Practice Areas

Divorce

If your marriage is irretrievably broken, you probably want a dissolution of marriage (divorce). Arizona is a no-fault, community property state. I have handled hundreds of these cases for husbands or wives, including appeals where necessary.
Paternity

This applies where the father and mother are unmarried, and there is a desire to legally establish parenthood through the court system to obtain child support and/or parenting time. If you need to establish child support, you may wish to contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Department of Child Support Enforcement to obtain assistance without paying a private attorney.
Prenuptial (Premarital) Agreements, Separation Agreements, Cohabitation Agreements

A “Prenup” (Premarital Agreement) is an agreement which clarifies and governs the financial relationship between two people who are going to marry. It becomes effective upon the marriage, after which it may only be revoked or amended in writing. Separation Agreements may be used between married persons who are planning to divorce or have filed for divorce, in order to make a written and enforceable agreement on financial and property issues. Cohabitation Agreements may be used for the same purpose between people who live together.

Wills, Trusts and Probates

Some think the best policy is: “Being of sound mind, I spent it all.” If you die without properly putting your wishes in writing, the law of intestate succession will divide your property between your surviving spouse and your child(ren), if any, from another relationship. The scare tactics of those who sell living trusts by implying that your property will end up going to the state are mostly unjustified.

A probate is sometimes needed to transfer a decedent’s property to those who are entitled to it. It will cost several thousand dollars, maybe more, especially if there is disagreement about who is entitled to what. A will or living trust can minimize or eliminate such disagreements and provide other benefits. A living trust, properly established and maintained, can eliminate the need for probate and help avoid a guardianship proceeding for a spouse who becomes incompetent.
Health Care Documents

Some people desire a Living Will (to oversimplify, this directs your health care providers to “pull the plug” under certain conditions). They also want a Health Care Power of Attorney to specify the person or persons who have the power to deal with health care providers when they are unable to do so. The Arizona Attorney General web site contains downloadable forms for these and other life care planning documents.

Copyright/Trademark

Years ago I was a professional musician, composer and arranger in the music business. I still do music, and have an interest in its legal aspects. I have drafted and/or advised clients on Recording Agreements, Releases, Management Contracts, Licensing Agreements and related documents. I have also represented clients in asserting copyright and trademark claims, both in and out of court, to protect their legal rights. I do not handle any aspect of patents.

Business Formation

I have formed Corporations, Limited and General Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in construction and other business areas, and have represented these entities in and out of court.
Judgment Collection

It’s well known to lawyers that having a money judgment and collecting it are two different things. I’m not interested in collecting small judgments or in collection matters as a major part of my practice. However, I am experienced in collecting all types of judgments, including for child support or spousal maintenance.
Landlord/Tenant

I have drafted many leases, commercial and residential. I have filed forcible detainer (eviction) actions on behalf of landlords and defended such actions on behalf of tenants.
Tax Lien Foreclosure

Not a major part of my practice, but I have handled dozens of these matters. If you own a certificate from the recorder’s auction and want to foreclose the right to redeem, please consider me.

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