Sally M Colton Esq

08/17/2026

The Alec and Lydia Act changes how courts look at legal decision-making and parenting time in cases involving domestic violence and coercive control.

Here are three things to keep in mind before your next hearing:

Courts are looking at patterns of behavior, not just isolated incidents. Coercive control is part of that analysis.

Child safety comes first. Legal decision-making and parenting time may be restricted or structured when there are concerns about risk.

Evidence matters. Documentation, communication, and credible testimony can make a meaningful difference.

If this is part of your case, it is important to understand how the court will approach these issues so you can prepare accordingly.

08/10/2026

Some of the hardest co-parenting conflicts are not about major decisions. They are about the day-to-day choices that come up throughout the school year.

These issues often sit at the intersection of legal decision-making and parenting time, which is why they can escalate quickly.

07/29/2026

Joint accounts are a common and practical way for couples to manage finances together.

Did you know they can also shape how assets are viewed over time?

When separate funds, like an inheritance or personal savings, are placed into a joint account, they may gradually lose their separate identity.

For example, if inherited funds are deposited into a shared account and used for everyday expenses, it can become harder to trace what was originally separate.

This is often referred to as commingling, and it can make distinctions less clear down the road.

Understanding how your accounts are structured can help you make thoughtful, informed decisions as life evolves.

07/24/2026

Before the school year begins, many co-parents find themselves running into the same set of issues: school choice, activities, and communication.

These decisions are not just logistical. They are often governed by your legal decision-making and parenting time orders, which can make disagreements more complicated than they seem.

To get ahead of this, here are three questions to ask your co-parent now:

-How will we handle schedule changes once school starts? Think early dismissals, school events, and other changes that can affect parenting time.

-How will we handle extracurricular activities? This includes scheduling, transportation, and costs.

-What is the plan for communication with teachers and school events? Make sure both parents have access and a clear way to share information.

Taking the time to align now can prevent last-minute disputes and give your child a more stable start to the year.

07/14/2026

This week, our team is spending time presenting and learning alongside colleagues at the State Bar of Arizona's CLE by the Sea.

We're discussing important case law and legislative updates, practical strategies for handling immigration issues in family law cases, navigating jurisdiction under the UCCJEA and the Hague Convention, and preparing clients for meaningful and effective mediation.

These conversations are a chance to compare how different attorneys are handling complex issues and to come back with clearer approaches for the families we represent.

07/09/2026

The pace of a family law matter does not always match the pace of your emotions.

Court deadlines, filings, and hearings move on a schedule that can feel out of step with how you are coping day to day.

You might feel ready to move quickly in some moments, and completely overwhelmed in others.
That is normal.

Part of my role is to help you understand what is time‑sensitive, what can wait, and where you have room to breathe.
When you know what needs your attention right now and what does not, it becomes easier to move through the process with a little more steadiness.

If you are unsure what should come next in your case, a conversation can help you get oriented.

07/01/2026

Arizona's new Alec and Lydia Act is now in effect, which changes how domestic violence statutes are applied in Arizona. If you have experienced domestic violence, we can help you understand how this new framework will impact your options moving forward.

Arizona just announced a major change in custody law: the Alec and Lydia Act (HB 2995) is now in effect. When a judge finds domestic violence or coercive control, the law now presumes that giving that parent legal decision-making or unsupervised parenting time is unsafe unless they can prove otherwise.

For survivors and concerned co-parents, this is a significant shift toward safety-first parenting plans. If you have experienced domestic violence, Reardon House Colton can help you understand how this new framework affects your options and the evidence you'll need going forward.

For more information: https://azfamilylaw.substack.com/p/effective-immediately-arizonas-new?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=280283&post_id=203287579&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=63ddss&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=

06/29/2026

Recent changes in Arizona highlight how important it is to think carefully about prenups and postnups from the start. The details and the timing matter more than you might think.

Arizona just made marital agreements a lot more
interesting.

Pursuant to Fadlon v. Cleverly, if a judge rules in the middle of your divorce that your prenup is enforceable, you may not be able to appeal that issue until there is a final divorce decree.

This case is a good reminder as to why smart drafting and long‑term strategy around marital agreements is important.

Thinking about a prenup or postnup or already relying on one in a divorce? This is the time to get tailored advice, not generic answers.

06/17/2026

In family law, gifts can sometimes carry more nuance than people expect.

If something is gifted during a marriage, it may still be considered separate property. What often matters most is intent. Was it meant for one person, or for both?

Over time, that clarity can shift. Gifts become part of everyday life, shared, worn, or placed into joint accounts.

As that happens, the lines between separate and shared property can become less clear.

Having a general understanding of how gifts are treated can help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.

06/15/2026

Weddings often include meaningful heirlooms like a grandmother’s ring or a family veil. These items carry deep emotional value.

Weddings often include meaningful heirlooms like a grandmother's ring or a family veil. These items carry deep emotional value.

In many cases, they may also be considered separate property, meaning they belong solely to one spouse.

But over time, things can get less clear. Was it ever treated as shared? Was it gifted to both spouses?

When it comes to heirlooms, the details matter more than most people expect.

If something is important to you, it is worth understanding how it may be viewed under Arizona law.

Let’s discuss: https://www.rhcfamilylaw.com/contact