Divorce and Family Law Tempe, AZ
Are you facing the end of your marriage? Divorce is one of the biggest decisions you may make in your lifetime. It is extremely important to learn of your rights and obligations before you enter into the arena of divorce so that you can plan in the very best way to protect you and your family.
Few events can affect your life and the lives of your children and spouse more than divorce. At McMurdie Law, we take divorce and the impact is has on your life seriously. We specialize in family law in Tempe AZ and throughout the state, specializing in divorce issues such as spousal support, custody, child support, asset division, visitation, relocation & grandparent rights.
Arizona is a “no fault” state which means that if one party wants the divorce and the other spouse does not want the divorce, the party who petitions for the divorce may have it. Fault is generally not reviewed by the court unless one party has unreasonably burdened your community estate by spending money on interests that are destructive to the home and family that might include drugs, alcohol, affairs, or excess spending.
If you are not ready for divorce because your debts are too high or you need time to re-enter the work force or a new job, we will advise you on effective pre-divorce planning. We do not hurry you down the divorce highway to get your “case in the door.” We believe that if you can plan well and work together, either with your spouse or the other attorney, your outcome can be made more optimal and more secure. If you are ready to start your divorce matter, we are ready to prepare your petition for divorce for filing with the Court in a matter of a few days.
If you have limited funds, we can provide limited scope representation in your family law case so that you have good counsel and direction, saving attorney fees. If you have a case that would be amenable to resolution through mediation, we also provide expert mediation services with more than 20 years of mediation training and experience. We enjoy helping you reach your case goals in the best way possible to benefit the most people involved. Sometimes it is better to get both parties situated in separate homes before starting the process of divorce, and we can help you plan and strategize to maximize your future.
After you file for divorce, the other party must be served with the initial papers (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) within 120 days, or 4 months. That is usually plenty of time to serve process. However, if you do nothing in your case for 180 days, your case will be dismissed. Usually after both parties file their Petition and Response, our Arizona courts will set an initial hearing called a “Resolution Management Conference” so that the court can schedule the other hearings and services that your case will require.
Family Law Tempe AZ
At McMurdie Law & Mediation we can step in during your family law case to move it to completion. If you have tried to do it alone, and found that it has become too adversarial, or too complicated, we will make things simpler and take that burden from your shoulders. Give McMurdie Law & Mediation and we will help you take the right direction and very next steps.
December 2022 – Full Representation
I was referred to McMurdie Law and Mediation from two separate sources and I’m really glad I followed those suggestions. Ms McMurdie was empathetic and available to me whenever I had questions and she helped negotiate a settlement that left me feeling relief. I was able to move on with my life quickly thanks to Cristi!
January 2021 – Full Representation
Cristi guided me through a very hard time in my life. She gave me great legal advice, saved me money and also was very compassionate to my situation. I highly recommend her. She was excellent.
January 2021 – Representation
I was referred to Cristi McMurdie by someone who knew she was a great attorney because they had their own positive experience. She helped me immensely during the most difficult time in my life when I really needed support. She was always ready to listen, learn, and communicate. Cristi was fiercely instructional, quick to act, and very responsive. I would recommend her to anyone. Thank you Cristi McMurdie!
July 2020 Happy in Maricopa AZ
July 2019 – LISA M. – Divorce Representation
Cristi was a heaven sent for me! The legality of my divorce was daunting alone, but Cristi made sure that I understood each step clearly and with confidence. With her many years of experience, and talents beyond her practice, she helped me get through my situation emotionally and legally got everything I needed to start my life anew! She is more than a lawyer and mediator, she’s the partner you’d want on your side to fight the fight you cannot. I will always recommend her! Thank you Cristi!
March 2019 – Shawni L – Representation
I chose McMurdie Law Firm because Ms. McMurdie is a bulldog. I was trying to go through the divorce with just a mediator but I didn’t understand anything that was going on. Ms. McMurdie stepped right in and lined me out, stayed by my side and still checks on me even though the case is over. She is super smart and on the ball. An absolute professional and brilliant mind. I thank her for all her hard work and would recommend her to everyone. Thanks Ms. McMurdie!
January 2019 – Gloria, Limited Scope Representation
First and foremost, thank you for your assistance! I know of you through your website and for anyone seeking services, I will always recommend you. There is nothing easy about divorce and its process; your approach of respect and sensitivity to our case demonstrates your willingness and expertise to help make the divorce process as easy as possible. There were no bumps or delays. Again, THANK YOU!
November 2018 – Scott in Carefree, AZ
Divorce and Relocation Successful Using WHYMediate Thanks again for your help. [My ex-spouse] and I both feel as though we are in a good place and can work together amicably to deal with issues as they arise. However, if we do find ourselves at an impasse and agree we need your help, we will certainly call you. We both really appreciate all you’ve done for us!
May 2018 – Margaret B, Post-Decree Client
Ms. McMurdie had not only provided me exceptional legal guidance, but also personal counseling in how to best handle conflicts with my ex-husband. I have become better equipped to traverse the understandably difficult situations a divorce can bring and I’ve become more confident in myself knowing Ms. McMurdie is on my side.
February 2018 – Carolyn C., Divorce with Children Client
Thank you for your legal services and helping me work through one of the toughest times in my life. Thank you for addressing every detail and crafting the decree to protect my interests. Your meticulous attention to detail was phenomenal. I will recommend you to all I know for your legal services. Your staff were attentive and knowledgeable. Thank you.
June 2015- Kristin B
I have not only been a client of Ms. McMurdie, but have referred many of my friends to her. She is honest, fair and reliable. I have used her services for more than 15 years and would use her again if necessary. She is the best divorce lawyer in the Phoenix area. She will go the distance for her clients and is priced to beat the competition.
May 2015 – Ken J
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(480) 777-5500
64 E. Broadway Rd. Ste.200 Tempe, AZ 85282
In an accident? McMurdie Law & Mediation works with Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice as Wrongful Death Specialists for 40+ years to bring you the best possible representation.
McMurdie Law & Mediation is associated with the Davis Miles McGuire Gardner Law Firm (DMMG), a full service law firm with many in the top 10 according to Ranking Arizona.
Please call us to discuss your case and the right attorney for you.
