Divorce

Glendale’s Trusted Divorce and Child Custody Attorneys – Here to Support You Through Every Step.

Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, especially when children are involved. At Medina Family Law, we understand the emotional weight of divorce and custody matters and are here to provide compassionate, expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. Serving Glendale, Arizona, our experienced attorneys focus on achieving the best outcomes for our clients, supporting them every step of the way.

Personalized Divorce and Custody Solutions for Your Needs
Every divorce is different, which is why we believe in creating customized strategies that align with your personal goals and Arizona’s family laws. Whether you’re dealing with property division, child custody, spousal support, or other complex issues, our team has the experience and legal skills to help you move forward confidently. Our team is also experienced in handling divorce matters that include military members, business valuations, relocation disputes, and situations involving domestic violence or substance abuse.


A Client-Focused Approach for Peaceful Resolutions
We aim to resolve issues amicably whenever possible, offering solutions through negotiation and mediation to keep stress and costs low. However, when courtroom litigation is necessary, we are ready to advocate fiercely for you, protecting your rights and prioritizing your family’s well-being.


Why Choose Medina Family Law?
As a dedicated, boutique law firm in Glendale, Arizona we provide each client with the focused attention and responsive service they deserve during this difficult time. When you work with us, you can trust that you’ll receive clear communication, honest advice, and a relentless commitment to achieving the best results.

Understanding Divorce in a Community Property State Like Arizona:

Divorce can be complex, especially in community property states like Arizona, where laws differ significantly from other states regarding asset division. Under Arizona law, specifically A.R.S. § 25-211, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered “community property” and belong equally to both spouses, regardless of who earned or spent the money.

What Is Community Property?

Arizona law defines community property as nearly all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage. This includes:

  • Income from employment (wages, salaries, bonuses)
  • Real estate and personal property (homes, vehicles, and valuables purchased with community funds)
  • Debts incurred during the marriage, such as credit card debt, loans, or medical bills

Under A.R.S. § 25-211, these assets and liabilities are generally subject to a 50/50 division in divorce, although the court can adjust the division in certain cases to achieve a fair outcome.

Exceptions to Community Property

Certain assets may be excluded from the community property pool and are considered separate property if they meet specific conditions:

  • Pre-marital assets: Property or assets owned before the marriage
  • Gifts and inheritances: Items received by one spouse as a gift or inheritance, provided they were kept separate from community funds
  • Assets acquired after filing for divorce: Any property or income obtained after the date of legal separation or filing may be considered separate, depending on the circumstances.

How Community Property Is Divided

In Arizona, the division of community property is intended to be equitable, meaning fair to both parties. However, equitable does not always mean equal. Factors such as the length of the marriage, contributions of each spouse, and specific needs may influence the division. Arizona courts will work to ensure that both parties receive a fair share of marital assets and debts while respecting each spouse’s separate property rights.

Why You Need Legal Guidance

Navigating community property laws can be challenging, particularly in high-asset or complex divorces. A qualified divorce attorney can help you understand which assets may be community or separate property, evaluate your financial situation, and advocate for your best interests under Arizona’s community property statutes.

At Medina Family Law, we are experienced in Arizona divorce and community property law. Contact us today to discuss your case and gain a clearer picture of what you can expect regarding asset division in your divorce.


Take control of your future. Contact our office today for a consultation and discover how we can help you navigate divorce and child custody matters with confidence and peace of mind.

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Arizona is a state that has a community property law. This means that any property you obtain during your marriage should be divided equally upon divorce. The same is true of debts since those are considered shared, instead of individual, debts. While this is the case for your divorce as well, that doesn’t necessarily mean…

Frequently asked questions

The cost of a divorce can vary significantly depending on various factors. Typically, divorce attorneys charge by the hour for their services, with rates varying based on factors like experience and local market conditions. Clients typically pay an upfront retainer fee, which the attorney draws from as they work on the case. The complexity and level of conflict in the divorce can influence the amount of work required and thus impact costs.

In some cases, additional funds may be required once the initial retainer is depleted to ensure the attorney can continue working. Litigation, especially if a trial is necessary, tends to be the most expensive aspect of a divorce. To manage costs, you will want to make sure to speak with your attorney and seek how much of collaborative effort can be employed to achieve a divorce without spending your life’s savings. 

The duration of the divorce process varies depending on several factors. In cases where parties encounter challenges compromising, fail to reach agreements, or resort to trial proceedings, the process may be prolonged. Conversely, a swift resolution is possible by amicable agreements and cooperative interaction between the parties involved. Typically, individuals should anticipate an average duration of approximately one year for a standard divorce procedure 

Typically, the decision of who initiates the divorce proceedings holds little significance. Nevertheless, specific financial considerations, such as the swift accrual of debt or the expenditure of joint assets, may prompt one party to file sooner rather than later. If you are uncertain about whether to initiate the filing process, it is advisable to seek guidance from a legal professional. They can provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.

In Arizona, as a community property state, assets accumulated during the marriage are typically considered joint property and are subject to equal division upon divorce. However, certain exceptions apply, such as assets acquired before the marriage or through inheritance. For precise details regarding entitlements, you should seek counsel from a legal professional who can provide tailored guidance based on your unique circumstances and assets. 

In Arizona, as a community property state, assets accumulated during the marriage are typically considered joint property and are subject to equal division upon divorce. However, certain exceptions apply, such as assets acquired before the marriage or through inheritance. For precise details regarding entitlements, you should seek counsel from a legal professional who can provide tailored guidance based on your unique circumstances and assets.