Phoenix Arizona Family Law Blog

Steps for an amicable and friendly divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Picture the end of a marriage and thoughts of hostility and anger usually come to mind. The stereotypical divorce in Arizona involves former spouses pitted against one another in a tug of war that is anything but friendly. However, a separation does not have to be a bad thing. An amicable split may be achieved by following these tips.

Placing blame is a surefire way to worsen an already emotionally-draining situation. To simply a divorce, it is imperative that couples work together rather than judge or point out past mistakes. It is recommend that both parties do a bit of self-reflecting before getting together to discuss why the relationship deteriorated and how to move forward. This can bring a mutual understanding and closure to events that have transpired.

Restarting life after a divorce

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

It is never easy to end a marriage. Going from having someone there to being alone and single is an adjustment that can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Divorce is not unlike a death as the consequential feelings of grief, loneliness and overall sadness are almost impossible to escape. However, there are things that individuals in Arizona can do to help cope with a divorce.

For a person going through a divorce, one of the most helpful things to do is to surround oneself with supportive people such as family and close friends. The support and encouragement of a close knit group is invaluable when dealing with the intense pain often associated with the experience of divorce. Stay close to trusted friends and positive, uplifting people. Stay away from those who facilitate anger or feelings of sadness.

Tips for people facing troublesome child custody situations

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

Many things come into the picture that can complicate child custody matters. Some have to do with child support and accusations of domestic violence. When these troubles arise, the primary focus has to be doing what is best for the children.

It can be difficult for parents who are struggling in these two areas to come up with a plan to get back on track with where they feel they need to be with their children. Take time to think about what you can do to benefit the situation so that you aren't doing random things in vain.

Child custody: Helpful tips for fathers

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

When it comes to raising children, woman have traditionally been thought of as the primary care-givers. In the traditional, stereotypical American family, the father goes off to work while mom stays home tending to the house and children. However, these days, more fathers are choosing to take an active role in the lives of their children. When parents split, fathers may have a difficult time obtaining full custody since child custody laws in Arizona and many other states still favor mothers.

There are certain things fathers can do that could increase their chances of winning full custody. One important thing to do is to keep records detailing visits and activities with the children. It is also recommended to log any financial assistance that may have been received. Most judges will inquire about a parent's relationship with a child before awarding full custody rights. Fathers should be ready to respond to any questions during custody proceedings.

Late-life divorce can present unique challenges

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, December 13, 2018.

According to recent statistics, more and more couples in Arizona and across the United States are ending marriages later in life. Since 1990, divorce rates have doubled for people age 50 or older. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as gray divorce. Ending a marriage at any age is tough, but separating from a spouse later in life can come with unique challenges.

Recent studies have shown that gray divorce has been linked to symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, those who are depressed or stressed typically become more sedentary, so depression may lead to other physical ailments such as heart disease or diabetes. Chronic stress is a problem also associated with divorce. Stress has been known to cause high blood pressure, obesity and a weakened immune system.

A high-profile divorce is different, but also the same

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Ending a years-long relationship with a significant other can be stressful, depressing and, in many cases, a very tough adjustment. It is common for those who find themselves suddenly single to feel isolated and alone. Couples in Arizona and across the country split up for countless reasons but, regardless of the reasons, divorce can be extremely tough. Celebrities couples are looked upon differently, but they often separate for the same reasons as other couples.

The divorce of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Chris Martin recently made headlines. The separation left fans wondering what went wrong in their marriage. According to reports, a number of factors contributed to the divorce. Reportedly, Paltrow experienced postpartum depression following the birth of the couple's second child, which put a strain on the marriage.

Preparation is key for life after divorce

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

Ending a marriage is always difficult, no matter the circumstances. Every divorce is different, and the reasons for deciding to separate will vary from couple to couple. As with anything in life, preparation is key for those in Arizona considering divorce.

One of the most important things for newly separated individuals to do is to start familiarizing themselves with finances, women especially. Even these days, a lot women leave finances to their spouses. Those who are divorcing should start paying attention to financial documents such as tax returns, bank statements and accounts. After divorce, individuals are usually required to fill out statements of net worth, so it is helpful to make sure that accounts and assets are accounted for.

4 Tips to remember while negotiating child custody

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law on Monday, November 26, 2018.

Trying to navigate your way through a child custody agreement can be complicated. There are many elements at play when the order is being created. Tension may be due to you and your ex working together or from a judge issuing a ruling.

No matter which way your custody case is being resolved, there are several things you have to remember. All can help ensure that you are doing what needs to be done instead of focusing on things that aren't truly important.

For parents, divorce during the holidays can be challenging

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in divorce on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.

During the wedding no couple likes to think about the possibility of their marriage ending. However, this is a common scenario for couples in Arizona and across America, as some statistics indicate that as many as half of all marriages these days end in divorce. Separating from a spouse is never easy, but during the holidays divorce can be even more difficult and stressful, especially for parents.

Parents often take turns and alternate holidays with the children in most parenting agreements. For newly single parents, spending the holidays without children can induce anxiety and border on devastation. However, being upset around the children may also make the kids upset. Those parents who may not get to spend the holidays with children may find it helpful to plan a day in advance to celebrate.

Co-parenting can be a successful child custody arrangement

On behalf of Reppucci & Roeder Attorneys at Law posted in child custody on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Couples can divorce for a number of reasons. However, for parents in Arizona who divorce, a common priority is usually the safety and well-being of their children. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for both parents to want primary custody of children, causing vicious custody battles to erupt. Children are often caught in the middle and hurt by these power struggles. These days, co-parenting has become one of the most common child custody arrangements but parents have to cohesively work together to make it successful.

In a co-parenting custody arrangement, both parents need to put their differences aside. Arguing or fighting should never happen in front of children. It is not uncommon for divorced parents to talk negatively about the other parent in front of children. This should never happen. The marriage no longer exists, so the main focus now should be on the kids and their needs.