Rich J. Peters

The firm is located near downtown Phoenix. Although most of our clients come to us from Maricopa County, we are also pleased to provide legal services in the area of Divorce and Family Law throughout the state. Our goal is to provide quality legal representation to our clients and to make the unpleasant process of terminating a marriage more bearable. We strive to be caring, dedicated professionals whose idea of a successful resolution of divorce and family law matters is one which produces the best possible result for our client, at the lowest possible cost. We avoid costly and wasteful harassment tactics and aggressively resist those tactics if employed by opposing counsel. Our overriding concern is, as it should be, the best interest of our clients.

Divorce

Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce

Family Law

Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

Arizona

Since 1992

Attorney Owner

R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.

2005 - Current

Current owner and practicing attorney.

Judge Pro Tem

Maricopa County Superior Court

2007 - 2009

Associate Attorney

Jon C. Dake and Assoc., P.C.

2000 - 2005

Associate Attorney

Bellah and Harrian

1998 - 2000

Associate Attorney

John T. Fields & Associates

1996 - 1998

Attorney Owner

Law Office of Rich J. Peters

1992 - 1996

University of Arkansas School of Law

J.D. (1992)

1989 - 1992

Honors: Deans List

Arizona State University

B.S. (1989) | Business Marketing

1986 - 1989

Top 10 Attorneys

National Academy of Family Law Attorneys

2018

Outstanding Contributions to the Family Lawyers Assistance Project

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

2015

Lead Counsel for Family Law

Lead Counsel Review Board

2015

For Love of Just Award

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

2005

Certificate of Appreciation

Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP

2003

Arizona Association for Conflict Resolution

Member

2019 - Current

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

2019 - Current

Maricopa County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Current

Arizona State Bar  # 014601

Member

1992 - Current

W.B. Putman American Inn of Court

Member

1992 - Current

Angel Player Loses Round in Child Support Case

Arizona Republic

July 3, 2009

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2014

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2012

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2011

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2010

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2009

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Q. If your husband uses fraud as a reason for annulment will that link your name in docs legally to fraud?

February 18, 2022

A: Using the word fraud in a petition for annulment is very common, and is not necessarily accusing you of anything illegal. To obtain an annulment, he must allege and prove that there was some legal impediment to the marriage. By using the word fraud, he is alleging that there is something he found out after marriage that, had he known prior to marriage, he would not have married you. So, while I am not worried about the word fraud, it is nonetheless very important that you decide how annulment might affect you versus a standard divorce. Whether you proceed by divorce or annulment WILL impact the division of property and debt that was accumulated during the marriage. If the marriage is annulled, there is a different division than if the marriage is dissolved, since no "community property" is accumulated if the marriage is annulled. Also, a Decree of Annulment creates the fiction that you were never married, and thus eliminates the potential award of spousal maintenance. SO, it is of course wise to consider the financial impact of proceeding in one manner versus another. A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2 hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.

Q. Is there a phone number I can call to speak to someone confidentially about my children we live in Arizona?

January 24, 2022

A: When you schedule a consultation with an attorney, information exchanged must remain confidential. A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2 hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.

Q. Are the gains from a 401k account prior to marriage separate or community property?

January 21, 2022

A: So long as there were no contributions during the marriage, then every penny of your 401(k) will be considered your separate property. You owned it prior to the marriage, and you alone get to benefit from any increases. Perhaps you could convince her by asking her whether she would have been willing to contribute one half of any losses had it lost value during the marriage. A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2 hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.