Family Law

Often used to refer to a municipal court judge, but A.R.S. 1-215 provides a broad definition that includes all judicial officers with power to issue a warrant for arrest: includes a Supreme Court justice and judges of the superior, justice and municipal courts.

An amount of money added to a child support award in order to ensure that the child lives in the same living conditions, as the child would have if the child had been living with the other parent. This amount is technically granted to one of the parents, and can be permanent or temporary.

Medical Assistance Only cases.

A process in which the disputing persons use a third individual to assist them in reaching a settlement of the dispute. The process is private, informal, and non-binding. The mediator has no power to impose a settlement, but rather attempts to assist the disputants in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.

A memorandum in response to another written memorandum or written request to the court.

A written document in support of a certain position.

A system for a judicial nomination commission to recommend candidates for judicial appointments to the governor.

A process in which each side presents its case to a neutral third party, usually one impartial advisor who has been selected by the litigants and their attorneys. Although the process resembles a trial, the presentation is abbreviated. Following the presentations, the representatives of the litigants meet, with or without the neutral third party, to negotiate a settlement.

Offense less serious than a felon, punishable by a sentence other than being sent to prison. (A.R.S. Section 13-105)

An order of the court that alters, changes, extends, amends, limits, or reduces an earlier order of the court.

To alter; to change; to extend; to amend; to limit; to reduce.

A request to a court for an order granting any kind of relief.