255 Family lawyers are available in phoenix, Arizona, including Marilyn Gutierrez, Mark Candioto, Marki Stewart, and Markus Wade Risinger. These lawyers are rated between 4.2/5 to 4.6/5 and 53% provide free consultation.
Family law cases in Phoenix typically resolve within 3 to 18 months, depending on complexity, court schedules, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.
phoenix Court Backlog
The estimated backlog of active family law cases in Maricopa County courts ranges from 200 to 700, reflecting ongoing demand and court capacity.
Family phoenix Filing Volume
Phoenix sees an estimated 250 to 400 new family law filings per month, including divorce, custody, and support matters.
Family Case Outcomes
Resolution rates vary: about 30% of cases settle pre-litigation, 55% after filing but before trial, and up to 65% are resolved by the conclusion of trial.
I am an attorney practicing in the areas of family and juvenile law at Fromm Smith & Gadow in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding areas. I represent persons and families in a variety of different matters including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child support, paternity, parenting time, legal decision-making (formerly "custody"), spousal maintenance, modifications and enforcement of existing orders, relocation, orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, Department of Child Safety cases, dependency, termination of parental rights, guardianship, and adoption.. Prior to going into private practice, I was an Assistant Attorney General at the Arizona Attorney General's Office representing the Department of Child Safety (DCS). I also assumed responsibility for litigating on their behalf. As an Assistant Attorney General, I appeared in several hundred juvenile court hearings, including trials, evidentiary hearings, and mediations.
Avvo Review
“lped us understand the process and best way to navigate through the situation we were facing. Mari”
“Marilyn is a consummate professional who cares about her clients. She has extensive knowledge of Arizona juvenile law on both sides from her experience with the Attorney General an…”
“Knowledgeable, experienced, and results driven. What more could you ask for in an attorney? Mark is committed to ensuring results for his clients. I proudly endorse Mark.”
Practice Areas: Business & Commercial, Business Formation, Business , Contracts, Corporate , Estate Planning, Franchise , Leases and Leasing, Personal Injury, Trusts, Wills, Family, Family, Divorce & Separation
Mitch is a State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist. Over the course of his thirty years practicing family law, the majority of his work has been in high conflict, complex domestic relations cases. He has helped high net worth clients address such issues as business and professional practice valuation, commingling of separate and community property, concealment of transactions either during the marriage or the divorce proceedings, attempted sales of businesses during dissolution and transfers of assets without consideration. Included in his area of expertise is presenting claims in determination or modification of spousal maintenance especially when the spouses do not have earning potential parity. In addition, Mitch has negotiated and drafted both pre and post marital agreements and has assisted clients in the enforcement of premarital agreements during divorce proceedings. He has represented parents when determining rights of decision-making, custody, and parenting time in cases involving complexities resulting from infidelity, substance abuse, sexual addiction, special needs and challenged children.. Mitch is a strong proponent of helping clients “opt out” of the judicial system by attempting resolution of issues through alternative means. Often opting out is the strategy that best suits his goal of maximizing the probability that each of his clients obtain a favorable outcome in his or her family law proceeding given their circumstances. Mitch is licensed to practice in Arizona and California.
Avvo Review
“I'm simply blown away by the work Mitch did for me. I went through an incredibly emotional divorce.”
I think of myself as a settlement-oriented trial attorney who is efficient, fair and strongly client focused. I am a certified family law specialist and have significant experience in complex and simple divorce and other family law cases.. I am a fourth-generation Arizonan. My parents divorced when I was young, and I was a single father throughout law school. I have been married and divorced, and have strong relationships with my children and stepchildren. Real life has taught me just as much as law school about family law.
Avvo Review
“e was thorough, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my best interests. I highly recommend Michael a”
“Mike is ABSOLUTELY hands down they best! Go anywhere else you will be disappointed. Mike has represented not only myself but I have referred him to...”
Practice Areas: Child Custody & Visitation,Child Support,Criminal Defense ,Divorce,Domestic Violence,Drug Crimes,DUI/DWI,Family ,Parole and Probation,Personal Injury,Traffic Violations,White Collar Crime
Avvo Review
“After speaking with several attorneys who bullied us trying to scare us in to hiring them thank god I found the right link to the Baker Law Firm! My ...”
1850 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1900 , Phoenix , Arizona 85004
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation
I have really enjoyed getting to know my divorce and family law clients on a personal level, as well as on a professional level. I have maintained great relationships with my current and former clients and appreciate the opportunity to help them find solutions to their divorce and family law issues. I would love to speak with you about your family law case if you are in need of an experienced Arizona divorce and family law attorney.. We divorce family law practice includes divorce, legal separation, paternity, child custody, restraining orders, estate planning, wills and trusts, durable powers of attorney, and living wills.
Avvo Review
“could handle my case and represent me well. He did everything he could to ensure a great outcome for”
“Michael has always embodied professionalism, civility, thoroughness and advocacy in a manner which both protects his client and maintains the professionalism needed in a courtroom …”
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Family, Divorce & Separation
Michael Clonts is a skilled family law attorney committed to helping clients navigate complex and emotional legal challenges. He earned his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law, where he focused on international, national security, and counterterrorism law—unique skills that influence his strategic approach to family law cases. A native of Arizona, Michael returned to the Phoenix area after graduation to dedicate his practice exclusively to family law. His legal background includes hands-on experience in adoption clinics, conducting research for the United Nations, and assisting international contractors with policy development. He also broadened his perspective by studying South Africa’s legal system during its democratic transition. Michael’s empathetic approach ensures that each client’s unique circumstances are met with understanding and professionalism. Recognized for his legal acumen and ethical standards, Michael has earned distinctions such as Thompson Reuters’ Lead Counsel Rating, Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award (2018-2019), the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys’ Top 10 Under 40 (2019), and SuperLawyers’ Rising Stars (2025). When not advocating for his clients, Michael enjoys quality time with his wife and six children.
Avvo Review
“Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I understand why his reviews are so high.”
Mervyn Braude is a divorce lawyer with extensive knowledge and more than two decades of family law experience; he is an advocate for protecting children from abusive and undesirable situations. As a State of Arizona Board Certified Family Law Specialist, Mervyn has the knowledge and experience to help people who are struggling through divorces and custody disputes by keeping his clients apprised of their rights so they can make well informed decisions during this difficult period of their life. Mervyn has expertise in all facets of family law including child custody, spousal support, child support, visitation rights, grandparents visitation rights, paternity, premarital agreements and alimony.. He knows that litigation can be emotionally taxing and often expensive, so Mervyn encourages his clients to consider alternative methods of dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration and other non-traditional methods. Mervyn is a fee arbitration committee member with the State Bar of Arizona. He has been hired to mediate for other attorneys in an effort to calm and resolve divorce and custody disputes. He uses a logical approach to get people focused on what is really important and what can be let go.
Avvo Review
“liminate potential obstacles before they become issues. Would highly recommend Mervyn to represent”
“An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.”
Google Review
“Mervyn has made this stressful process very easy. He has guided me and helped me through some very tough decisions. I am so grateful for him. He defended me and had my back. Thank …”
Leading the firm's Family Law Practice, Melissa represents families and individuals in all types of domestic relations and disputes. She is a dedicated advocate, providing compassionate and concierge-style service to resolve her client’s most personal disputes. Melissa also brings over 17 years of experience working in Arizona’s criminal justice system as a victim advocate, probation officer, and sex crimes and domestic violence prosecutor. This courtroom experience and her mediation training enable Melissa to present the best case for her clients, often resolving disputes before trial.. Melissa's experience includes divorce, custody, property division, alimony, modification of orders, and beyond, including more serious issues like orders of protection. Just as every family is unique, so is each family's legal case. Melissa understands the complexities and sensitives of family law and thus tailors her services and legal strategy to each client's unique needs.
Avvo Review
“strong client-professional relationship. Melissa was always on time with meetings, hearings and fili”
“I endorse attorney Melissa Benson, Melissa is an experienced litigator who works diligently for her clients. Melissa is conscientious and intelligent, she works hard, and she achie…”
One East Washington Street , Phoenix , Arizona 85004
Practice Areas: Divorce, Family, Appeals, Divorce & Separation
Max Mahoney practices mainly Family Law, but also has experience in the areas of business, construction, real estate, and collections law. Max graduated cum laude from Arizona State University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing in Anthropology, History, and Political Science. Max attended Phoenix School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2011. While at Phoenix School of Law Max was the Administrative Editor for Phoenix Law Review. Max is licensed to practice in Arizona and is admitted to both the state and federal bar.
Avvo Review
“Max is a wonderful lawyer. I went to Max for my divorce. He was so kind to always answer my question”
“I have not had to use Martin, but know him on a personal level and have referred him several times. Martin is a man with a very open mind, helps his clients...”
“Marlene Pontrelli is one of the most ethical and brightest attorneys. She was not only empathetic to my situation but did her best to control costs and calm...”
“An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.”
“Nancy represented my custody/mediation case for almost 2 years. Nancy was very professional, gave me clear expectations, and never gave me the run-aro...”
Disclaimer: This content is based on aggregated public information and estimated market trends. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.