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Joan M Bundy
also known as Joan Bundy
About Joan
Biography
Joan Bundy, owner/attorney-at-law of Joan Bundy Law, became passionate about divorce and family law while serving as a prosecutor. Most of her case load involved domestic-violence matters. She spoke firsthand with domestic-violence victims, heard their stories, and helped bring them justice. She saw how the legal system can be a positive force to help families escape abusive and sometimes life-threatening situations, and move on with their lives.
As a prosecutor, Joan learned another important lesson: The justice system’s adversarial nature can sometimes stand in the way, not help bring about, a positive outcome in family law cases. When she opened her own family-law practice in Chandler, which she saw as a natural outgrowth of her previous experience, she saw many of the same patterns. Too many divorce and family law cases are characterized by needless conflict between the two parties and their attorneys. The result is a lengthy, expensive, heart-wrenching process that leaves lasting scars, particularly when children are involved. Only the attorneys stand to gain from high-conflict litigation.
Joan’s job is to advocate for the best interests of her divorce and family law clients. She does not hesitate to assertively advocate for them if the situation requires it. If the other party or opposing counsel are uncooperative, there is no other choice. Still, she believes that cooperation is the preferred approach because it often brings faster, more efficient, happier, and longer-lasting outcomes that benefit both her clients and their families. In fact, she has extensive training and experience in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
Joan reviews each client’s legal matter individually and recommends the approach that she believes, through years of experience in family law, will work best. If the parties are willing to work together to resolve their issues, she may recommend mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution instead of going to court.
As a divorce and family law attorney, Joan’s goals are to:
- Help clients through difficult times as painlessly as possible.
- Recommend the most efficient, cost-effective legal solutions.
- Dedicate one attorney to each case from beginning to end.
- Treat every client, without exception, with compassion, respect, and dignity.
Joan grew up in a small Iowa town, which she credits for her traditional values and strong work ethic. She has lived in Arizona since 2000. Before entering the legal field, she sharpened her communication skills as a journalist and public relations professional.
The proud “parent” of many cats and dogs past and current, Joan considers companion animals to be part of the family and is a recognized national expert on animal law issues. She is a past chairperson and current member of the Executive Council of the State Bar of Arizona’s Animal Law Section and, for many years, has been a board member of, volunteer for, and financial contributor to many animal welfare organizations.
She also is an ally to the LGBTQIA+ population and has provided estate planning, co-parenting, dissolution and adoption services to many same-sex individuals and couples over the years. She is a recognized local expert in LGBTQIA+ family law issues.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
55%
17 years | 300 cases
Child Custody
37%
17 years | 100 cases
Animal Law
5%
22 years | 20 cases
Estate Planning
2%
17 years | 12 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 19 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Joan Bundy Law
1490 South Price Road, Suite 214, Chandler, AZ, 85286
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Joan M Bundy's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
21 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Appeals
Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2011 | Appeals
Follow your own contract
I was a client of Joan Bundys. When I went to see Joan about my case and I gave her 1000.00 for her to type appeal paperwork for me. Joan told me that would be enough for her to type paperwork for me. When received my final bill from Joan (me thinking it should be at zero) it was for 2000.00 more. W...
Joan Bundy
Replied last August 31, 2011I am sorry to hear this client (it was actually two clients, who were co-parties) may have had some dissatisfaction regarding my billing practices. Unfortunately, the State Bar of Arizona finds that this is the most common area of complaint that attorneys' clients voice if anything at all. To try to avoid any and all possible conflicts, confusions or misunderstandings over client billing, one thing I make sure to NEVER do is make any false promises. My fee agreement-attorney/client contract clearly states (and always has, since I started private practice years ago) that I cannot precisely predict or accurately guarantee the total cost of services, particularly because the complexity and uniqueness of issues can vary so much from case to case. Here is an excerpt from my current agreement that reflects that policy: "Based on the information you have provided me so far, I estimate that it will take at least _______ hours of my time to help you resolve the legal matter(s) for which you have sought help. Therefore, you will need to deposit $ ______ at this time to help cover the expenses I reasonably anticipate will be incurred toward trying to achieve your desired outcome. This payment is only an initial advance fee and not an estimate or guarantee of the total costs of your representation." I am not opposed to negotiating flat fee arrangements for specified, limited-scope services, although such an occasion has not yet arisen. I find that in general it is much more fair to all parties involved to simply charge for actual time spent working on their matter, by the hour (actually, in one-tenths of an hour, or 6-minute increments, much as accountants and many other kinds of professionals tend to do). Yes, this client did give me a certain sum of money at our initial consultation, but that was simply to get started with the work as I do require payment at or before the time of service. However, as it got down to the wire on thefiling the appeal response, there was not enough time to request or obtain additional funds from the client in time to meet the deadline. So I felt it was much better to finish the appellate response and ensure I filed it in a timely manner so as not to foreclose any the client's substantive judicial rights, then sort out the billing as soon as possible thereafter. I never overcharged this client; like all my other clients, I simply charged for the work that was involved. Also, as the client mentioned in her review, I did contract out some of the work to an attorney who only does research and writing of court filings, which I might add was at a drastically reduced rate compared to my own hourly rate, thus saving my client a substantial amount of money. Again, I am sorry if she was less than thrilled with the cost, but many appeals run into the tens of thousands and this one did not. Also, I think she may be confusing her dissatisfaction with the outcome (they did not succeed in defending against the appeal) with dissatisfaction with the quality of legal work performed or the reasonableness of the fees charged for that work.
Joan M Bundy's Lawyer Endorsements
"Joan is not just a pleasure to work with, but also a conscientious and knowledgeable lawyer who clearly cares about her clients. I endorse her without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joan possesses all the qualities you look for in a lawyer. She is creative, compassionate, intelligent, and honest. I had the pleasure of co-counseling a case with Joan, and I was very impressed by her dedication and wisdom. I would gladly recommend her to anyone looking to hire an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a caring attorney who does well for her clients."
"I have worked with Joan on two separate divorce cases over the past few years, and must say that she is a consummate professional. Joan strongly advocates on behalf of her clients, but always remains respectful and courteous throughout the process. She is truly a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to future cases against her. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"Joan Bundy is a great advocate for her clients. I have been on the opposite side a divorce cases and hear from other lawyers who talk about the good lawyers in our community. Joan Bundy's name is among them. I have her in my short list of lawyers to refer people to if I can't take their case. I know she will get the best outcome possible for her clients while being respectful and professional to the other side."
"I worked with Joan on an animal rights case that spilled over into civil litigation, and found her to be extremely knowledgeable and diligent. I would highly recommend her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joan is a knowledgeable, professional, ethical and highly talented attorney. She is a strong advocate for her clients and is courteous to opposing counsel as well as their staff."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joan is a skilled attorney who will represent her client's with the utmost integrity."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joan is an exceptional divorce attorney. She is compassionate, knowledge and reasonable with both her clients and opposing counsel and other parties. She is a great choice and a pleasure to work with in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"I've always referred clients to Joan, and without fail, they report outstanding results. She's a very talented, successful lawyer, that is down to earth and easy to talk with."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse Attorney Bundy without reservation."
"Ms. Bundy is an outstanding attorney, and I highly appreciate her advice and legal opinions on any family law topic. Ms. Bundy is one of the best attorneys that I know."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2011
Reader's Choice Best of 2011, "Law Firms", Pinal County Lifestyles Magazine
2005
Public Service Scholarship, State Bar of Arizona Public Lawyers Section
2004
Writing Competition U of A winner, State Bar of Arizona Indian Law Section
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Owner/Attorney-at-Law, Joan Bundy Law PLC
2008 - 2009
Prosecutor II, Gila River Indian Community
2005 - 2008
Assistant Prosecutor, Tohono O'odham Nation
2005 - 2005
Law Clerk, Thomas G. Hippert, P.C.
Associations
2024 - Present
State Bar of Arizona, Advancement and Improvement CommitteeMember
2020 - Present
American Bar Associationmember, Animal Law Committee and Policy & Alliance Subcommittee
2012 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Chandler Chamber of CommerceMember
2011 - Present
Federal Bar Association
2006 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaActive Attorney Member
2004 - Present
State Bar of Arizona's Animal Law Sectionpast Chairperson and current Executive Council member
2018 - 2018
Maricopa County Justice CourtsMediator
2013 - 2015
Death Penalty Alternatives of ArizonaBoard Member
2012 - 2019
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)Member
2011 - 2012
Arizona Women Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - 2014
East Valley Bar AssociationMember
2011 - 2013
San Tan Valley Chamber of CommerceMember
2011 - 2012
Maricopa Chamber of CommerceMember
2011 - 2013
Pinal County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2012
Greater Casa Grande Chamber of CommerceMember
2006 - 2009
Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern ArizonaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Reddick v. Reed, CV2024-00127 (Coconino County)
still pending
Perez v. Tover & Reicherz, V2015-050752
Settlement
Waters v. Wynkoop et al.
I was the appointed arbitrator; found for defendants. Later plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case.
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary, Inc. v. Epsteins, CV2015-001557
Dismissed
In the matter of: C.J.V., JS517495
Consent decree
Ebenal et al. v. Rowe, CV2014-009557
Out-of-court confidential settlement
Atwood v. Riviotta, FN2011-093631
Annulment granted
In re minor children, GC201100172 (Pinal County Superior Court)
Prevailed
Bison v. Fish, JC-2010-0068 (Gila River Indian Community)
Prevailed
Wences v. Ortega, J-1102-PO-201100159 & -60 (Pinal County Justice Court, Precinct 2 - Casa Grande)
protective orders dismissed
Vega v. Vega, 2010-0086AV (Tohono O'odham Nation Court)
Divorce obtained through out-of-court agreement
Ikenberg v. Thomas & Padilla, C20106556 (Pima County Justice Court)
settled
Scott v. Isaacs-Scott, FN2010-001182
Judge awarded the house to the wife in the marital dissolution.
Davis v. Davis, DO2010-01440
Divorce with sole custody, no visitation, child support ordered, relocation approved
Andres v. Lewis, CV-2008-0243 (Gila River Indian Community Court)
Mother obtained sole custody of all three children
Education
2016
Interaction Management Associates
Introduction to Mediation
2005
University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Juris Doctor
1991
Iowa State University
Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Pima Community College
Speaking Engagements
2017
Healthy Communities through Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Violence
The Family, Animals & DV: The intersection between human and non-human family member and trouble at home
2017
City of Gilbert Court training
The link between animal cruelty and domestic violence
2017
Annual convention
The Family, Animals & DV: The intersection between human and non-human family member and trouble at home
2016
State Bar of Arizona Annual Convention
They Ran With a Collie and a Crockpot: A Discussion of the Complete Family Violence Dynamic
2016
regular monthly meeting of Supreme Court Committee on the Impact of Domestic Violence on the Courts (CIDVC)
The link between animal cruelty and domestic violence
2016
Brown Bag Lunch Series: "The Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Cruelty"
Civil and family court cases involving domestic violence and animal cruelty
2015
“Providing for Fluffy, Fido, Equines and Exotics: Estate Planning for Animal Owners
Honorary Pet Trusts: Wills for your companion animals
2015
Maricopa County Association of Paralegals
Same-sex family law issues
2015
Arizona Summit Law School luncheon presentation
Animals and the Family: The intersection between our human and non-human family members
2013
Staying out of the Dog House: New Issues Regarding Animals in Family Law and Criminal Matters
Pet custody disputes
2011
State Bar of Arizona Annual Convention
Current Issues in Animal Law & Agriculture
2010
Are your ducks in a row? Advance Planning Seminar
Estate planning
2010
Animal Law in Indian Country
Drafting Companion-Animal Legislation for Tribes
2009
State Bar of Arizona Annual Convention
Animal Guardianship
2008
Investigating Ritualistic Animal Cruelty
Animal Cruelty in Indian Country
Publications
2023
American Bar Association newsletter
What happens to Fido or Fluffy when their humans’ relationship goes south?
2016
Maricopa County Bar Association Family Law Section Newsletter, October 2016
Pet custody disputes: Who gets Fido or Fluffy?
2015
Record Reporter
Pet tattooing and piercing outlawed in New York
2015
Record Reporter
Same-sex marriage comes to Arizona
2015
Record Reporter
Can someone with Alzheimer’s consent to sexual relations?
2014
Record Reporter
When family law intersects with U.S. chemical weapons treaty
2014
2014
2013
Record Reporter
Parental termination not always a slam dunk
2013
Record Reporter
Gays struck from juries for sexual orientation
2013
Record Reporter
Steve Nash divorce appeal
2004
The Arrow
Tribal Sovereignty to Exercise Criminal Jurisdiction over Non-Indians--A Candid Look at the Limitations and Rationales
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does a Durable power of attorney need to be witnessed more than just by the notary
03 Mar 2022
Q&A
Can I recant guardianship if a child if the parent is doing better?
28 Feb 2022
Q&A
Is there a specific age in Arizona where a child can decline visitation with parent?
26 Feb 2022
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Adopting a child in Arizona
06 Aug 2020
Legal Guide
Timeline for divorce in Arizona
24 Oct 2017
Legal Guide
Child Support Calculations in Arizona
24 Oct 2017