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Rich J. Peters

Rich J. Peters

Divorce and Family Law Attorneys. We Take Sides. Yours.
  • Divorce, Family Law, Domestic Violence
  • Arizona
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Biography

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.

Practice Areas
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
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
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Languages
  • English
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney Owner
R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.
- Current
Current owner and practicing attorney.
Judge Pro Tem
Maricopa County Superior Court
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Associate Attorney
Jon C. Dake and Assoc., P.C.
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Associate Attorney
Bellah and Harrian
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Associate Attorney
John T. Fields & Associates
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Attorney Owner
Law Office of Rich J. Peters
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Education
University of Arkansas School of Law
J.D. (1992)
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Honors: Deans List
University of Arkansas School of Law Logo
Arizona State University
B.S. (1989) | Business Marketing
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Arizona State University Logo
Awards
Top 10 Attorneys
National Academy of Family Law Attorneys
Outstanding Contributions to the Family Lawyers Assistance Project
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Lead Counsel for Family Law
Lead Counsel Review Board
For Love of Just Award
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Certificate of Appreciation
Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP
Certificate of Appreciation
Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP
Advocate of the Year
Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP
Professional Associations
Arizona Association for Conflict Resolution
Member
- Current
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Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Member
- Current
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Maricopa County Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Arizona State Bar  # 014601
Member
- Current
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W.B. Putman American Inn of Court
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Angel Player Loses Round in Child Support Case
Arizona Republic
Speaking Engagements
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Litigants without Lawyers, Phoenix, Arizona
Family Lawyers Assistance Program
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Getting Divorced in Phoenix Arizona
Legal Answers
90 Questions Answered
Q. Separated wife accessing my bank account and giving money to her boyfriend. How can I legally block her access?
A: Your bank should absolutely allow you to close that account. PLease remember if the funds that are saved therein are "community property" which means they were acquired during the marriage, then wherever those funds are transferred to, she still is entitled to one half of the amount once a divorce is fied. To formally, end all financial entanglements, yopu need to file for divorce and have her served. The date of service marks the official beginning of the legal case. Since Arizona is a community property state, the date of service acts as the cutoff date for the accumulation of community property and debts. Before service: Income, assets, and debts are typically considered community. After service: Income earned and debts incurred are usually treated as separate property and obligations, unless otherwise agreed. The date of service often becomes the reference point for valuing assets and liabilities for purposes of equitable division. 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. ... Read More
Q. How can I revoke visitation rights and seek increased child support in Arizona?
A: You would need to file a Petition to Modify Parenting Time and Child Support. The court may modify parenting time rights whenever modification would serve the best interest of the child, This is just a very general description, and there is so much more to discuss, including timing issues as to when a modification may be permissible.

There is no way to predict exactly what a Judge will do. Your goal would be to paint an overall picture of the life you can provide for the child compared to Father's. With most things being somewhat equal, our Court's certainly do order equal parenting time quite often. A.R.S. §25-403.02(B) requires the Court to adopt a parenting plan that provides for both parents to share legal decision-making regarding their child and that maximizes their respective parenting time (so long as such is in the child's best interests). So, if you do not believe that kind of schedule to be in the child's best interests, you will need to prepare to convince your judge of your concerns.

Please remember that Arizona does not allow retroactive child support modifications. So, if you believe you are entitled to a modification, you need to file soon. Every month you wait is a month you lose.

Arizona does have a "Simplified Procedure" to modify child support, when that is the only issue. You may use this procedure so long as the resulting order varies 15% or more from the existing amount ordered. If the requested modification is disputed, the other parent must request a hearing. If no hearing is requested within the time allowed, the Court will review your request and enter an appropriate order or set the matter for hearing.

This is obviously a very important matter, and you should not go in alone.

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.
... Read More
Q. Need help with divorce packet in AZ amid privacy invasion and identity theft by spouse.
A: I think you are referring to packets from the self service center. If so, you simply need the divorce without children packet. https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_group_3/. Please know that these packets are rather generic and are not going to address every situation that needs to be addressed. You can also add claims for any financial losses which have resulted From any bad faith conduct which occurred (recently) in the marriage. If you want to prohibit any further conduct you may consider petitioning for an order of protection. Arizona defines domestic violence very broadly and the conduct you described may qualify. I would want to know so much more to provide more specific advice.

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.
... Read More
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Contact & Map
R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.
1422 N 2nd St Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
US
Toll-Free: (855) 720-7575
Telephone: (602) 256-7575