Tuscon Arizona Family Law Blog

What happens to all those rewards points during a divorce?

On behalf of RPM Law posted in Divorce on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

There are many considerations on the table when a couple decides that parting ways is the only solution to a difficult situation. Apart from the more pressing issues facing Arizona couples who make the decision to divorce -- such as child custody, child support and spousal support -- are the division of assets. Included in those assets might be rewards racked up by using points cards. What should become of them?

For instance, couples who have amassed mega airline points while married may wonder what will become of them. According to experts, they're handled just like any other asset. Arizona is a community property state, so the court will split any points equally between a couple unless some other agreement exists between them. But splitting points down the middle may come with added fees.

Divorce is prevalent for those who are age 55 and older

On behalf of RPM Law on Friday, September 18, 2020.

When you think back to your wedding day, no doubt a festive mood, excitement and nervousness filled the atmosphere. You had no reason to expect that your marriage would not last a lifetime. However, time has a way of changing things, especially marriages. The divorce rate in Arizona and throughout the country has slightly declined in recent years. However, in the past 20 years, it has significantly increased for people who are age 55 and beyond.

If you're in this age group, you might relate to one or more of the issues older spouses often cite as factors leading to their decisions to divorce. Filing for divorce after 30, 40 or more years of marriage isn't easy. It is often emotionally and financially difficult. No matter what issues may prompt your decision to file for divorce, making sure you have a strong support network in place from the start can help you cope and move on in life.

Family law: Calculating child support in Arizona

On behalf of RPM Law posted in family law on Thursday, September 10, 2020.

When parents make the decision to divorce, the first priority should be ensuring how they navigate the process in the best interests of their children. Family law in Arizona speaks to issues that affect children of divorce, such as child support. The state has a child support calculator in place that is based on child support guidelines that became effective on April 1, 2018. Revisions to child support guidelines came into effect on Jan. 24, 2018.

There are three different calculators -- versions 2015, 2017 and 2018-2020. The calculator chosen to ascertain support payments depends upon individual situations and is something with which a lawyer may be able to help. After the calculator is chosen, some information will have to be entered, such as children's names and their dates of birth; gross income of both parents; spousal support received by either parent; court-ordered child support for children from other relationships; medical, dental and vision insurance costs for children; any extra expenses for education that has been paid, etc.

Strategies to minimize the impact of divorce on your job

On behalf of RPM Law posted in Divorce on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

Professional people take pride in the work they do. When something happens that impacts life circumstances, it could affect job performance, but there are some things Arizona residents who are going through such things -- like a divorce -- can do to minimize its effects. The divorce process can take up a lot of time, so it is vital those going through it have a handle on the tasks they need to complete.

Experts suggest having a support network outside the office setting may help to keep emotions in check in the workplace. Keeping divorce details personal when in a professional setting is also another good piece of advice. Court appearances will obviously detract from time spent in the office, so it's crucial to make a concerted effort to work with a soon-to-be former spouse to iron out the details of the divorce.

What happens to points, rewards during a divorce?

On behalf of RPM Law posted in Divorce on Friday, August 14, 2020.

These days, there are many rewards systems in place that allow consumers to rack up points or dollars when they buy particular items -- like an air miles card, for instance. When an Arizona couple decides to divorce, one of the issues on the table might be what to do with those points and/or rewards. In a nutshell, these kinds of things are handled like other marital assets and are up for division -- if they were amassed during the course of the marriage.

Much depends upon the state laws in which the couple resides. Arizona is a community property state, so typically, those points and/or rewards will be divided 50/50 by the court if the parties can't come to an agreement. But how does one go about splitting the things that aren't tangible? In most cases, they can be split down the middle, but doing so usually comes with a fee -- the cost of which would be the responsibility of both individuals.

Family law: Helping kids transition between 2 households

On behalf of RPM Law posted in family law on Monday, July 27, 2020.

Children who have divorced parents could face a number of issues. Luckily, there are family law tools in place in Arizona to help parents navigate the rough spots which could include helping their children to adjust to life going back and forth from two households. Co-parents face many challenges, but one major challenge is children transitioning from one parenting style to another.

Experts say there are things parents can do to make it better for their children and for themselves as well. Parents often have unrealistic expectations when it comes to how their children will react during transitions. Shifting those expectations might help. Also, parents also have to focus on their own needs, so they can better manage their children's behaviours regarding going from one home to another.

Important factors you should consider in a military divorce

On behalf of RPM Law on Friday, July 24, 2020.

Divorce is a complex process, and it can be especially complicated when it involves one or two spouses who are in the military. If you are facing the prospect of a military divorce, it is in your interests to know what to expect from this process and what you can do to protect your long-term well-being. Preparation is key in your pursuit of a strong and stable post-divorce future.

There are several factors that make military divorces unique. Deployment and job requirements can make things like custody and visitation schedules difficult. The way military pensions and benefits work can make it complicated to fairly divide marital assets. This is why it is in your interests to work with a legal ally who can help you understand your options and fight for an outcome that allows you to look to your future with confidence.

Family law: Parallel parenting when co-parenting doesn't work

On behalf of RPM Law posted in family law on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.

Children can still be raised as loving, caring, well-adjusted individuals when co-parenting doesn't work for their parents. When divorced or separated Arizona parents just can't seem to get on the same page about anything -- including raising their children together -- family law in the state paves the way for an alternative solution. Children can still have a relationship with both parents by a method called parallel parenting.

Essentially, parallel parenting former spouses parent their children by disengaging with each other but remaining engaged with their kids. The goal of this form of parenting is to allow former spouses to keep conflicts at bay while understanding their children have the right to have a relationship with both parents. This is also healthy for the parents too, who could suffer emotionally if their children were kept from them.

Arizona divorce: How to tell if your spouse is hiding assets

On behalf of RPM Law posted in Divorce on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

Many Arizona married couples share all things equally regarding their finances. They have jointly owned bank accounts and are transparent regarding spending habits, savings and other financial issues. Other spouses, however, leave financial tasks to one or the other spouse. Either way, if a divorce occurs, both spouses must be aware of all assets and liabilities that will affect settlement.

If a spouse wishes to gain the upper hand in property division proceedings, he or she may attempt to hide assets in divorce. It is not fair to the other spouse, and it also happens to be illegal. A judge overseeing such proceedings is not likely to look favorably on a spouse who tries to beat the system to keep his or her ex from obtaining a fair share of community property.

Earmarkers for child custody in Arizona

On behalf of RPM Law posted in child custody on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.

The phrase, best interests of the child, shows up repeatedly when couples with children decide to divorce. Child custody in Arizona hinges on a number of factors, but primarily on what is best for the children. A family court judge will make that decision taking that into consideration -- along with other things -- if the parents can't iron out custody issues on their own.

A family court judge in Arizona is most certain to look at the following markers in regard to custody. They include the wishes of the children and of the parents; whether there is a history of violence in the home; whether parents were the primary caregivers of the children; the children's relationship with each parent; how willing each parent is to have a positive relationship with the other parent and children's adjustments to home, school and community life. In addition, a judge may also look at whether either parent has any criminal convictions of any kind.