Caring Ahwatukee Divorce Attorneys

Last updated on March 12, 2026

At Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC, we have committed our legal practice to solving problems. When clients come to see us, they often think that a trial is the only option. While trial is always available when necessary to protect your rights, we can help you see other options to resolve your divorce issues. Those options can include negotiations, settlements and more.

Seasoned Legal Judgment For Difficult Family Disputes In Arizona

We are Phoenix divorce attorneys Amy Duenas, Dorian Eden and Carrie P. Cravatta, and we can serve your needs whether you anticipate a relatively simple or more complicated proceeding. We have assisted clients with difficult divorce issues since 2002. Our lawyers are well-equipped with real-world family law knowledge to advise and advocate for you.

With more than 60 years of combined experience as Phoenix divorce lawyers, we can help you in a wide variety of complicated situations, including those circumstances involving:

• High-value divorce assets like your home, retirement accounts and an ownership stake in a business
• Complex child custody and parenting time (visitation rights)
• Disputes over maintenance, commonly known as alimony

You can rely on us to advise you thoroughly. Our years as some of the best divorce lawyers in Phoenix provide us with the seasoned legal judgment you can use to handle sophisticated legal disputes in divorce matters. That judgment enables us to be credible with judges and opposing counsel, particularly if your case involves legally uncertain areas or changing rules. You can count on the judgment of someone who understands how the law works in those situations. In the high-stakes environment of an Ahwatukee divorce, aggression is often mistaken for effectiveness. We prioritize strategic intelligence and realistic goal-setting to protect your assets without unnecessary conflict.

We work with you personally to best understand your needs. You will work with us from start to finish. Our close communication enables us to tailor our legal representation to the unique circumstances of your divorce case.

Uncontested Vs. Contested Divorce

The path your divorce takes depends entirely on the level of agreement between you and your spouse. There are two broad categories for divorce. We handle both of them:

• Uncontested divorce (consent decree): The simplest option for when you and your spouse agree on every single issue related to property division, child support and other divorce issues. Your attorney can draft a consent decree for both parties to sign. A judge approves it after the mandatory 60-day cooling-off period and you do not have to go to court. Arizona now also offers a summary consent decree, which is a newer, faster version for couples who have a full agreement ready at the moment of filing.
• Contested divorce: If you disagree on even one item, such as property valuation or parenting time, the case is legally contested. Contested divorce involves a discovery phase and often leads to mediation. Most contested divorces settle before going to court. However, if they do not, then you need to have a trial where a judge makes the final decisions on your behalf.

Whether you are looking at a contested or uncontested divorce, we strive to settle most cases amicably through smart negotiation and a technology-based approach to evidence.

Choosing The Smartest Path To Divorce In Ahwatukee

There are several methods available to end a marriage. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances. We help you evaluate these options to find the most efficient route. The choices include:

• Traditional divorce: Standard litigation where the court oversees the process and attorneys advocate for each side in court.
• Collaborative divorce: A private process where spouses and their lawyers sign an agreement to stay out of court. You often work with neutral financial or child experts, but if the process fails, both original attorneys must resign.
• Mediated divorce: A neutral mediator helps you reach an agreement. Because mediators cannot give legal advice, you should still have your own lawyer review the final document to protect your rights.
• Covenant marriage dissolution: Arizona has strict rules for these marriages. You cannot simply claim the marriage is broken; you must prove fault, such as adultery or abuse.
• Default divorce: If your spouse fails to respond to your petition within 20 to 30 days, you can ask for a default ruling. The judge may then grant your requests because the other side gave up their right to argue.

Regardless of the path you choose, having a responsive legal team ensures you do not overlook critical details. We focus on delivering value while reducing the emotional and financial burden of the divorce process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce

Divorce is complex and emotionally taxing, often inspiring many questions about the process. Below, we provide the answers to our most frequently asked questions to help you find direction and clarity.

Who pays attorney fees in divorce?

Generally, each party is responsible for paying their attorney fees. However, the court may order one spouse to pay the other’s attorney fees in certain situations.

Can my spouse make me pay their divorce attorney fees?

Yes, a court can order one spouse to pay the other’s attorney fees. This can happen when there is a difference in the spouses’ financial circumstances.

The court considers the ability of each party to pay their legal fees; it may require the wealthier spouse to cover the legal costs of the other in the interests of ensuring fair divorce representation.

Can you get a divorce without a lawyer?

Yes, through a process known as a pro se divorce. It’s more feasible in cases where the divorce is uncontested, meaning both parties agree on all terms, such as property division, child custody and support.

While representing yourself can save on attorney fees, you should understand that divorce involves complex legal issues. If disputes or significant assets are involved, a lawyer is essential in guarding your rights and facilitating fairness.

How long does a divorce take?

The divorce timeline can depend on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the level of agreement or animosity between the parties.

For example, an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all major issues and terms, can take a few months to complete. However, in a contested divorce involving disputes over issues such as property division or child custody, the process can become more protracted.

What is the discovery process?

One of the first steps in a divorce case is going through the discovery phase, the legal stage where both spouses disclose all information about their assets and income. This includes financial assets like bank accounts or investments and it also includes tangible assets, like real estate or business ownership.

Importantly, the discovery stage means that full disclosure is a legal requirement. It helps the court determine what marital assets the couple owns jointly that need to pass through property division. Although separate property is not subject to asset division, disclosure is still necessary. Failing to do so or hiding assets can complicate the process and violate Arizona law.

Who is responsible for debts and financial obligations?

Anyone named on a financial account remains responsible for the debt, whether it is credit card debt, a home mortgage or a loan. Remember that creditors do not care about your divorce decree. If both spouses take on debt jointly, both are liable because they signed onto the account. Even if your ex agreed to pay a certain debt, you may be liable if they fail to pay.

To protect your credit rating during an Arizona divorce, here are some steps to consider:

• Remove other users from your accounts
• Maintain payments
• Freeze the account to stop debt accumulation
• Establish individual lines of credit in your own name

For example, if you become the sole owner of a family home you and your spouse owned jointly, you will likely need to refinance the mortgage into your own name.

What steps should you take before filing for an Arizona divorce?

To prepare for a divorce in Arizona, there are some important steps to take, including:

• Gather relevant financial documents, like bank statements and tax returns
• Consult with legal professionals and financial advisors
• Review your social media accounts, and perhaps avoid them until the divorce concludes
• Create personal financing options (opening a bank account or obtaining a credit card)

In a general sense, you need to gather evidence supporting any shared financial obligations or assets, and then begin taking steps to divide your financial life from that of your spouse.

Schedule An Initial Consultation With A Divorce Attorney In Arizona

Call our office to make your first appointment with one of us: 480-637-0668. You can also contact us by email.

We are family law attorneys. Our office is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and we serve clients throughout Arizona.