Family Law
Divorce Without Children
Here Is What You Need to Know
Even without kids in the picture, divorce is still hard. It’s the closing of a chapter once believed to be forever, and that comes with a lot of emotions—some expected, some that hit out of nowhere.
The team at Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC has worked with so many people in this exact place. A person going through this might be feeling a mix of relief, fear, frustration, sadness… all of it. And on top of that emotional weight, there’s the financial and legal side to sort out—who keeps what, how debts are divided, what happens to the home, the retirement accounts, or maybe even a small business built during the marriage.
Arizona law treats most property acquired during a marriage as shared, but real life is rarely that simple. Some things might be separate, others may not be. That’s where it helps to have someone who can walk through it with care—someone who understands both the law and the emotional weight it carries.
Here’s what the PRC Law Team wants people to know: no one has to go through this in the dark. Everyone deserves to understand what’s happening, what the options are, and how to move forward with a clear head and a lighter heart.
If this sounds familiar, it might be time to reach out. The firm will take it one step at a time and help guide the process in a way that feels manageable—and maybe even healing.
Divorce with Children
What You Should Be Prepared For
If someone is facing divorce with children involved, Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC wants them to know something right away: this is hard. Really hard. Not because they’ve done anything wrong—but because when a parent loves their kids and everything starts shifting around them, it can feel like the ground is moving beneath their feet.
They’re not just working through a separation. They’re trying to keep life steady for their children while also figuring out their own new normal. Questions like who stays in the house, what parenting time will look like, and how big decisions for the kids will be made—all of these come up quickly, and the answers are rarely simple.
Custody tends to be the most emotional part. The PRC Law Team has sat across from parents who can’t imagine missing even a day with their children—now being asked to give up weekends, holidays, or weekday mornings. It hurts. And that’s okay to say out loud.
Arizona courts generally lean toward equal custody, but what’s “equal” isn’t always what’s best. Every family is different. The firm’s role is to help tell each family’s story, to make sure the court sees the full picture, and to work toward a solution that truly puts the children first.
This process can feel overwhelming, but no one has to go through it alone. It’s possible to protect the relationship with the children, keep their world as stable as possible, and still take care of personal well-being. Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC is here to walk beside every client as they do just that.
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Establishing Custody of your Children
If someone isn’t married but shares a child with another parent—and things have changed, whether through a breakup or growing uncertainty—it’s completely normal to feel stuck, unsure, or even scared about what comes next.
But here’s the truth: not being married doesn’t make someone any less of a parent. Still, without a court-ordered parenting plan in place, their rights—and their time with their child—can feel fragile and uncertain. That’s where establishing custody becomes so important.
The team at Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC sees this often with couples who lived together and co-parented well during the relationship. But once that relationship ends, everything can shift quickly. One parent may start making unilateral decisions or limiting the other’s access to the child. Sometimes, a child can even be used as leverage in emotionally painful ways. It’s heartbreaking—and sadly, not uncommon.
For fathers especially, there’s a critical detail to understand: without a court order, parental rights cannot be enforced by law enforcement. Even if they’re doing everything right, they might still feel powerless. Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC exists to change that.
This is exactly why the firm does this work.
When someone reaches out for help, the team will take the time to explain their options, walk them through what a court is likely to do, and most importantly, help protect the bond between parent and child. This isn’t about “winning” custody—it’s about creating a plan that brings structure, safety, and love to a child’s life, with both parents involved whenever possible.
No one has to face this alone. The PRC Law Team is here to help ensure every parent’s rights are respected—and every child has the consistency and care they deserve.
Modification of Custody
When Life Changes, So Should the Plan
Sometimes, what made sense a year ago doesn’t make sense anymore.
Maybe a child’s needs have changed. Maybe a parent’s job is different now. Maybe the schedule that once seemed workable just isn’t anymore—and no matter how hard both sides try to keep the peace, the cracks are starting to show. Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC wants families to know: that’s not failure. That’s life.
People change. Kids grow. Life shifts. And sometimes, parenting plans need to shift with it.
The team at PRC understands how hard it can be to ask for change. Parents might be afraid of stirring things up, or they may have been told that nothing can be done. But if something isn’t working anymore—whether for the child or the parent—it’s okay to explore other options.
Courts don’t allow custody to be modified without a strong reason, but that’s where the PRC Law Team steps in. They help clients look honestly at their situation, determine whether it meets the legal threshold, and just as importantly, whether it’s the right time to move forward.
What the team wants every parent to hear is this: no one is stuck.
There is a way forward—a path that can bring more balance, more fairness, and more peace to everyone involved.
Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC will sit down, talk through what’s happening now, and help create a parenting plan that fits life as it is—not as it used to be.
Relocation
There are times in life when staying put just isn’t possible. It might be a new job, a fresh start, or the chance to live closer to family who can offer support. Sometimes, it’s simply what someone needs to start feeling okay again.
But when a parent wants to relocate—and the other parent is still involved—things get complicated, fast.
The team at Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC has sat with parents who feel torn in two. They’re trying to make the best decision for themselves and for their child, but no matter what they choose, it feels like someone is going to get hurt. That kind of emotional weight is real. And for anyone carrying it right now—the firm sees them.
In Arizona, moving with a child—whether it’s out of state or more than 100 miles away within the state—requires court permission. Relocation cases are challenging. Not impossible, but not easy. The court’s focus is always on the child’s relationship with both parents, and the question becomes not “Why do you want to move?” but “Why is this move in the child’s best interest?”
Whether someone is hoping to relocate or trying to stop a move, they have the right to advocate for what feels right. It’s okay to feel scared, overwhelmed, even angry—and it’s more than okay to ask for help.
When clients come to PRC with a relocation issue, the conversation starts with honesty: their reasons, their fears, and their hopes for their child. No judgment. No pressure. Just clarity, compassion, and a plan.
No one has to go through this alone. The team at Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC is ready to help families figure out what’s possible—together.
Enforcement of Family Court Orders
They’ve been through the legal process. They have court orders in place. There was hope that would bring peace—or at the very least, some predictability.
But now the other party isn’t holding up their end—and the fallout is landing squarely on one person’s shoulders.
Maybe child support isn’t being paid. Maybe the parenting plan is being ignored. Maybe what the court clearly outlined as fair is now being dismissed. Whatever the situation is, it’s not right—and it’s not okay for one parent to carry that burden alone.
At Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC, the team talks to people in this position all the time—exhausted, discouraged, and unsure if anything can be done. If that’s where someone is right now, the team wants them to know: they can take action. They do have rights. And PRC is here to help them understand exactly what those rights are.
Sometimes enforcement is straightforward—a motion that gets filed and resolved quickly. Other times, there’s more to consider. Is the emotional toll worth it? What’s the likelihood of success? These are honest conversations the PRC Law Team has with every client, helping them weigh the options without sugarcoating the truth.
This kind of situation is frustrating. It’s draining. And no one should have to just “put up with it.” If someone has already done the hard work of getting court orders in place, those orders should matter.
They’ve come too far to be ignored now—and Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC is here to make sure they’re not.
Grandparent's Visitation (Third-Party Visitation)
Sometimes, the bond you have with a child runs deep—even if you’re not their parent. Maybe you’re a grandparent who’s been there since day one. Maybe you’re a step-parent, aunt, uncle, or someone who’s loved and cared for that child through the ups and downs.
And then, suddenly, that connection is threatened.
I’ve seen how painful that can be—to go from playing a meaningful role in a child’s life to being completely shut out. It doesn’t just hurt you—it can hurt the child too. But in Arizona, getting court-ordered visitation as a non-parent isn’t simple, and there are very specific rules about when it’s even possible.
If the child’s parents are married and living together, the court can’t grant visitation to a third party. But if the parents are divorced, one has passed away, or they were never married in the first place, there may be an opening to ask the court to step in.
It’s a delicate area of law—because as much as the court wants to protect meaningful relationships, it also has to respect a parent’s right to decide who their child spends time with. That’s why these cases can be emotional, personal, and legally complex.
Whether you’re someone trying to stay in a child’s life, or a parent trying to protect your family boundaries, this isn’t about sides. It’s about understanding what’s possible, what’s fair, and what’s truly in the child’s best interest.
If you’re in this place—hurting, unsure, hopeful—I’ll sit with you, listen to your story, and walk you through what the law allows. No judgment. Just care, clarity, and honest answers.
Because your love for that child matters. And you deserve to know what your options are.
Child Support
Child support is one of those topics that can stir up a lot of emotion—on both sides. Whether you’re the one paying or the one receiving, it’s not really about the money. It’s about feeling like things are fair. It’s about making sure your child is taken care of, and that you’re not being taken advantage of in the process.
I’ve helped a lot of parents through this, and here’s what I’ve learned: most people just want to do the right thing. They want to support their kids, but they also want to make sure their own needs are being seen too.
Sometimes the current order doesn’t reflect what’s really going on. Maybe you lost a job. Maybe your income changed. Maybe the original amount never felt right to begin with. Or maybe the other parent isn’t contributing the way they’re supposed to, and you’re carrying it all.
Whatever your situation, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
When we sit down, I’ll go over your financial picture and help you understand what child support might realistically look like—whether it’s likely to go up, down, or stay the same. We’ll talk about how to make things more manageable and how to move forward in a way that protects your child and feels fair to you.
There’s no shame in needing help with this. Life changes. Things shift. You deserve a plan that fits your real-world situation—not just a number on paper.
Let’s figure it out—together.
Protective Orders (Orders of Protection or Injunctions Against Harassment)
If someone is reading this because they’re scared, overwhelmed, trying to protect themselves—or because they’ve just been served with a protective order and feel like everything is spinning—Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC wants them to know: they’re not alone.
In Arizona, there are two primary types of protective orders. Orders of Protection apply to situations involving family members or people who live together. Injunctions Against Harassment are used when the people involved aren’t related—like neighbors, former friends, or coworkers. Both types of orders are designed to create space, stop harm, and keep people safe. And both can deeply affect someone’s life.
For those seeking protection, taking the first step is often the hardest. People may worry they won’t be believed or feel guilty for speaking up. But their safety matters. Their peace of mind matters. And the legal system can help reclaim both.
For those who have been served with a protective order, it can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under them—confusing, angering, and disorienting. These orders can come with serious consequences: loss of access to a home, children, or even a job. But being served does not mean someone is guilty. They still have a voice. And they absolutely deserve to be heard.
The attorneys at PRC have helped people on both sides of these difficult cases—standing beside survivors in need of protection, and also beside individuals working to defend their name and restore fairness. In both situations, what matters most is being seen, being heard, and being treated with respect.
Whether someone is trying to get a protective order, keep one in place, or challenge one they believe is unfair—Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC will walk with them every step of the way. No judgment. Just compassion, clarity, and the support needed to feel safe and steady again.
Temporary Orders
When everything feels like it’s up in the air—where someone will live, when they’ll see their kids, how the bills will get paid—sometimes waiting months for a final decision just isn’t an option. That’s where temporary orders come in.
Temporary orders act like a pause button, offering much-needed structure while the legal case moves forward. They can provide clarity around parenting time, financial support, and who stays in the home—even if just for now—giving families some breathing room in the middle of the chaos.
These early decisions can shape how the rest of the case unfolds. But what makes them especially challenging is how quickly they come up. A person might receive just a few days’ notice before a court hearing, and in that moment, it can feel impossible to prepare.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say or do, Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC is here to help carry some of that weight.
The PRC Law Team will talk through what matters most in the moment—what needs immediate protection, what can wait, and how to present everything in a way the court will understand and take seriously.
Whether someone is requesting a temporary order or responding to one, they deserve to be heard. And they deserve stability—especially during times like these.
No one is meant to carry this alone. The team at Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC can help bring structure, calm, and a clear path forward.
When You Both Just Want to Move On
Not every divorce has to be a battle.
Sometimes two people reach a point where they both recognize it’s time to move on—and they want to do it without dragging each other through court. When that happens, there’s a better, calmer path forward.
It’s called an uncontested divorce. This process works when both spouses agree on the important things—how to divide property, whether support is needed, and if children are involved, how co-parenting will work. There are no drawn-out courtroom fights, just a plan, a few meaningful conversations, and a chance for closure.
For couples who are ready to move forward with this approach, Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC makes it simple. The process begins with a meeting—either in person or over Zoom—where everything that needs to be decided is carefully reviewed. From there, the PRC Law Team handles the paperwork, ensures everything is done correctly, and files it with the court. In most cases, neither spouse even needs to appear in a courtroom.
There’s no need to have all the answers from day one. The PRC team walks clients through each step, making sure nothing important is missed, and ensuring that the final agreement is clear, fair, and won’t come back to cause issues down the road.
Ending a marriage is never easy. But it can be respectful. It can be peaceful. And it can leave both people feeling like they did the right thing—for themselves, and for the future ahead.
For those ready to move on—without the mess—Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC is here to help.
Document Drafting Services
Not everyone needs full legal representation. And not everyone can afford it.
Sometimes, a person is handling things on their own—but wants the reassurance that their paperwork is done right. They don’t want to risk missing something important or using the wrong form. They just want peace of mind.
That’s exactly why Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC offers document drafting services.
Whether someone is filing for divorce, modifying custody, or responding to something they’ve been served with, legal forms can be intimidating. They often feel cold, confusing, and filled with language that doesn’t reflect real life. That’s where the PRC Law Team can help.
Every document is carefully prepared by experienced paralegals and reviewed by an attorney—ensuring what gets filed is accurate, complete, and customized to the client’s situation. Clients still represent themselves, but they don’t have to do it completely alone.
This option is made for people who are strong enough to take on their own case—but smart enough to get help with the parts that matter most. And that kind of wisdom is deeply respected by the team.
Paulsen, Reissner, & Curtis, PLC is here to help make sure each person’s voice is heard—on paper, in court, and wherever the process leads.
