Family Law

family stands close hugging each other on the beach at sunset

Guiding You Through Difficult Times in Family Relationships

Family issues are some of the most emotional aspects of the law and often involve individuals dealing with complicated and controversial domestic issues. The experienced Phoenix family law attorneys at DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC are dedicated to helping our clients through difficult issues, such as:

Divorce

At DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC, our Scottsdale-based family lawyers strive to preserve and protect our clients’ rights in the midst of both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings. DeShon Pullen—the firm’s owner and founder—is a Certified Family Law Specialist and has helped both men and women take the right steps after going through an unsettling time.

One former divorce client lauded Ms. Pullen’s top-notch legal representation, particularly her interpersonal skills and ability to build trust.

Legal Separation

Retaining a married status has benefits for certain couples, depending on the specific circumstances of the relationship. Some of the benefits of pursuing a legal separation are:

  • To keep one spouse on the other’s health insurance.
  • Religious reasons.
  • Not ready to take a final step toward divorce.
  • Military spouses gain benefits from the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act if the couple remains married for at least ten years.
  • Remaining married for ten years or more also qualifies couples for certain social security benefits.
  • Tax filing status will change to “single” once divorced.
  • Provides time to review and resolve property and assets disputes.
  • Less traumatic for young children.

When couples end their relationship and separate, they are often left feeling vulnerable and compromised. At this critical and confusing time, a family lawyer in Phoenix can provide strong legal advocacy as well as the voice of that one needs.

DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC is a family law firm that provides legal services to clients in Scottsdale and throughout Arizona. Whether you find yourself facing a divorce, in need of child custody advice, or seeking expert legal representation a different family law issue, we are here to help make the system work for you.

Court-Granted Grandparent Visitation Rights in Scottsdale

The area of family law that covers grandparent rights is controversial and complex. The court first must determine whether grandparent visitation rights are in the best interest of the child. In doing so, the court will take into account the following:

  • The relationship between the child and grandparents
  • The motivation of the individual resisting the visitation
  • The quantity of visitation time requested
  • The potential adverse impact that the visitation may have on the child’s customary activities

The Arizona Superior Court has the discretion to grant grandparents visitation rights under any of the following circumstances:

  • The child’s parents have been divorced for three months or longer.
  • The child’s parent has been deceased (or missing) for three months or longer.
  • The child’s parents were never married.

Spousal Maintenance

A divorce is an emotional event, complete with a litany of lifestyle changes. Family dynamics aside, parenting strategies, personal goals, as well as long-range professional aspirations are important considerations. Unquestionably, a divorce can impact every one of those plans. Furthermore, the financial ramifications of spousal support is certainly a real challenge.

Arizona law requires a court to determine if the spouse who seeks spousal maintenance (alimony) needs it, and for how long. In an effort to be fair and just, courts take into account:

  • The earning capacity of both spouses
  • Both spouses’ capacities and abilities
  • What the supported spouse would have derived from a continuation of the marriage
  • Any business venture with which either spouse is involved
  • The educational background of both spouses
  • The physical condition of each individual
  • The current financial condition of both parties

For divorce or separation agreements filed after December 31, 2018, tax deduction for alimony payments has been eliminated. A spouse who pays alimony as part of a divorce or separation agreement will no longer be able to deduct those payments on his or her annual tax return. For the 2019 tax year, the spouse receiving spousal support payments will receive them tax-free.

Protect Your Interests and Avoid Mistakes

There is a wide variety of circumstances that a court will consider when determining spousal support payments. Although Arizona is one of only nine community property states, the division of assets and debts does not always result in an equal distribution. Working with legal professionals can help ensure financial transparency and prevent unwelcome surprises, such as:

  • Hidden spending
  • Hidden debt
  • Hidden accounts
  • Outdated wills

As a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona, Scottsdale attorney DeShon Laraye Pullen understands the complicated criteria used when determining spousal support. This certification affords our firm a definite edge, especially in cases involving high net-worth couples. With this specialization, we are more than prepared to deal with even the most contentious financial issues.

Family law issues are emotionally charged. At DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC in Scottsdale, every member of our legal team understands the ways in which entire families may be impacted by our cases. We have close ties to the communities that we serve, including Scottsdale, and we can offer recommendations for support services when needed.

Our Scottsdale Family Law Lawyers Can Help

Attorney DeShon Laraye Pullen, the founder and owner of the law firm, is a certified family law specialist by the State Bar of Arizona. Paralegals, legal assistants and other staff round out the firm.

We understand the stress and challenges many people grapple with as family configurations are changing. We place a high priority on customized, cost-effective representation. Our practice areas include divorce, child custody, domestic violence and premarital agreements. We welcome questions about other family law matters, too, such as modifications and enforcement of court orders.

Our Scottsdale family law office is located near the intersection of N. Hayden Road, just north of Thomas Road and south of Osborn Road.

This family law office location is close to the Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the main library, some high-end shops and restaurants, and the baseball stadium that sees most of its action during spring training.

DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC is a valuable resource for people in and around Scottsdale, Arizona, who seek quality legal representation in family law matters. When we accept new clients, we welcome them as friends whom we truly care about. Clients often express appreciation and gratitude for the warmth and empathy they feel at our Scottsdale office. Contact DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC today to speak with one of our family law professionals about your situation. Let us put our thirty years of combined experience to work for you.

We encourage you to choose your Scottsdale family law attorney carefully. This is why you should bring your concerns to DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC, where you will receive thoughtful evaluation and direction. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, call (602) 834-7005, or contact us online.

Call Now ButtonCall Now (602) 834-7005