RJ Peters & Assoc PC

RJ Peters & Assoc PC Divorce and Family Law Attorneys located in Downtown Phoenix. We offer a free consultation with one of our aggressive attorneys. See us first.

Divorce and Family Law Attorneys serving Arizona. We limit our practice to family law matters to better serve you.

Changing a child’s name is possible in Arizona, but when both parents are involved, the process is rarely simple. If the...
05/19/2026

Changing a child’s name is possible in Arizona, but when both parents are involved, the process is rarely simple. If the father is listed on the birth certificate, he will generally need to receive notice of the request, even if he objects.

Here are a few important things to know:

👨‍👦 Father’s consent is not always required, but notice usually is
⚖️ Family court is often the proper place to request the change
📄 Probate court may also be an option in some situations
🧒 Court will focus on the child’s best interests
🔍 Filing may also raise issues involving parenting time, legal decision making, or child support

These cases are very fact-specific, and the reason for the name change matters.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-change-my-childs-last-name-without-the-fathers-permission/

An experienced family law attorney can help you determine the best path forward and prepare your request properly.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

16 Years of Dedication, Compassion, and HeartAfter 16 incredible years, we are saying goodbye to an extraordinary parale...
05/15/2026

16 Years of Dedication, Compassion, and Heart

After 16 incredible years, we are saying goodbye to an extraordinary paralegal, teammate, and friend. ☹️

Jerica has been a constant source of professionalism, compassion, loyalty, and strength at our firm. She helped guide countless clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with patience, kindness, dignity, and genuine care.

Her work ethic has been unmatched. She handled challenges with grace, stayed calm under pressure, and brought heart to this office every single day.

Many clients may never fully realize how much she did behind the scenes — the reassuring phone calls, the long hours, the attention to detail, and the unwavering support during emotional times. But we do, and we are deeply grateful.

16 years of loyalty and commitment
Countless families helped
A lasting impact on our team and clients
A friend who will always be part of our family

While we will miss her tremendously, we are excited for her next chapter and know she will continue making a positive impact wherever she goes.

Thank you, Jerica, for 16 amazing years.

— Jen and Rich Peters

From the blog: https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/thank-you-jerica-celebrating-16-years-of-dedication-and-compassion/

A fresh start can feel right, but child custody jurisdiction follows strict legal rules. Whether Arizona can hear your c...
05/05/2026

A fresh start can feel right, but child custody jurisdiction follows strict legal rules. Whether Arizona can hear your case and allow you to remain here depends on timing, facts, and strategy.

Here’s what you need to know:

📍 Arizona typically needs 6 months to become the child’s home state
⚖️ If not, your case will likely need to be filed in the prior state
👨‍👩‍👧 Court decides legal decision making and parenting time based on best interests
✈️ Long-distance parenting plans are common in relocation cases
📊 The relocating parent must prove the move benefits the child
🤝 Agreement between parents can significantly affect the outcome

These cases are very fact-specific. The right approach can make a meaningful difference.

Read more here:

https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-keep-my-child-in-arizona-after-moving-from-another-state/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate jurisdiction and build a strong relocation strategy.
Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Moved to Arizona with Your Child. Can You Stay?Relocating to Arizona may feel like the right move, but custody jurisdict...
04/21/2026

Moved to Arizona with Your Child. Can You Stay?

Relocating to Arizona may feel like the right move, but custody jurisdiction doesn’t change overnight. Where your case is handled and whether you can remain here depends on specific legal factors.

Here’s what matters:

📍 Arizona usually needs 6 months to establish home state jurisdiction
⚖️ If not, your case will likely need to be filed in the prior state
👨‍👩‍👧 Courts decide legal decision-making and parenting time based on best interests
✈️ Long-distance parenting plans are common in relocation cases
📊 The relocating parent must prove the move benefits the child
🤝 Agreement between parents can significantly impact the outcome

These cases are highly fact-specific and can be difficult, but not impossible.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-stay-in-arizona-after-moving-from-another-state-with-my-child/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate jurisdiction, relocation strategy, and your next steps.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Can a Teen Emancipate in Arizona?Wanting independence is understandable, but emancipation is more than just leaving home...
04/07/2026

Can a Teen Emancipate in Arizona?

Wanting independence is understandable, but emancipation is more than just leaving home. Arizona law requires teens to prove they can fully support themselves and handle adult responsibilities.

Here’s what to know:

📅 Must be at least 16 years old
📍 Must be an Arizona resident
💵 Must be financially self-sufficient
🏠 Must show independent living or an unsafe home environment
⚖️ Court process required through a formal motion

If granted, emancipation means parents are no longer responsible for housing, food, or financial support, and the teen takes on many adult obligations.

This is a serious legal step with long-term consequences. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand whether it’s the right path.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-a-teen-emancipate-from-their-parents-in-arizona/

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

If your spouse cashed an insurance check and left, you may still be dealing with the financial fallout. In Arizona, whet...
03/24/2026

If your spouse cashed an insurance check and left, you may still be dealing with the financial fallout. In Arizona, whether you file for divorce can directly impact your liability and your ability to recover those funds.

Here are key points to understand:

🏠 Insurance proceeds taken during marriage may still be addressed in divorce
⚖️ Family court can help resolve misuse of community funds
💳 You could remain jointly liable if you stay married
📉 Arizona community property laws apply to most marital assets and debts
📌 Filing for divorce creates a “line of demarcation” for future obligations

These situations can escalate quickly, especially when insurance companies are involved. Taking the right legal steps early matters.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/what-happens-if-my-spouse-took-insurance-money-and-disappeared/

An experienced family law attorney can help you protect your financial interests and determine your next move.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Waiving Child Support Arrears in ArizonaSometimes both parents agree that waiving child support arrears is the right ste...
03/10/2026

Waiving Child Support Arrears in Arizona

Sometimes both parents agree that waiving child support arrears is the right step, especially when serious illness or other hardships are involved. But even when both sides agree, the process still requires the correct paperwork and court approval.

Here are a few important things to know:

📄 A Stipulation to an Order is typically used to waive arrears
💼 The order can also terminate an existing Income Withholding Order
⚖️ The court must review and approve the agreement
🏛️ Any amounts owed to the State of Arizona cannot be waived by the parent
🔍 It is important to confirm whether the Attorney General’s Office has an interest in the arrears

Even when both parties agree, the details matter. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure the paperwork is done properly and that no issues arise with the state.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Thinking About Waiving Child Support Arrears?At an establishment hearing, the court can address both current child suppo...
02/26/2026

Thinking About Waiving Child Support Arrears?

At an establishment hearing, the court can address both current child support and past support. You can ask the court to waive arrears, but you need to be absolutely certain before doing so. Once waived, those amounts are gone.

Before making that decision, consider:

⚖️ Court can award up to 3 years of back child support
💵 Arrears may be fully or partially waived at your request
📉 A reasonable payment plan may be a smarter alternative
🏠 No support owed for months you lived together
🧾 Credit may be given for support already paid

Child support is for the benefit of the children. A “fresh start” may sound appealing, but the long-term impact matters.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-waive-child-support-arrears-at-an-establishment-hearing/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Divorce Decree Says You Get Half. Now What If They Refuse to Pay?If your divorce order awarded you 50 percent of the hom...
02/17/2026

Divorce Decree Says You Get Half. Now What If They Refuse to Pay?

If your divorce order awarded you 50 percent of the home sale proceeds and your ex refuses to turn over your share, the obligation does not simply go away. But enforcement usually requires you to take additional legal steps.

Here are tools that may be available:

🏠 Recording a judgment lien against other property
💼 Wage garnishment
🏦 Bank garnishment
📄 Debtor’s exam to require disclosure of assets under oath
⚖️ Additional court action to pursue collection

Even if your ex claims the funds are gone, there may still be assets available to satisfy the judgment. Enforcement is procedural and must be handled properly.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/what-can-i-do-if-my-ex-refuses-to-pay-me-my-share-of-the-home-sale/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate your options and pursue what you are owed.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Post-judgment deadlines move fast in Arizona. If your Rule 83 motion was denied, the clock to file a Notice of Appeal is...
01/21/2026

Post-judgment deadlines move fast in Arizona. If your Rule 83 motion was denied, the clock to file a Notice of Appeal is already running, and being even one day late can cost you your appeal rights.

Here’s what matters most:

⏰ Notice of Appeal due within 30 days of the Rule 83 ruling
📅 Deadline is strict, no grace period
🚫 Rule 84 does not extend the appeal deadline
🚫 Rule 85 does not extend the deadline either
⚖️ In most cases, filing the appeal is your only remaining option

Procedural mistakes at this stage are often irreversible. Speaking with an experienced Phoenix divorce attorney can help you understand your options and avoid fatal errors.

Read more here: https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/when-is-the-deadline-to-file-a-notice-of-appeal-after-a-rule-83-motion-is-denied/

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Address

1422 N 2nd Street Ste 100
Phoenix, AZ
85004

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 3pm

Telephone

+16022567575

Website

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