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Rich J. Peters

Rich J. Peters

Divorce and Family Law Attorneys. We Take Sides. Yours.
  • Divorce, Family Law, Domestic Violence
  • Arizona
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Biography

The firm is located near downtown Phoenix. Although most of our clients come to us from Maricopa County, we are also pleased to provide legal services in the area of Divorce and Family Law throughout the state. Our goal is to provide quality legal representation to our clients and to make the unpleasant process of terminating a marriage more bearable. We strive to be caring, dedicated professionals whose idea of a successful resolution of divorce and family law matters is one which produces the best possible result for our client, at the lowest possible cost. We avoid costly and wasteful harassment tactics and aggressively resist those tactics if employed by opposing counsel. Our overriding concern is, as it should be, the best interest of our clients.

Practice Areas
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Family Law
Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights , Victims Rights
Video Conferencing
  • Google Meet
  • Skype
  • Zoom
  • WebEx
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
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Languages
  • English
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney Owner
R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.
- Current
Current owner and practicing attorney.
Judge Pro Tem
Maricopa County Superior Court
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Associate Attorney
Jon C. Dake and Assoc., P.C.
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Associate Attorney
Bellah and Harrian
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Associate Attorney
John T. Fields & Associates
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Attorney Owner
Law Office of Rich J. Peters
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Education
University of Arkansas School of Law
J.D. (1992)
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Honors: Deans List
University of Arkansas School of Law Logo
Arizona State University
B.S. (1989) | Business Marketing
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Arizona State University Logo
Awards
Top 10 Attorneys
National Academy of Family Law Attorneys
Outstanding Contributions to the Family Lawyers Assistance Project
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Lead Counsel for Family Law
Lead Counsel Review Board
For Love of Just Award
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Certificate of Appreciation
Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP
Certificate of Appreciation
Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP
Advocate of the Year
Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP
Professional Associations
Arizona Association for Conflict Resolution
Member
- Current
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Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Member
- Current
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Maricopa County Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Arizona State Bar  # 014601
Member
- Current
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W.B. Putman American Inn of Court
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Angel Player Loses Round in Child Support Case
Arizona Republic
Speaking Engagements
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Pro Se Representation
Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program
Litigants without Lawyers, Phoenix, Arizona
Family Lawyers Assistance Program
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Getting Divorced in Phoenix Arizona
Legal Answers
89 Questions Answered
Q. Need help with divorce packet in AZ amid privacy invasion and identity theft by spouse.
A: I think you are referring to packets from the self service center. If so, you simply need the divorce without children packet. https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_group_3/. Please know that these packets are rather generic and are not going to address every situation that needs to be addressed. You can also add claims for any financial losses which have resulted From any bad faith conduct which occurred (recently) in the marriage. If you want to prohibit any further conduct you may consider petitioning for an order of protection. Arizona defines domestic violence very broadly and the conduct you described may qualify. I would want to know so much more to provide more specific advice.

A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.
... Read More
Q. Do I have to return my son or can I keep him due to concerns about my ex's living situation amidst our divorce without a custody agreement?
A: Pursuant to Arizona law, your Judge will be required, consistent with the child's best interests, to adopt a parenting plan that provides for both parents to share legal decision-making regarding their child and that maximizes their respective parenting time. So, Arizona law basically starts with the idea that the parents should share Equal Parenting Time.

There is no way to predict exactly what a Judge will do. Your goal would be to paint an overall picture of the life you can provide for the child compared to Mother's. With most things being somewhat equal, our Court's certainly do order equal parenting time quite often.

So, if you do not believe that kind of schedule to be in the child's best interests, you will need to prepare to convince your judge of your concerns.

Unilaterally withholding the child can be viewed as denying the other parent their legal rights, and a judge may interpret it as interfering with the child's best interests. If you keep the child from the other parent without a very strong, justifiable reason—like documented abuse or immediate danger—this may work against you later. If you have real concerns about the child’s safety, the right way to handle it is through proper legal channels—seeking emergency orders, calling authorities, or filing appropriate motions. Acting unilaterally, even with good intentions, can backfire.

A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.
... Read More
Q. Should a sold boat be listed in a dissolution petition as community or separate property?
A: If you have not yet filed the petition, then I do believe that what must be listed in the petition is community property that exists at the time the petition is prepared. He of corse may want to respond with a claim that it was improper for you to sell his boat without his permission.

A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation.
View More Answers
Contact & Map
R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.
1422 N 2nd St Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
US
Toll-Free: (855) 720-7575
Telephone: (602) 256-7575