Top Family Lawyers Near Me in Tucson Area

Thea M. Gilbert has represented hundreds of children and parents in both juvenile dependency and family law cases.  Ms. Gilbert has represented children who are taken away from their parents, as well as children who are in trouble with the law.  Parents who have lost custody of their children to the state need specialized and highly skilled legal representation.   Ms. Gilbert has the experience and knowledge to help parents work toward getting their children back as well as working with DCS effectively.. Ms. Gilbert also specializes in representing foster parents in both juvenile court cases as well as licensing investigations.. Grandparents and relatives involved in juvenile or family court need legal advice and explanations of how the process and the law works.. Attorney Gilbert has represented numerous clients in complex divorce and custody cases. Her many years of experience as a trial lawyer in a variety of different cases has resulted in a strong success record.

Paul Bowron has been a member of the Arizona Bar since 2016. He joined West-Watt Law, PLC in 2020.. Attorney Paul Bowron’s hourly rate is $290 per hour and his initial consultation fee $150. Please contact us at to schedule an initial consultation.. Mr. Bowron grew up in Casper, Wyoming, often visiting his family in Tucson for Christmas and summers.. Mr. Bowron is an alumnus of the University of Arizona, graduating with a BA in Political Science with a minor in Spanish in 2010. Mr. Bowron graduated with a J.D.  from the University of Wyoming College of law in 2015. Mr. Bowron graduated from the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy in 2017.. Mr. Bowron’s law practice is focused on Family/Domestic Law.. Outside of practice, Mr. Bowron enjoys backpacking, climbing and everything outdoors. Mr. Bowron has guided trips for students at the University of Wyoming Outdoor Program and taught climbing summer camps for 7-11 year olds for the Summer Educational Experience for Kids (SEEK).. To schedule a consultation with Mr. Bowron, call or email.

Natalie is an Arizona native who has dedicated her practice to achieving positive outcomes for families and individuals in domestic relations and juvenile matters since 2012. Natalie handles all aspects of divorce and paternity matters, and colleagues regularly defer to her knowledge regarding nuanced child support issues and cases with Department of Child Safety (DCS) involvement. Natalie also brings private termination of parental rights and third-party / grandparents’ rights actions on behalf of clients in her current practice.. Natalie’s roots in family law started during her time as a student attorney with the Child and Family Law Clinic at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. After licensure, Natalie initially represented children in child dependency, permanent guardianship, and adoption cases. She then served as an Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for the State of Arizona litigating juvenile and domestic relations matters for six and a half years.. As an AAG, Natalie first worked in the Protective Services Section, managing a high-volume trial caseload in child dependency and termination of parental rights actions. She then transitioned to the Child Support Services Section where she represented the State in Title IV-D paternity, establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support actions, including interstate matters. Natalie went into private family law practice in January 2020, and she has been growing that practice ever since then.. With a background in cases involving trauma, interfamily conflict, and disruption of the parent-child relationship, Natalie has cultivated a practice that balances creative problem solving with compassion and diligence. Natalie partners with her clients throughout the legal process, and strives to make them feel heard and respected during some of the most challenging times in their lives. She believes in the mediation and settlement process to resolve matters if at all possible, but her trial experience makes her an excellent advocate in the courtroom as well.. As a mom of three active kids, Natalie is sensitive to the needs of children and challenges of parenthood, which is particularly helpful when walking through legal decision-making and parenting time matters with her clients. She also understands the importance of financial peace of mind, and therefore takes special care to ensure her clients obtain the best financial outcomes possible on issues of support, spousal maintenance, and division of assets and debts.. In addition to her case work, Natalie volunteers her time as a volunteer Judge Pro Tempore with the Pima County Superior Court, is a member of the Southern Arizona Chapter of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association, and presents at Continuing Legal Education seminars. Natalie served a 5-year tenure with the Morris K. Udall Inn of Court, and was a mentee with the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Mentor Group 2021-2023.. Outside of the office, Natalie most enjoys spending time with her family. In her free time, Natalie also enjoys singing, playing piano, crafting, traveling, and putting miles on her road bike in Tucson’s vibrant cycling community.

My law practice is founded on providing clients with access to high-quality legal representation from a human being. While I can wear a suit, I prefer to roll up my sleeves and provide clients with effective solutions through hard work. That work begins with a thorough understanding of the goals, concerns and fears of my clients. With a strong understanding of your unique legal issue, I can provide tailored solutions to serve your interests.

Ms. Jacobs has been practicing in Tucson, Arizona since 2006.  She is experienced in the areas of family law, as well as child welfare and DCS cases.  She manages cases involving all aspects of family law, including divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, assets, grandparent rights, foster parent rights, and legal decision-making.  Ms. Jacobs is a certified mediator, and is available to assist in settlement meetings for any case.

Mr. Spanier prides himself on being a thorough and ardent advocate for his clients, listening closely to their concerns and desires while working to keep them fully apprised of their legal options throughout his representation.. Mr. Spanier’s practice focuses on domestic relations, misdemeanor criminal defense, civil litigation, and landlord tenant law.  Mr. Spanier’s broad experience includes: dissolution of marriage and legal separation; prenuptial agreements; child support; spousal maintenance (alimony); paternity and parenting-time; third-party rights; temporary orders; post-decree modifications of legal decision-making; orders of protection and injunctions against harassment; alternative dispute resolution; contract disputes; homeowner’s associations (HOAs) and CC&R’s; driving under the influence (DUI); domestic violence; criminal damage; disorderly conduct; theft; assault defense; forcible detainer; and collections.. Mr. Spanier is an active member of the Tucson community.  He currently serves as a member of the board for Hands of a Friend, a victim’s advocate group based out of Green Valley and is a member of the Pima County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Group and QUILT program, as well as the Volunteer Lawyer’s Program, where he assists lower-income Tucson residents with legal matters.  Mr. Spanier also devotes time as a mentor to first year (1L) law students at the University of Arizona.  When he is not working on legal matters, Mr. Spanier devotes his time toward his family and is passionate about youth soccer where he annually serves as a coach with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

Lisa C. McNorton is an attorney with McNORTON FOX, PLLC, a Tucson Firm dedicated to excellence in Family Law. Lisa provides representation in all areas of family law to include  dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal decision making and parenting time (custody), spousal maintenance, and complex asset resolution.. Lisa is a Certified Specialist in Family Law, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Past President of the Arizona Chapter), a committee member of the State Bar Family Law Executive Council, co-chairs the annual Advanced Family Law seminar and is a frequent presenter on a variety of family law topics.

Lenore Tsakanikas is a family law attorney in Tucson, Arizona who currently holds a Juris Doctorate from the James E. Rogers College of Law (formerly University of Arizona, College of Law). As a Tucson family law attorney, Lenore Tsakanikas has been actively practicing law for 23 years since 1991 and has a copious amount of experience in her practice areas. For the past four years, her practice as a Family Law Attorney in Tucson, Arizona has been focused almost exclusively on family law matters involving: child custody, child support, divorce, and separation.. Lenore Tsakanikas serves as a judge pro tempore with Pima County Superior Court, presiding in settlement conferences. Lenore has also served on State Bar sponsored committees where she has organized and hosted seminars regarding a variety of topics.

Jennifer is an experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable family law attorney. A fierce advocate for her clients, she is known to provide personalized and effective representation to achieve favorable outcomes. She understands that family law requires a look at the broad picture and how court involvement impacts all aspects of a client's life. Jennifer excels at helping clients through difficult situations and focuses on obtaining a fair resolution for each of her clients.. Jennifer is a Tucson native and has practiced family law, estate planning, criminal law, and juvenile law in both Arizona and Washington State. She has received Super Lawyers Awards in both Washington State and Arizona. She was also selected as Nationally Ranked Top 10 Under 40 for the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys in 2021. She has undergraduate degrees from both University of Central Florida and University of Arizona and graduated cum laude from Phoenix School of Law.. When she is not in the courtroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children as well as other extended family in the Tucson area. She also serves on the International Executive Board for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, whose core values include compassion, courage, diversity, innovation, integrity, professionalism, and service.

I attended the University of Arizona, College of Law and graduated in 1997. I was admitted to the Arizona and Federal bars in late 1997. I have concentrated my practice in Family/Domestic Relations law, juvenile law, criminal law and general civil litigation. I am currently in practice and sit as a judge pro tempore for domestic relations and juvenile cases. I have been married for 28 years and have two children, 26 and 21. I enjoy outdoor activities and remain active in sports. For the last ten years, I have been active with our local little league, the Flowing Wells Continental Little League. I have been president, player agent, umpire, coach and manager. My son has just about aged-out of the little league program and I will likely be looking for another hobby.. I was a sole practitioner from 1997 through October of 2011. My practice was concentrated in domestic relations. I have extensive experience dealing with the issues that come up in family law and juvenile cases. During my many years in this field, I’ve developed a working relationship with the other attorneys in this field. I’ve found that, all too often, people allow the emotional storm that comes with a family law case to cloud the outcome they seek. You will find that one of the most helpful parts of having an attorney is to help you identify your desired outcomes, letting you really know what to expect and then guiding you to that goal.. Family law cases are seldom happy affairs. Expect some emotional pain regardless of the feelings you have at present. My goal in every case is to obtain a result that serves the client. Knowing that, every client needs to evaluate what they want and what they can reasonably expect from the court system. That’s where an experienced attorney really makes the difference. There really is a reason you’ll hear attorneys referred to a "counselor." Part of obtaining the desired result is keeping the client fully informed of both what is happening in the case and what can be reasonably expected. I do that in every case.

I am a Tucson native with 16 years of extensive family law experience focused on custody and parenting time issues as well as other issues . One of my special interests is working on family law related matters for active duty military members, veterans and military spouses including military retirement, disability and tricare benefits. In addition to be licensed in Arizona, I am also an active member of the State Bar of California. This allows me to assist with any family law matters which you may have in California.. While in California, I served as a legal aid attorney for more than 10 years, with the last three as the Directing Attorney of the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. In this capacity, I represented and assisted many clients with a variety of legal issues to include family law matters such as dissolution, custody, paternity, child support, spousal maintenance and domestic violence matters.. From all of my years of experience, I have learned that children matter the most. My true passion is in representing individuals who are facing custody issues. My goals for every client is the best interests of their children, and to reduce anxiety levels through effective communication, strategizing and thorough preparation from the outset. You will find that I am highly responsive and keenly interested in every detail of your situation so that you and your children can obtain the best possible outcome.. From my very first legal internship, I knew that I wanted to help families affected by divorce. Since receiving my Juris Doctor in 2004, I have practiced extensively in all areas of law affecting families. While I prefer to see cases settle, I am fully prepared to litigate if settlement is not possible. I have successfully completed the National Institute for Trial Advocacy program. In addition, I have extensive domestic violence advocacy training.. In addition to serving in the private sector in California, I also had the privilege of addressing the needs of the underserved in Los Angeles and Orange County. From 2013-2017, I was Directing Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Santa Ana Office. In that role, I supervised several legal units, and personally represented clients in family law, housing/eviction defense, consumer law, guardianship, government benefits and military veteran disputes. Although I enjoyed my time in California, in 2017, I was beyond delighted to be able to return to my hometown of Tucson, Arizona where I have continued to practice family law every since.. My strong suit is putting people at ease by first recognizing the tremendous stresses that divorce and parenting disputes place on the individual and that every individual has unique needs. I join that with thorough case preparation and effective (and timely) communication so that you can emerge from this process with your dignity intact and energy reinvigorated. There are lots of problems, but even more solutions! My job is to help you find those solutions.. As a proud spouse of a military combat veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for over twenty-one years, I have a keen interest in military service issues facing both service members and their spouses/partners. This includes a thorough understanding of military service benefits including division of military retirement, survivor benefits, disability pay, and Tricare/healthcare benefits. I am also very familiar with the unique challenges confronting military members with respect to parenting issues arising out of deployment and other required relocations.. When I am not working, I enjoy the outdoors with my husband and two children; traveling; attending my children’s sporting events and running outdoors. I would be honored to assist you with your family law needs. I want to help you find peace and resolution so that you and your family can take the next step in moving forward with a sense of closure.

I am a partner attorney at Randle Palmer & Bernays, PLLC, where I practice in the areas of family, juvenile, and adoption law.. I attended the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law, where I served as a Note Editor for Arizona Law Review (see We've Still Got Feelings: Re-Presenting Pets as Sentient Property, Note, 60 Ariz. L. Rev. 485 (2018)), as Vice Chief Justice of the ASUA Supreme Court, and as President of Pride Law. While at school, I participated as a Rule 38(d)-certified limited-practice student for the Child & Family Law Clinic, through which I acted as an attorney or guardian ad litem for children in juvenile-dependency cases. In addition, I also helped to run a biannual name-change clinic for transgender and gender nonconforming clients and worked as a summer intern at the Pima County Public Defender's Office.. Although I grew up in a southeastern suburb of Phoenix, I prefer to consider myself a native of Tucson, where I have lived since the beginning of my adulthood, where I met and married my wife, and where I have made my home. I have a past full of eclectic experiences, which I believe serve me well in approaching my legal cases with knowledge, empathy, and creativity.

I am a partner at Randle Palmer & Bernays and focus my practice primarily on family law. I am a veteran of the United States Army and served proudly in Iraq in 2003.

I am a former Pima County Public Defender who has represented clients charged with some of the most serious offenses, I am thrilled to practice family law and to have the privilege of assisting and guiding my clients through a difficult time in their lives. I am compassionate, empathetic, and an experienced and tenacious negotiator. In 2017, I was awarded the “Rising Star” award from the Arizona Public Defender Association and in 2019 I was named as one of Tucson’s 40 Under 40.  I am the Immediate Past President of the Women’s Law Association - Southern Arizona Chapter, and a Board Member for the YWCA of Southern Arizona. I graduated from the University of Arizona with my law degree in 2011, have studied abroad in Israel and the Netherlands, and have worked in the field of human rights in Jerusalem, the Hague, San Francisco, and Tucson.  While my background and training is serious, I love comedy and perform improv comedy with several teams at Tucson Improv Movement.  When I'm not on stage, I spend time with my three rescue dogs. I am learning to cook and love reading and traveling.

Finding the right attorney to represent you in a family law case is not easy.  You are making important decisions regarding some of the most deeply personal issues in your life, including your children, your financial well-being and your future.  My job is to help you through this extremely stressful time.  That is what I bring to your case, simple solutions for complex problems.. Having spent most of the last 21 years in court, I am an experienced litigator with strong advocacy skills and will assist you in presenting your case in an efficient manner.  I speak both English and Spanish fluently.  Ultimately, the decision is yours to make and the choices are vast; however, if you want a more straight forward approach, you should consider our services.

Family law cases are unique in that so much is on the line.  A divorce faces you with personal challenges on what life will look like in the future and alot of that is dependent upon how the divorce case resolves.  If there are children involved, the entire dynamic changes even more.. With a military background and a passion for helping resolve family law issues, Jon is prepared to provide strong advocacy and an honest assessment of your options.  Whether it is brokering a settlement that protects your interests or handling your case through trial, you can be confident that you are taking the right path with Jon at your side.

Dawn is an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney.  Dawn is a strong advocate for her clients and their needs.  Dawn excels at settlement negotiations; however, she is an experienced litigator who is capable of taking your matter to trial.  Dawn puts her client's needs first and understands that paramount to many cases is the affect on their children.  Dawn is tireless in her efforts to resolve your case.. Dawn is a University of Arizona graduate and while not a native Tucsonan, calls Tucson home.

Christopher M. Jeffrey is the founding attorney at the Law Office of Christopher M. Jeffrey. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and obtained his J.D. from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona.Chris started his legal career working in the corporate legal sector before starting his own firm in May 2019. He is admitted to both the Arizona state and federal bar and a member of the Pima County Bar Association. Chris is also associated with several non-profits, including the Community Outreach Program for the Deaf and the Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Born and raised in El Centro, California, Riisa Petersen has dedicated her career to protecting the rights of her fellow Arizonans. The Justice System can be difficult to navigate alone, and after nearly a decade practicing law Riisa has built a reputation based on experience, determination, grit and an unwavering dedication to YOU, her client.. Riisa attended law school at Tucson's own James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona. After graduation, she was immediately hired as a prosecutor in the Pima County Attorney's office, where she specialized in DUI and domestic abuse prosections. It was there that Riisa learned the "prosecutor's playbook.". In time, Riisa decided that her true desire was to defend the accused. She took her knowledge of the "prosecutor's playbook" and was immediately hired into a prominent Tucson firm in the private sector. For the last seven years, she has been working to defend the accused using her firsthand knowledge of prosecutorial tactics. Riisa knows what moves the prosecutor will make against you, making her better able to defend you against them. In addition to criminal defense, Riisa successfully built and managed the Family Law and Domestic Relations wing of the firm in which she became second in command. It would continue to thrive throughout her tenure.. Today, Riisa operates her own practice based on the respect, experience and reputation that she has earned in Tucson's legal community. Her philosophy is simple: YOU are her priority. Your defense is her duty and your right. When you retain the Petersen Law Firm, you won't end up with a nameless first year attorney. You get Riisa, every time.. Don't gamble your future on an "associate" attorney. Experience matters. As a successful trial attorney and litigator with firsthand knowledge on both sides of the criminal system and unparalleled leadership experience in family law, nobody is better prepared to defend your rights and fight for you and your family.

Attorney Thabet Khalidi is an aggressive litigator who has proudly represented Southern Arizonans in hundreds of family law, serious injury or death, malpractice, and nursing home neglect lawsuits. While I no longer practice family law, that experience has given me a deep understanding of how personal injuries can ripple through an entire family, impacting not just the injured individual, but also their relationships, finances, and overall well-being.. Since 2019, Thabet has been recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. This prestigious peer-reviewed ranking, based on the opinions of fellow attorneys, is also featured in Tucson Lifestyle magazine.. Thabet is a graduate of the University of Arizona and attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he graduated cum laude. In over 30 years of practice, Thabet has tried dozens of cases to both judges and juries.. He has been named one of the Top Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona and has tried cases in Pima County, Santa Cruz County, Cochise County, Pinal County and Gila County, including the cities of Tucson, Bisbee, Casa Grande, Marana, Douglas, Oro Valley, Nogales, Vail, Sahuarita, Green Valley and Sierra Vista, as well as in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.

As the founder of Pahl & Associates, Danette uses her experience and training as a former Tucson City Prosecutor to represent individuals and families in divorce proceedings.  Whether at the negotiating table or inside the courtroom, Danette aggressively advocates for the best interests of her clients and their children.  She ensures that the issues of community property division, spousal maintenance, legal decision-making authority, and child support are resolved fairly to enable clients to successfully move on from the dissolution of marriage or other family law dispute.. Danette is fluent in Spanish and accepts cases in Pima, Pinal, Cochise, and Santa Cruz Counties.  She attended college and played intercollegiate soccer at the University of Illinois, and she received her M.A. in Latin American and Iberian Studies and her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Danette has practiced exclusively in the area of family law for over ten years.. Danette is married to a veterinarian and has two children.  She is a sports enthusiast and dog lover.  In her spare time, Danette loves to travel.

Ari is a seasoned family law attorney with over 10 years of experience practicing divorce/legal separation, child custody, child support and grandparent rights. She graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law and is highly regarded for her work in the family law community, earning multiple recognitions as a top volunteer attorney in this field.. Ari is deeply involved in the community, volunteering with Emerge Domestic Violence Clinic, Step Up to Justice, and Innovations for Justice. Ari has taught legal classes at Pima Community College as well as developed training programs for legal advocates. She regularly teaches continuing legal education courses for fellow attorneys.. Outside of work, Ari cherishes her time with her two young daughters and husband - gardening, crafting, and finding balance through yoga and hiking.. Ari is a dedicated advocate known for her commitment to justice who will work with you as a partner to achieve your legal goals and minimize the emotional and financial impact on your family.

Annie M. Rolfe is a Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of Arizona. She has practiced exclusively family law since February, 2005, and is currently a member of the Family Law Executive Council of the State Bar of Arizona.. Ms. Rolfe is recognized as a Best Lawyer in America 2024 and has been consistently rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale.. Ms. Rolfe’s practice focuses on dissolution (divorce), annulment, paternity, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance (alimony), interstate custody and support, parental relocation, grandparents’ rights, and adoption. She is a strong and fair advocate for the spouses and parents who she represents.. After growing up in Southern California, Annie Rolfe attended Yale University where she obtained her B.A. in Political Science concentrating in American Government. She attended the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona where she especially enjoyed her education and training in litigation and trials.. Ms. Rolfe lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband, Sam, and her daughters. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family at home.. Rolfe Family Law PLLC is also one of very few law firms in Arizona to offer the services of a Legal Paraprofessional. Legal Paraprofessionals (LPs) have similar roles in legal practice to the roles performed by nurse practitioners in medicine. LPs can practice Family Law in the State of Arizona, with limited exceptions. The role of LPs was created in large part to address the large gap in access to justice, and to provide low- and middle-income individuals with greater access to legal assistance. At Rolfe Family Law PLLC, Ms. Sabrina Bell serves as a Legal Paraprofessional and can assist individuals at a lower cost, while still having access to Ms. Rolfe's knowledge and experience, as needed.

A Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, Heather M. Strickland is a native Tucsonan and has been practicing adoption, assisted reproduction and family law in Arizona since 2005. Ms. Strickland represents birth parents and adoptive parents throughout the adoption process according to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. In addition, Ms. Strickland helps couples and individuals build their families through egg, sperm and embryo donation agreements, gestational carrier matters and pre-birth or parentage orders. Ms. Strickland has extensive litigation experience including contested adoptions, maternity/paternity issues, termination of parental rights, divorce, child custody, and child support.. She is proud to be recognized as a 2017 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) for her dedication to positive child welfare practices.. The Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys is a professional organization of approximately 420 members who are experts in the areas of adoption and assisted reproduction law. Membership to the Academy is offered only after meeting their extensive experience criteria and rigorous screening process. In addition, Ms. Strickland is a proud member of the State Bar of Arizona, Pima County Bar Association, Arizona Women Lawyers Association, Military Spouse JD Network, and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. She graduated from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2004 and from Smith College in 1997.. Practice Areas. Adoptions, Domestic Adoptions, Interstate Adoptions, Stepparent Adoptions, Grandparent and Relative Adoptions, Foster Care Adoptions, Special Needs Adoptions, Adult Adoptions, LGBT Adoptions and Family Formation, Assisted Reproductive Technology, Egg Donation, Sperm Donation, Embryo Donation, Gestational Carrier Matters, Maternity/Paternity and Pre-birth or Parentage Orders

A born and raised Tucsonan, Kayt has been with practicing family law since 2013. Her emphasis is business valuation and other complex financial matters related to family law cases. You’ll always see a smile on Kayt’s face. Her outgoing aspect and warmth are part of her ability to de-escalate conflict. She has a passion and real skill for helping people reach a reasonable resolution with minimal antagonism.