Divorce with Respect

For more than 18 years, Arizona divorce and family law attorney Mary Ann Hess has focused her skills as a lawyer – and the passion she has for her clients' interests – exclusively on divorce and family law-related matters. She serves clients in the East Valley (Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale) and the greater Phoenix area.

Mary Ann Hess's family law practice emphasizes Collaborative Divorce and includes special expertise in the mediation of divorce-related disputes between divorcing couples and assisting divorcing parents of minor children as a Parenting Coordinator.

In addition to her Collaborative Divorce, mediation and Parenting Coordinator services, Mary Ann Hess offers her clients extensive experience in all major aspects of family law, including:

• Divorce

• Paternity

• Property division

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance (alimony)

• Post-decree modifications

• Pre-marital and cohabitation agreements.

In these and other issues concerning families and the legal system, clear and concise communication is vital. Ms. Hess is committed to understanding your needs and to keeping you informed during each step of the process. You can rely on her for responsiveness, clear communication, direct answers and supportive guidance, and for dedicated and loyal advocacy on your behalf.

Child Custody and Visitation

Sometimes, parents having the best interests of their children in mind can set aside their personal differences for the sake of their children and agree to a workable child custody and visitation arrangement. In other cases, the decision about child custody and visitation does not come so easily. Mary Ann Hess's experience in child custody and visitation disputes can be a valuable asset for a parent in divorce.

Child Support

Both parents have an obligation to support their children, regardless of the health and status of their marriage. Child support payment is a court-ordered amount that the non-custodial parent must pay to the custodial parent to cover a proportionate amount of the child's expenses, including housing and utilities, food, clothing, education expenses, and other costs that determine the ultimate child support obligation. Mary Ann Hess's experience in child support calculation and negotiation can help ensure that both parents live up to their child support responsibilities.