of divorce can be less expensive and less strenuous for Arizona residents.

In recent years, retail therapy has become a common way to combat stress. For some people, buying new clothes, gadgets and even cars is the perfect way to alleviate worry and stress. However, unnecessary shopping should be avoided as it can be detrimental to the financial situation of those facing divorce. Although money can be tight when going through a split, cashing in investments to provide immediate funds should be avoided. Selling assets can derail future financial goals and is also considered a taxable event.

Help your children cope with the changes divorce brings

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

Throughout your child's life, they will have to adjust to change. This can be something like going to a new school or your going through a divorce. Helping them when this is going on can be difficult, but no parent wants to watch as their kids struggle to make sense of the new reality and find healthy ways to cope.

Sea changes in their world, like divorce, can be monumentally impactful on their lives, now and in the future. If you notice that your child is having trouble coping with this major change, consider these tips to help them work through it and adjust to the new way of life:

Seeking guidance when divorce is the healthiest option

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.

Many married couples in Arizona and elsewhere may encounter challenges in their relationships from time to time. In some cases, a temporary disagreement may lead to little more than a heated verbal spat. However, studies suggest that certain topics may prompt more intense disputes that could leave some couples wondering if divorce is the healthiest option for everyone involved.

One of the most common areas in which a couple may encounter conflict within their marriage is finances. Disagreements over money can lead to frequent arguments that can prove harmful to a relationship. Constant levels of conflict may also prompt a break down in communication, and a lack of communication could place a strain on a marriage.

Things grandparents should know about child custody

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child custody on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

When families are torn apart, it is often the children who suffer the most. Recently, child custody has become a hot topic, as more and more studies have shown the disastrous psychological and emotional effects a divorce or separation can have on children. These days, it is not uncommon for grandparents to take over as primary caretakers. However, there are a few legal processes that grandparents in Arizona and other states may want to follow to provide the best possible care for children.

A grandparent power of attorney can allow grandparents to legally provide things such medical treatment or academic enrollment. Although this type of power of attorney can quickly be put in place, the parent must give consent. A caretaker authorization is similar to a power of attorney and is typically recommended when a parent has left the children, as parental consent is not needed. A caretaker authorization would also give grandparents authorization to interact with schools or seek medical treatment.

Celebrities are not immune to the pitfalls of divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

Marriage is a time of love and joy and an occasion fondly celebrated by couples all over Arizona. In the beginning, feelings of happiness and excitement abound. However, people often change as they age, and differences between spouses can lead to separation. What were once positive, loving emotions may eventually turn into feelings of uncertainty, loneliness and despair. Celebrities are often looked upon differently and held to a higher standard, but they too can struggle with separation and divorce.

The divorce of a high-profile, celebrity couple has been making headlines across the country. According to reports, Jennifer Garner recently filed to have her divorce finalized from her husband Ben Affleck. Reports say that Garner requested to have a private judge assigned to her case in order to accelerate the divorce proceedings.

New tax laws may make divorce even more expensive

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Wednesday, September 26, 2018.

As if the cost of living in Arizona these days isn't high enough, new tax laws may make it more expensive for couples who are deciding to split. The least of concerns for those going through a divorce are taxes, but new tax laws that go into effect in 2019 may impact those who are ending their marriage. The changes stem from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in Dec. 2017.

Under the current law, the spouse paying alimony is allowed to deduct those payments, while the spouse who receives alimony is taxed according to his or her tax bracket. However, the new law makes alimony nontaxable for the recipient and not tax-deductible for the payer. This legislation reverses tax laws from 77 years ago that were designed to ease the transition from paying taxes jointly to separately.

Parenting time schedules vary greatly

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law on Monday, September 24, 2018.

One of the biggest considerations of a parenting plan is the schedule that the children will follow. It isn't always easy to decide this, so parents must be sure to think about a variety of factors before they make the decision.

In the past, the child custody schedule usually included being at the custodial parent's house except for every other weekend and two weeks during the summer. This antiquated schedule put the non-custodial parent at a big disadvantage because they didn't have that much time with their children. There are many other options that parents can choose from now. It is even possible to create your own parenting time schedule.

Parental cooperation is key for child custody

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child custody on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

Parenting is never easy, but parenting during a separation can be especially difficult. Arizona parents only want the best for their kids, so working out a child custody arrangement is usually a top priority. Putting differences aside and working together for the benefit of children creates a stable environment which facilitates development. A lengthy and vicious custody battle between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie continues to make headlines, but now the former spouses appear to be turning over a new leaf.

The couple's tumultuous split has been widely publicized. Reports say that only a few weeks ago Jolie had accused Pitt of neglecting to pay meaningful child support and attempted to gain a court order mandating Pitt to pay. Sources close to Pitt say that he had paid over $9 million since the couple separated. However, a judge recently ordered Jolie to repair the relationship between the children and their father.