Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Tempe Family Law & Bankruptcy Representation
The Peterson Law Firm provides personalized legal representation tailored to individual client needs, specializing in family law and bankruptcy cases. With direct attorney access and a commitment to timely communication, the firm ensures clients receive strategic guidance throughout their legal journey. Our practice emphasizes proven expertise in complex financial and family law matters, supported by extensive experience in both courtroom advocacy and out-of-court negotiations. We prioritize empathetic service, recognizing the emotional challenges clients face during divorce, custody disputes, and bankruptcy proceedings. As a client-focused practice, we offer free initial consultations to help individuals understand their legal options while maintaining transparency about case progress and outcomes.Our team combines technical legal knowledge with practical problem-solving skills to protect clients' interests in asset division, spousal support, and child custody matters. Backed by professional affiliations with the State Bar of Arizona and Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court, we maintain high standards of legal practice. The firm's founder, Stuart J. Peterson, personally handles each case, drawing on his background in consumer bankruptcy to inform family law strategies. We serve clients across the East Valley region with flexible communication options including virtual consultations. Our commitment to community responsibility extends to implementing safety protocols while maintaining regular business operations.
Services
Divorce
Child Custody
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Child Support
Property Division
Spousal Support
Pre/Post-Marital Agreements
Highlights and features
- We offer direct attorney access with Stuart J. Peterson handling every case personally
- Our firm provides free initial consultations for all family law and bankruptcy matters
- We combine bankruptcy expertise with family law practice for comprehensive financial guidance
- Our team maintains professional affiliations with Arizona Bankruptcy American Inn of Court
- We implement flexible communication options including virtual consultations during emergencies
What people say
Promptly answered questions
Excellent knowledge of Arizona Family Law
Compassionate and patient
Reasonable attorney fees
Professional and responsive
Services
Divorce
Our firm provides comprehensive divorce representation addressing asset division, spousal support, and child-related matters. We help clients understand Arizona's community property laws and develop strategies for equitable outcomes. Our approach balances legal advocacy with practical solutions for post-divorce transitions.
Child Custody
We represent clients in custody arrangements focusing on children's best interests while protecting parental rights. Our services include creating parenting plans, modifying existing orders, and advocating for fair visitation schedules. We help clients understand Arizona's custody guidelines and court expectations.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Our bankruptcy attorneys guide clients through Chapter 7 proceedings to eliminate qualifying debts. We help determine eligibility, protect exempt assets, and navigate the discharge process. We provide clear explanations about credit implications and financial recovery strategies.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
We assist clients in establishing Chapter 13 repayment plans to manage debts while protecting assets. Our services include developing feasible payment schedules, negotiating with creditors, and ensuring compliance with court requirements throughout the 3-5 year process.
Child Support
We help establish, modify, and enforce child support orders considering both parents' financial circumstances. Our representation includes calculating appropriate payment amounts, addressing arrears, and adapting to changing life situations while prioritizing children's needs.
People
Stuart J. Peterson
Principal Attorney
Arizona-licensed attorney with bankruptcy and family law expertise. Graduated from Arizona State University Law School in 2012. Former consumer bankruptcy specialist now focusing on family law matters. Combines financial acumen with compassionate legal representation.
Questions
How does Arizona determine child support in 50/50 custody arrangements?
Arizona courts consider both parents' incomes, parenting time percentages, and child-related expenses when determining support obligations for shared custody situations.
What factors influence child custody decisions in Arizona?
Judges prioritize children's best interests, evaluating parental involvement, home stability, school adjustment, and each parent's ability to provide consistent care.
What documentation is most effective in family court cases?
Key evidence includes financial records, communication logs, parenting schedules, and witness statements that demonstrate consistent and child-focused decision-making.
How does Arizona divide property during divorce proceedings?
As a community property state, Arizona typically divides marital assets equally, though courts consider business interests, real estate holdings, and financial contributions when determining fair outcomes.
What are the main differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy?
Chapter 7 provides quick debt discharge through asset liquidation while Chapter 13 establishes 3-5 year repayment plans to retain assets while managing debts.