Do I Need a Lawyer? - Phoenix,AZ

If you were never married AZ law states that you are the legal guardian, untill a court states otherwise. You can establish custody at the same time as support, IF you go through the court. If your using DES to establish support, you'll need to file for custody seperatley though the courts. All the forms you'd need are available at www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov. Go to the selfservice center, and look under Family court forms. You can do this yourself, and don't need an attorney, but if you have questions, there are refrences on the website for lawyers and paralegals available on the 6th floor of the court house, or you can go there and make an appt. It's not completly free, but not too expensive either.

I recently divorced.We did not seek legal assitance.The first court date they give you is to see a mediator and if you agree on all the points it can be done pretty painlessly.Just make sure you go in there knowing what you have and what you want and here is the tricky part try to make as many agreements with your soon to be ex before you get there.The mediator will use the standard child support calculator to figure that for you you will need to bring proof of all finances.We ended up going 3times (the maxmium # of times you can go to meditaion)and it was all settled that day and the papers were notorized that day and the finals were mailed to us after they were signed by the judge.My ex paid the initial filing fees I did file some paper and filled out the forms to have my fees waived.That was the only expense that we incurred.I believe the website you need to start with in Az is http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/.Go to forms on line and start tying in your answers ,print then file them.

Sounds like you lost communication with your husband and it's a shame that the children are so young and you all are breaking up. I've never been thru this before, but I am a divorcee child. Meaning, my Mom and Dad divorced when I was 2. Anyway, if your ex husband/soon to be ex is not abusive, and loves his children, then SHARE custody with him. I'm real sorry you have to go thru this. It's no fun and you're probably in for a long haul with the court stuff. Is there any possible way you and your soon to be ex can reach a compromise with custody before you go to court? This will help the process go smoother and quicker. I would try talking with him and see how he feels about the whole process too. I hope it works out for the both of you, for the childrens sake. Best Wishes,G.

if you can afford one, i would get one... i am going thru the process currently, it is not fun- good luck with everything :)