Janice M Palmer

Most people do not believe that they will ever walk into a courtroom as a litigant.  We tend to think of courtrooms and criminal law, and most of us never intend to engage in criminal behavior, and thus, believe that we will not ever be in a courtroom.  Of course, that belief is shattered when one is served with a Petition for Dissolution, or other legal summons. 

What I have learned in the thirty plus years I have practiced law is that each person has his or her story, and that it needs to be respected.  In Arizona, the procedure to unwind a marriage is called a Dissolution of Marriage, and the areas of focus are children, support (both child and spousal) division of assets division of debts and attorney fees.  If there is agreement between both Husband and Wife on all of the topics, the matter can go forward as an uncontested Dissolution.  However, many times there is not a full agreement, and the matter becomes contested.  In either case, it is no fun to contemplate the division of house, car, kids and income.  That is where an experienced lawyer can help. 

Many people find the contested aspect to be bewildering and terrifying at best.  That is understandable.  Most people are not familiar with family law statutes, and how they are applied to the actual circumstances of any individual case.  This is why it is important to have an experienced attorney guide you through the process.  Most people have enough to deal with as far as the emotional part of the process; it is hard enough to grapple with the fact that your marriage of xxx years is over; much less how to divide the kids, the money and the house.

I have litigated countless cases in the years I have practiced law.  Each client is an individual, and each case is unique to its own facts.  The law must be applied in an equitable manner, which means that it needs to be fair, under the circumstances.  What that means in any individual case depends on many factors, some or all will determine the actual outcome of your case. 

While it is traumatizing to go through the litigation process, it is also true that, at some point, the trauma will end, you will be restored to single status, your property will be divided and your children will be provided for.  That is the light to look for at the end of the tunnel.  The process can be difficult, but you will survive it.