Quick Intro

The following FAQ section is a list of some of the most common questions I get asked or see floating around online. You can click on each question below for a brief answer. Over time I’ll be adding full articles on each question, which you can find by clicking on the Learn More link to read more about that particular issue.

If you have a question that isn’t covered below, email me at spencer@schieferlaw.com with your question and I can try to include it into the FAQ section in the future. Please do not send confidential information, and remember that email submissions do not create an attorney-client relationship.

Most divorces last around 6-12 months. If you are able to settle early on, it can be over as fast a couple months. Depending on the issues and circumstances, a divorce can last well over a year, sometimes even two years.

You can learn how to calculate child support fast here to find out. You can also learn more of the substantive law on how much you’re going to pay or receive here.

They say the average cost of a divorce is $15,000. I’d say most divorces end up being around $7,500 to $20,000. Of course you can spend less if you settle earlier on. Here’s an article to help you save some money on your divorce.

Nearly every divorce in Arizona will involve a Resolution Management Conference, and this will likely be the first time you go to court for your divorce. Learn all about what happens and what you need to do in advance here.

Spousal maintenance, known as alimony, is one of the most litigated issues in divorces. You have to qualify for spousal maintenance under A.R.S. 25-319 to get anything. Here is a guide to help you figure out where you stand on getting (or paying) spousal maintenance.

An order of protection is a protective order that prevents a person from coming around you or near your protected addresses (usually where you live and where you work).

Yes. But it’s important to understand what an appeal is and what it is not. An appeal is not a second opinion, or second chance at getting what you want, or a means to undo the divorce. Learn about divorce appeals here.

Like most other debts, whether student loans will be divided or allocated totally to one spouse will generally depend on when the student loans were incurred. In most cases student loans are either divided equally, or allocated to the spouse who used the loans for school.

Simply put, you file a petition for dissolution of marriage in the superior court in the county where you reside. This is a fairly simple yet complex question that involves procedural and logistical answers, as well as potentially substantive legal considerations. Here is a thorough guide to help you understand the process.

You may have seen or heard the terms ADR in your divorce, which stands for Alternative Dispute Resolution. It’s simply a form of mediation. You can learn more here.

There’s little difference between a legal separation and a divorce. You do not need to get a legal separation before getting divorce. In fact most people do not get a legal separation, but instead simply get divorced. Learn more about the divorces here.

Well, at least don’t do these Five things to lose your divorce.

Absent a court order both of you can technically stay in the house. Learn more how you can stay in the house here.

When a divorce petition is served there is legal significance that can impact your divorce and property rights. Here are some considerations to think about if you think your spouse is trying to serve you.

It can be possible to find out if your spouse filed for divorce before you’re served. Here’s some tips to find out whether your spouse has filed.

It is a legal document wherein a person disclaims (gets rid of) his/her interest in real estate. If you’re hearing about a disclaimer deed in your case, you should read this article and this one.