RJ Peters & Assoc PC

RJ Peters & Assoc PC Divorce and Family Law Attorneys located in Downtown Phoenix. We offer a free consultation with one of our aggressive attorneys. See us first.

Divorce and Family Law Attorneys serving Arizona. We limit our practice to family law matters to better serve you.

Giving Up the Fight Isn’t Giving Up Your RightsEnding a difficult third-party custody case is not the same thing as cons...
09/01/2026

Giving Up the Fight Isn’t Giving Up Your Rights

Ending a difficult third-party custody case is not the same thing as consenting to an adoption or terminating the legal parent-child relationship. Those are separate legal decisions with very different consequences.

⚖️ Not contesting a custody case does not automatically end parental rights
👨‍👩‍👧 Adoption creates a new legal parent-child relationship
📄 The prospective adoptive parent must actually pursue and qualify for adoption
💵 Child support, arrears, and attorneys’ fees may still need to be addressed
🔍 The entire court file should be reviewed before you agree to anything permanent

Read more: https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/is-agreeing-to-adoption-the-same-as-giving-up-parental-rights/

An experienced family law attorney can help you understand exactly what each option means before you sign anything.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free consultation.

Does an Arizona Marriage License Mean You’re Married?Simply obtaining an Arizona marriage license does not necessarily m...
08/21/2026

Does an Arizona Marriage License Mean You’re Married?

Simply obtaining an Arizona marriage license does not necessarily mean you became legally married. What happened after the license was issued matters.

📄 A marriage ceremony generally must take place before the license expires
👥 Two adult witnesses are typically required
✍️ The couple, witnesses, and officiant should sign the license
🏛️ The officiant is responsible for returning the completed license for recording
⚖️ A failure to record the license does not automatically mean the marriage is invalid

If you are separating and unsure whether you were ever legally married, determining your marital status is the first step before deciding what legal process applies.

Read more: https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/arizona-marriage-license/

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

Being 16 or older is only the starting point. A court may also consider whether the minor has reliable income, stable ho...
07/20/2026

Being 16 or older is only the starting point. A court may also consider whether the minor has reliable income, stable housing, a realistic budget, transportation, access to health care, and a plan to continue school or work.

In this updated Ask RJ, we explain what may strengthen an emancipation request—and why an unsafe home situation alone may not be enough.

Read the full answer:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/what-are-my-best-chances-in-getting-emancipated/

In Arizona, unless a court order says otherwise, both parents are generally entitled to equal access to their child’s he...
07/09/2026

In Arizona, unless a court order says otherwise, both parents are generally entitled to equal access to their child’s health information, including medical records.

🩺 Both parents may request medical records
📄 Records can be requested directly from the provider
⚖️ A court order can limit access, but only if it says so
🚫 A parent who blocks access without an order may face sanctions
📬 A strongly worded attorney letter may help resolve provider resistance

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-access-my-childs-medical-records-if-the-other-parent-has-full-custody/

An experienced family law attorney can help you review your orders and protect your right to stay informed about your child’s health.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free consultation.

A parent cannot simply transfer parental rights or parenting time to a grandparent without your consent. Grandparents ma...
06/23/2026

A parent cannot simply transfer parental rights or parenting time to a grandparent without your consent. Grandparents may have visitation rights in some cases, but that is not the same as a parent’s rights.

👨‍👩‍👧 Father cannot force you to accept Grandmother in his place
📄 You may be able to modify parenting time if he is not using it
👵 Grandmother may seek visitation separately
⚖️ Grandparent visitation is usually much more limited
🔍 Allowing her to use Father’s time could create future complications

Read more here: https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-my-childs-father-sign-over-his-rights-to-his-mother-grandmother/

An experienced family law attorney can help you protect your rights and decide the best next step.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free consultation.

Changing parenting time when children live in another state usually requires a Petition to Modify, but the right approac...
06/09/2026

Changing parenting time when children live in another state usually requires a Petition to Modify, but the right approach depends on jurisdiction, timing, and the child’s best interests.

Here’s what matters:

📄 A Petition to Modify is generally the starting point
📍 Jurisdiction must be confirmed before filing
⚖️ Legal decision making may require significant changes in circumstances
🧒 Parenting time changes must serve the child’s best interests
✈️ Long-distance parenting plans often divide school year and breaks
📊 Your goal is to show the life you can provide for your child

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/what-court-form-do-i-need-to-change-custody-when-my-children-live-in-another-state/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate your options and build a plan.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Changing a child’s name is possible in Arizona, but when both parents are involved, the process is rarely simple. If the...
05/19/2026

Changing a child’s name is possible in Arizona, but when both parents are involved, the process is rarely simple. If the father is listed on the birth certificate, he will generally need to receive notice of the request, even if he objects.

Here are a few important things to know:

👨‍👦 Father’s consent is not always required, but notice usually is
⚖️ Family court is often the proper place to request the change
📄 Probate court may also be an option in some situations
🧒 Court will focus on the child’s best interests
🔍 Filing may also raise issues involving parenting time, legal decision making, or child support

These cases are very fact-specific, and the reason for the name change matters.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-change-my-childs-last-name-without-the-fathers-permission/

An experienced family law attorney can help you determine the best path forward and prepare your request properly.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

16 Years of Dedication, Compassion, and HeartAfter 16 incredible years, we are saying goodbye to an extraordinary parale...
05/15/2026

16 Years of Dedication, Compassion, and Heart

After 16 incredible years, we are saying goodbye to an extraordinary paralegal, teammate, and friend. ☹️

Jerica has been a constant source of professionalism, compassion, loyalty, and strength at our firm. She helped guide countless clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives with patience, kindness, dignity, and genuine care.

Her work ethic has been unmatched. She handled challenges with grace, stayed calm under pressure, and brought heart to this office every single day.

Many clients may never fully realize how much she did behind the scenes — the reassuring phone calls, the long hours, the attention to detail, and the unwavering support during emotional times. But we do, and we are deeply grateful.

16 years of loyalty and commitment
Countless families helped
A lasting impact on our team and clients
A friend who will always be part of our family

While we will miss her tremendously, we are excited for her next chapter and know she will continue making a positive impact wherever she goes.

Thank you, Jerica, for 16 amazing years.

— Jen and Rich Peters

From the blog: https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/thank-you-jerica-celebrating-16-years-of-dedication-and-compassion/

A fresh start can feel right, but child custody jurisdiction follows strict legal rules. Whether Arizona can hear your c...
05/05/2026

A fresh start can feel right, but child custody jurisdiction follows strict legal rules. Whether Arizona can hear your case and allow you to remain here depends on timing, facts, and strategy.

Here’s what you need to know:

📍 Arizona typically needs 6 months to become the child’s home state
⚖️ If not, your case will likely need to be filed in the prior state
👨‍👩‍👧 Court decides legal decision making and parenting time based on best interests
✈️ Long-distance parenting plans are common in relocation cases
📊 The relocating parent must prove the move benefits the child
🤝 Agreement between parents can significantly affect the outcome

These cases are very fact-specific. The right approach can make a meaningful difference.

Read more here:

https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-keep-my-child-in-arizona-after-moving-from-another-state/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate jurisdiction and build a strong relocation strategy.
Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Moved to Arizona with Your Child. Can You Stay?Relocating to Arizona may feel like the right move, but custody jurisdict...
04/21/2026

Moved to Arizona with Your Child. Can You Stay?

Relocating to Arizona may feel like the right move, but custody jurisdiction doesn’t change overnight. Where your case is handled and whether you can remain here depends on specific legal factors.

Here’s what matters:

📍 Arizona usually needs 6 months to establish home state jurisdiction
⚖️ If not, your case will likely need to be filed in the prior state
👨‍👩‍👧 Courts decide legal decision-making and parenting time based on best interests
✈️ Long-distance parenting plans are common in relocation cases
📊 The relocating parent must prove the move benefits the child
🤝 Agreement between parents can significantly impact the outcome

These cases are highly fact-specific and can be difficult, but not impossible.

Read more here:
https://www.familylawaz.com/blog/can-i-stay-in-arizona-after-moving-from-another-state-with-my-child/

An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate jurisdiction, relocation strategy, and your next steps.

Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.

Address

1422 N 2nd Street Ste 100
Phoenix, AZ
85004

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 3pm

Telephone

+16022567575

Website

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