Divorce Lawyer Phoenix - An interview with Mike Shew
Q. Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A. I am a fourth generation Arizonan with roots in Arizona's mining, agricultural and technology industries. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Arizona State University in 1992 and a Juris Doctor from the Arizona State University College of Law in 1995. I was a Willard Pedrick Scholar at ASU, a member of the College of Law Clinic, a recipient of the Community Foundation Scholarship and a law clerk at a large, prestigious law firm. I also served as a law clerk for a Superior Court judge.
I have life experiences that allow for a different perspective. My parents were divorced when I was young. I was a single parent and is now part of a blended family. I am now happily married to Denice and, together, we have four children.
I am a judge pro tempore and have spoken at continuing legal education seminars for lawyers.
Q. Do you offer a free initial consultation?
A. Yes
Q. How long do you take to process a divorce?
A. Each case is unique and different. Generally, an average case with little disagreement takes somewhere between two and four months. A case that is litigated may take up to a year or more.
Q. What is your billing and payment procedure?
A.I receive an initial fee in advance of starting work on a case. My hourly rate is $300/hour. My associate’s hourly rate is $225/hour. Once the initial fee is exhausted I usually require another lump sum payment but may agree to accept payment in full every month, if the payments are made without difficulty. I return any fees that are not earned to the client.
Q. How does one begin the divorce process?
A. Once the agreed upon initial fee is paid, we decide how best to proceed. In some cases where settlement is likely we prepare the settlement documents first and then file for divorce. Usually, however, we file for divorce first and serve the other party and then begin the process of sharing information and attempting to settle the case.
Q. Who receives custody of the children in a divorce?
A. Child custody determinations are made by a judge if the parties cannot agree. The judge must decide who receives custody after considering each of the factors in A.R.S. section 25-403.
Q. How is child support determined?
A.In Arizona, child support is ordered based on the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.
Q. Is there a relationship between seeing the children and payment of child support?
