GillespieShields

Our Arizona attorneys have 35+ years of experience as family lawyers, and we fully understand the finer nuances of Arizona family law. If you are in need of an attorney for family law strategies, our Phoenix and Mesa family law attorneys will fight for you with passion and grit. We take the time to listen to our clients’ needs so we can represent you effectively.

Yes, we can help. The immigration process is complex with federal regulations and procedures changing frequently. Lengthy or difficult immigration matters can also have a profound financial and emotional impact on applicants and their beneficiaries. The assistance of an experienced and dedicated immigration attorney cannot be overstated. Efficient, effective representation by skilled counsel can help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process for positive results.

Yes, we do. At GillespieShields, our estate planning and probate law attorneys have 27 years of experience in estate planning and probate law. We believe in working with clients towards a resolution of their reasonable legal goals. We pay close attention to detail and take the time to listen to our clients’ needs. We believe in working through challenges to help our clients achieve an amicable, efficient resolution to their legal concerns.

Yes, we do. Criminal Law consists of a wide range of issues, from simple traffic violations and DUIs to domestic violence and assault. Dealing with the criminal justice system can be very intimidating. Our team of qualified attorneys have the hands-on experience and expertise with the criminal justice system that you need to protect your rights and your future. Whatever your legal issue may be, we will listen to your needs and work tirelessly to advocate for you so that your voice is heard.

Yes, we can help. We know that after experiencing a dog bite, trying to find an attorney is probably one of the last things you want to deal with. But it shouldn’t be. We can guide you through this difficult process so you can focus on recovering as best as possible. We won’t back down if an insurance company tries to pressure you to settle for less, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.

Different states have different laws when it comes to liability for dog bites. The general rule that an owner of a dog is responsible for the harm it causes is applied with varying degrees of strictness across the country. Some states follow a “one free bite” standard, in which an owner generally isn’t liable the first time their dog bites someone if they had no reason to believe it was dangerous. Not so in Arizona, which follows a “strict liability” standard. If your dog bites someone in Arizona, you can be held liable for the injuries it causes regardless of whether you knew (or didn’t know) that it had a tendency to attack people.

Yes, we can help. We know that after going through a serious car accident, trying to find an attorney is probably one of the last things you want to deal with. But it shouldn’t be. We can guide you through this difficult process so you can focus on recovering as best as possible. Our team at Gillespie Shields is ready to fight for you to ensure you get the recovery you deserve. We won’t back down if an insurance company tries to pressure you to settle for less, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.

There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right lawyer. You need someone who has experience with personal injury cases, but you also need someone who you can trust. Our team at Gillespie Shields understands how complex these cases can be, and we are ready to fight for you to ensure you get the recovery you deserve. We won’t back down if an insurance company tries to pressure you to settle for less, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. And because our personal injury cases are on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us unless you win at trial or obtain a favorable settlement.

Yes, we do. We know that your specific injury, the severity of your injury, the cause of the accident, and a range of additional factors make your case unique. We also know that after suffering a serious accident, trying to find an attorney is probably one of the last things you want to deal with. But it shouldn’t be. We can guide you through this difficult process and make it less stressful, so you can focus on recovering as best as possible.

Yes, we do. Our civil practice covers a wide swath of varied legal matters. We have handled cases from car accidents and personal injury to torts and civil litigation. Civil matters are often very complex. Therefore, it is important that you obtain the legal representation that will protect and advocate for your rights. Our civil law team is efficient, hard-working, and responsive. They will help unravel the intricacies of your case.

You may have a legal claim for wrongful termination if you are fired in violation of a state or federal statute. These include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Adults With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act, or Arizona Minimum Wage and Paid Sick statutes. Arizona At-Will employment makes this type of suit more difficult, which makes it even more important to consult with an attorney if you believe you may have claims. Please remember that this is not legal advice, but simply information to help you understand your rights. A wrongful termination lawyer is needed to help you file a suit in an effective and timely way.

When you lose your job, you may wonder if it was wrongful termination. Some companies try to cover up wrongful termination actions with fabricated performance complaints and other information, making employment law cases complex. If you have reason to believe your dismissal was unlawful, an employment lawyer is your best source of legal advice. When does a discharge constitute wrongful termination? What damages are available in a wrongful termination claim? Can you resign and still consider the separation a wrongful termination? How does Arizona employment law impact your claim? If you believe you will soon be terminated wrongfully, how can you prepare? How can you exercise your rights under the law? These are all important questions. The answers start here, but if you want to get information about your own situation, please schedule a consultation. A Gillespie Shields employment lawyer can help conduct an investigation to build a case against an employer for his or her misconduct.

Do not be afraid to speak out against discrimination. If you oppose workplace discrimination and your employer disciplines you, terminates your employment, or takes any adverse action against you, your employer may be liable for retaliation. The anti-discrimination laws provide protection against employees who notify their employers of concerns relating to discrimination. Do not let your employer bully you into keeping quiet about discrimination in the workplace.

Yes, we can. Employment law encompasses a broad range of issues, from discrimination and harassment to cases involving accommodations for individuals with disabilities, retaliation, and wage and hour cases. While we primarily represent employees who have been treated unfairly, we also represent employers to further the goal of enhancing the quality of the workplace. We understand that the prospect of engaging in employment litigation can be daunting. We work tirelessly to advocate for our clients’ rights and ensure their voice is heard. As experienced employment attorneys, our ultimate goal is to help make your workplace a more productive, healthy, and happy place to work. This is beneficial for both employees and employers.

The fees for your divorce include paying your attorney, their paralegal, the court, the law firm, and other experts helping to resolve your case (mediators, child custody evaluators, appraisers, etc.). Family law attorneys generally bill by the hour in six-minute increments. These attorneys and their paralegals constantly track the time spent on your case and then bill you accordingly. You may have additional firm expenses for copying and mailing documents. The court will also charge you certain fees for filing certain types of documents. Gillespie, Shields, Durrant, & Goldfarb includes those court and firm fees in your bill from the attorney so that you only have to worry about one bill per month. We understand that divorce attorneys are not what you want to be spending your income on. We strive to lower your fees and keep your divorce as simple, quick, and cost-effective as possible.

Spousal support guidelines factor in the income of both spouses, general quality of life before the divorce, length of the marriage, and a number of other factors. Generally speaking, the faithfulness of a spouse is not a factor in calculating alimony. It is strictly a math calculation involving the factors listed above. However, it is helpful to have the guidance of an experienced Phoenix spousal support attorney because parties frequently disagree or are unclear about what numbers to use for income and quality of life. These are important calculations that can affect your quality of life for years to come. Contact one of our attorneys today to help you receive a fair ad manageable settlement.

Yes, we can help. If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial agreement, it can be hard to decipher the “legalese” and know if anyone violated it. Let our team of Phoenix divorce lawyers read over your agreements and determine how a premarital arrangement will play a part in your divorce proceedings.

An uncontested divorce proceeding is generally when both parties agree to resolve their differences amicably. Even if you and your spouse have decided to part as friends, it is still in your best interest to hire an experienced divorce law firm. Matters become significantly more complicated when members of a marriage cannot come to a mutual arrangement. When a divorce becomes contested, seek the help of a professional. In these cases, family law mediation or arbitration may be necessary to achieve the outcome you want. The more assets you jointly share, the more complicated your court proceedings can get. Our team of divorce experts can help you secure the outcome you are looking for by advocating for you in every step of the process. Whenever possible, we work with opposing counsel to reach a civil agreement to save you the time, money and aggravation associated with taking a case to court.

Family owned businesses can complicate a divorce matter if it is not handled with care. Parties frequently disagree on what the business is worth and how much each party should receive. Business valuations are a tool often used to resolve this dispute. When parties cannot agree, Judges can and will order parties to have a business valuation completed. However, business valuations are very expensive. Clients can lose money by paying more for the valuation than what the business is actually worth. Our attorneys understand that this step is not always necessary. We can help you explore better potential options. Our team uses a process known as discovery to assign a numerical value to your assets, including 401ks, stocks, bonds, savings, and business investments. We can also uncover any hidden assets you may not be aware of. This way, we can create a fair and equitable agreement for you, and our Phoenix divorce lawyers will help keep the proceedings amicable.

Yes, we can help. If you are seeking dissolution from a covenant marriage, you can only file for divorce on specific grounds like adultery, drug abuse, abandonment, or a mutual agreement.

In Arizona, grounds for terminating a marriage are primarily based on a no-fault clause. Either spouse can file for divorce on these grounds. This no-fault clause essentially declares that the marriage is irreconcilably broken. However, Arizona is also one of the three states that also recognizes covenant marriages.

During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer and and all of our questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. We encourage everyone who meets with our family law attorneys to come with questions prepared. We’ll go over them one-by-one until you feel you are equipped with the necessary knowledge to select the best family lawyer for your needs.

Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. We believe in giving families peace of mind no matter their situation, and we fight hard to maintain that peace. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.

Either call 480-985-4000 or visit our website.

Our Mesa Location is 1630 S. Stapley Drive, Suite 212, Mesa, AZ 85204