Stephen Smith

About Stephen Smith

Stephen R. Smith is a partner in the Phoenix law firm of FROMM SMITH & GADOW, P.C. where his practice is limited to complex family law litigation, mediation, and appellate matters. Mr. Smith is a Certified Specialist in Family Law, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and is a past President of the Arizona Chapter of the AAML®. Mr. Smith is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers® in the field of family law and was recognized as Best Lawyer’s® “2017 Family Law Lawyer of the Year” in Phoenix.

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Education

• Law School: Whittier

Common questions about Family Law in Arizona

Answered by Arizona Attorney Search Network

What is spousal maintenance in Arizona?

Arizona uses the term 'spousal maintenance' rather than 'alimony.' Under ARS § 25-319, the court considers the standard of living during the marriage, length of the marriage, age and health of both parties, ability to earn, contributions to the other spouse's career, and other factors. Awards may be temporary, rehabilitative (set duration), or - rarely - of indefinite duration.

How long does a divorce take in Arizona?

Arizona requires a 60-day waiting period after service of the petition before a divorce can be finalized (ARS § 25-329). Uncontested divorces typically resolve in 90-120 days; contested cases involving custody or asset disputes commonly take 12-18 months.

What does 'legal decision-making' mean in Arizona?

Since 2013, Arizona has used the term 'legal decision-making' in place of 'custody' under ARS § 25-401. It refers to the right and responsibility to make major decisions for a child - education, healthcare, religion - and is awarded as either joint or sole decision-making by the court based on the best interests of the child.

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