7 of the Best Family Law Attorneys in Phoenix
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Choosing a family lawyer can affect your life long after the case ends. This guide introduces seven Phoenix practices and explains what to compare before you hire an attorney.
Key Takeaways
- The best family law attorney for one Phoenix family may not be right for another. Each case has different needs, goals and costs.
- Phoenix family law practices differ in size and working style. Some also focus more heavily on certain types of divorce, custody or financial disputes.
- Before you hire a lawyer, compare experience, Arizona license status, communication and fees.
Finding the best family law attorney in Phoenix takes more than comparing websites. A difficult custody case may call for different experience than an uncontested divorce. Look for a lawyer whose work, communication style and approach fit your case.
7 Family Law Attorneys in Phoenix To Consider
The firms below handle family-law matters in the Phoenix area. This is not a ranking, and the order does not show quality or preference. Use the list as a starting point, then check the Arizona license and status of any lawyer you may contact.
Hallier Stearns Brierley PLC
Hallier Stearns Brierley is a Phoenix firm focused on family law. It handles divorce, parenting disputes and spousal maintenance, along with cases involving relocation, prenuptial agreements or complex property.
The firm handles cases in court and also uses mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce. If your case involves a business or significant assets, ask who would handle the financial issues and whether the case may require an outside valuation professional.
Gillespie, Shields & Taylor
Gillespie, Shields & Taylor has a Phoenix office and handles family law along with other practice areas. Its family-law work includes divorce, custody, support and other disputes that can follow a separation.
Because the firm handles other areas of law, ask who would take your case and how much family-law work that attorney does. You can also ask whether the same lawyer would stay with the case if settlement talks fail and the dispute goes to court.
DM Cantor’s Family Law Practice
DM Cantor’s Family Law Practice, formerly Cantor Law Group, handles divorce, custody, support and property division in Phoenix. The State Bar of Arizona currently lists several attorneys with the practice as board-certified family law specialists, including managing partner Nicholas Boca.
If your case involves a difficult custody dispute or major assets, focus on the lawyer who would actually handle it. Ask about that lawyer’s experience with similar cases and how the team will keep you updated.
DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC
DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC is a Phoenix firm focused on family law. The practice handles divorce and custody disputes along with issues involving support, property division and domestic violence. The State Bar of Arizona currently lists founder DeShon Pullen as a board-certified family law specialist.
The practice also uses mediation and collaborative approaches in some cases. If avoiding court is a priority, ask how the attorney decides whether negotiation or mediation makes sense and when litigation may become necessary.
Modern Law
Modern Law has a Phoenix office and a larger family-law team in Arizona. Its practice covers divorce, support, property division and mediation, along with matters such as adoption and protective orders.
With a larger team, ask who will be your main contact. Find out what the attorney will handle directly and what work may go to other team members.
Lincoln & Wenk, PLLC
Lincoln & Wenk has a Phoenix office and handles family law along with estate planning. The State Bar of Arizona currently lists Michael Lincoln and Russell Wenk as board-certified family law specialists.
The firm handles settlement talks and mediation as well as court cases. If you hope to stay out of court, ask how the attorney approaches settlement and what might make a hearing or trial necessary.
Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks
Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks is a Phoenix family-law practice that handles divorce, custody and related matters. The State Bar of Arizona currently lists William Bishop as a board-certified family law specialist.
That credential can be useful, but the lawyer who handles your case still matters most. Ask about that lawyer’s experience with your issue, current caseload and communication style.
What Does a Family Law Attorney Handle?
Family law covers much more than divorce. A lawyer may handle parenting disputes, support, property division or changes to existing court orders. Some also work on paternity, adoption, guardianship or protective-order cases.
Not every family lawyer handles the same kinds of cases. If your case involves a business, retirement assets, relocation or domestic violence, ask whether the attorney regularly handles that type of issue.
How Do You Compare Phoenix Family Law Attorneys?
The best divorce attorney in Phoenix for you should have experience with the issues in your case. You should also feel comfortable with how the lawyer communicates and works. Start with facts you can verify, then use a consultation to judge the fit.
Check Arizona Licensing and Practice Focus
The State Bar of Arizona has a member directory you can use to check a lawyer’s status, practice area and location. You can also see disciplinary history and whether the lawyer has a board-certified specialty.
Next, look at how much of the lawyer’s work is family law. A lawyer who handles many divorces may not focus on adoption, appeals or complex custody cases. The closer the experience matches your issue, the more useful that background may be.
Ask About the Lawyer Who Will Actually Handle the Case
A firm’s website may feature a founder or senior partner, but someone else may handle most of your case. Ask who will lead the case and who will communicate with you day to day. You should also know which attorney will appear in court if a hearing becomes necessary.
Also ask who else may work on the file. Other team members may also work on the case. Ask what paralegals, associate attorneys or licensed legal paraprofessionals will do so you understand both communication and cost.
Discuss Fees Before You Sign
Family lawyers often bill differently from personal injury lawyers. Many charge by the hour and ask for a retainer up front. Some services may use a flat fee or limited-scope agreement instead.
Ask how the firm bills, how often you will get invoices and which team members may work at different rates. Also ask what happens to unused retainer money and when the firm may ask for another deposit.
Match the Approach to Your Goals
Some cases need immediate court action. In others, negotiation or mediation may give the parties more control over the outcome.
During a consultation, explain what matters most to you and listen to the options the attorney suggests. A good discussion should cover the pros and cons of each approach instead of treating every case the same way.
What Questions Should You Ask During a Family-Law Consultation?
A consultation should help you understand your legal issue and what it may be like to work with the firm. Useful questions can include:
- Who will be the primary attorney on my case?
- How often do you handle matters like mine?
- What resolution options should I consider?
- How will your team communicate with me?
- How are fees, retainers and other costs handled?
The attorney may not be able to predict an outcome at the first meeting. Instead, listen for a clear explanation of the process, which issues need more information and what the lawyer would do next.
How Much Should Reviews and Awards Matter?
Reviews and awards can help you find firms to research, but they do not show exactly how a lawyer will handle your case. Reviews are personal opinions, and awards use different selection methods.
Treat reviews and awards as background, not the final answer. Give more weight to facts you can verify, experience with your issue and what you learn during the consultation.
How Do You Create a Shortlist?
Start with two or three attorneys or firms that seem to match your needs. Check their State Bar status and family-law focus, then schedule consultations if available.
After each meeting, compare the same factors instead of choosing the strongest sales pitch. Consider how clearly the lawyer explained the case and whether the approach fit your goals. You should also know who would handle the work and whether the fees made sense.
Choosing the Best Family Law Attorney in Phoenix
Family law and personal injury are separate areas of practice, so Sargon Law Group is not one of the firms on this list. If you need help with a divorce, custody matter or another family-law issue, use the criteria above to evaluate attorneys who practice in that area.
If your legal issue involves injuries from a Phoenix car crash or another accident, Sargon Law Group may be able to help. Request a free consultation with a
Phoenix car accident attorney to discuss your personal injury claim.