SFP

1699506594

Kip Micuda represented me in a very contentious custody matter. Mr Micuda... possesses one of the sharpest legal minds and provides truly compassionate representation for his clients. My children and I are in a much better place due to Mr Micuda's efforts.read more

Sterling W.

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The entire team at Hildebrand Law was excellent in every aspect of my custody... case. Kent Millward and Karla Spaulding-Huft were fantastic. Everyone was extremely helpful and professional throughout the entire process. Their preparation and dedication to my case helped ensure a winning ruling. I have and will continue to refer anyone going through a challenging situation to speak with Chris and his team.read more

Harvey T.

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Michael Clancy worked with us on 2 cases. He was thorough and always listened... to our concerns and needs. Very professional while still being personable. He and his staff made us feel as though our cases were important and gave us realistic expectations of the outcomes.read more

akillas28

1665549809

When it comes to civil/family law matters that needs to be resolved in the... court , I highly recommend Hildebrand Law Firm. In my case an international abduction of a minor was involved - a very sensitive and risky topic. They handle everything very professionally, and we won the case due to their experience and expertise in State Law / Federal Law & international Law (Hague Convention). They are great, in every aspect and I highly suggest Hilderbrand Law Firm for a matter as such.K.I.read more

Stacia E.

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Michael represented me. I was very pleased. He was very attentive, supportive... and understanding to my unique circumstance. He is extremely knowledgeable and detailed and I was very impressed with his ability to retain even the smallest details.read more

Ericp0503

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My attorney (Kent) reluctantly decided to take my case, as I had already... started down the process of "collaborative divorce", prior to meeting with Hildebrand Law. I felt throughout my entire collaborative process, that I was being taken advantage of, and my rights were being infringed upon.Turns out, I was right! Thankfully, the experts at Hildebrand, specifically Kent Milward and his para legal, Karla, took the time to hear me out and decided to takeme on as a client!I will be forever indebted to The experts at Hildebrand law for protecting my children's and my rights.I cannot say enough thank yous!read more

David F.

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I've worked with both Chris himself as well as other lawyers at his firm such... as Chris Noel. I found them trustworthy, compassionate, great advisors, and very serious and strong advocates for my rights. I would recommend them to any friend without reservation. I hope you never need their services but they are good people to have in your corner.read more

Jonathan Molina (.

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A firm of unquestionable ethics. Commands respect within the literati of the... dismal sciences, we call them lawyers.Have your wallets ready, as you get what you pay for - and you are getting the best at Hildebrand Law.One must temper their ambitions in the waters of their ethics - demonstrably, Michael Clancy afforded me treatment as that of his own kin. He ought make partner, if it is not already readily apparent.read more

David B.

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Very kind and informative with zero pressure.

Margaret B.

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Their level of knowledge and expertise inspired confidence from the initial... consultation, where they clearly outlined the possibilities along with the potential costs of each.Both Carlos Noel, our attorney and his para-legal, Lindsey Duran, were available to answer questions and guide us through the process. Their attention and care greatly increased our comfort level, as everything had to be done virtually, due to COVID-19.Communications with the other side were strategic and effective, undoubtedly saving both time and money.We were very pleased with the final outcome and would not hesitate to use the firm again or recommend them to others. They know their stuff and get it done!Z. Beck & M. Beck-Harbortread more

Annie G.

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Chris Hildebrand was an excellent consult regarding an estate matter for my... Montana client who owns property in Arizona. Chris was knowledgeable and responsive to my inquiry. My office has an wonderful resource in Arizona!read more

cindie H.

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Kip Micuda is an amazing attorney who always made me feel protected. I highly... recommend Kip. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Could not be happier.read more

slaitnessE#312 E.

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Michael Clancey is experienced and just the right of everything. I found... Michael on the fly. Needing a lawyer in less than a week.Michael was organized and intuitive, efficient and worth every penny. Highly recommend!!!❗❗❗❗read more

Joel M.

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Carlos is patient, extremely personable and knows how to explain complex legal... issues to a layperson.read more

Jim T.

1578337562

Was great source of information in regard to Arizona family law. Promptly... responded to messages with accurate information. Highly recommend.read more

Michael G.

1574450723

Chris Hildebrand is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who does well... both in and out of the courtroom. My experience with Chris is that he's a strong advocate for his clients and a knowledgeable attorney. I never hesitate to recommend him for any legal matter.read more

Kent H.

1570726062

Great to Work with!

Michelle H.

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I hired Michael Clancy just when I was about to give up on an existing... post-decree case which I started with a different attorney over a year ago. Michael is knowledgeable, upfront and personable; he gave me the confidence to continue and settle my post decree case. I knew he was secure, capable and could handle my case and represent me well. He did everything he could to ensure a great outcome for the modification of my current court orders to help my son have a more stable mental, social and physical well-being, which to me is priceless! I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to be in the best possible hands during one of the most stressful events that could happen to any parent that wants the best for their child/children. Thank you Michael for fighting for my son's safety!! Also, his paralegal, Alison, was awesome and very helpful!read more

Shari A.

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HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience with... Hildebrand Law. I have been working with Chris and the firm for about 6 years now, and I always feel like my concerns, issues and questions are addressed in a thorough and timely manner. They definitely have my best interests at heart. I recommend Chris whenever anyone asks me who I used as my divorce attorney. Great firm and great results!read more

Brandi S.

1554469866

Compassionate and patient and helped so much. The best attorney I've ever... dealt with. Nothing but good things to say about Chris. So grateful.read more

Rick C.

1548199393

Chris Hildebrand is one of the sharpest and effective attorneys that I have... encountered in my 27 years of business. Doing business on the East Coast, as well as Southern California and Arizona has afforded me countless opportunities to work with legal minds from various parts of the country. Needless to say, Chris is by far one of the most honest, intelligent and street smart attorneys I have encountered. I have referred a number of people to Chris and everyone has been fully satisfied. 100% recommend him!read more

Niko R.

1547780277

This is not only a great law firm that cares about their clients but also the... results they get for their clients. Great people and attorneys, I highly recommend this firm!read more

Richard S.

1539906675

I first should comment on how I found this law firm. I am an attorney myself,... though never licensed in Arizona. I moved to Arizona to rejoin my wife and son, who had moved out to Arizona ahead of me. Things soured. I don't know why, but they did.There was a particular issue for me with inherited property. I did some basic Internet research, and Hildebrand's name kept coming up as the author of scholarly articles on the issue concerning me. I asked that Hildebrand be assigned to my case. This was not possible, but his second in command, Mr. Micuda, took over, and Mr. Micuda knows his business.The initial scheduled 1 hour meeting ran for an hour and 45 minutes, and facts, law, and strategy were fully discussed. Throughout the case, everything was explained to me clearly, both verbally and in writing.Proceedings went forward without delay. Because I had selected one of the most prominent Domestic Relations firms in town, there was no serious opposition. This ended up being an essentially co-operative divorce between the two sides, the reasoning being to conserve assets rather than enrich lawyers.Through a series of 3 or 4 payments, I put up about $10,000 for fees and costs. I found the Hildebrand law firm's billings to be fair. They billed for work done; no padding. I am getting about 25% of what I paid in back, as a refund.The matter was done in about 6 months: divorce, agreed property settlement, agreed support provisions as to my son. My matters were handled by an attorney and paralegal team, and handled efficiently.Mine was not a "big" case in terms of its economic value to anyone, but I did not feel like a second or third class citizen; I was treated with the same respect, even though the dispute was over a condo, as opposed to, say, a Scottsdale mansion with land.This may sound strange, but i was actually somewhat sorry that the matter had to come to a conclusion. I felt that I had been treated like a friend, not just an anonymous customer. Being a practical man, I realize it's down to sending a Christmas or other seasonal card.As I said at the outset, I found this place by dint of my own research. I feel I am a lucky man that I did.read more

What Doctors Should Know About Child Support in Arizona

An Overview of the Obstacles Doctors Face in a Child Support Case in Arizona

We want to discuss what doctors should know about child support in Arizona. As a high wage earner, doctors face some unique issues when addressing the amount of child support you may be ordered to pay and what you can do to impact the way a judge may look at child support in your case.

Arizona Uses an Income Shares Model to Calculate Child Support

Arizona law requires a judge to consider the amount of money each parent receives as income when calculating child support. This approach to calculating child support is referred to as the Income Shares Model.

The combined income of you and the children’s other spouse will be applied to a chart that will indicate the basic child support amount. Certain other expenses, such as the cost of health insurance for the children, the number of children who are twelve years old or older, and the cost of private school expenses, may then be added to the basic child support amount.

Lastly, you will receive a reduction in the total child support amount based upon the amount of time you spend with your children.

U.S. News and World Report Votes Hildebrand Law, PC Best Law Firms for 2020 2021 2022 2023

What a Doctor Should Know About a Child Support Deviation in Arizona

The Arizona Child Support Guidelines basic child support chart “caps” out at a combined income of $30,000.00. If the combined income of you and the other parents income exceeds $30,000.00, a parent may ask the court to order a higher basic child support amount than provided by the “cap” in the child support guidelines.

A judge has very broad discretion to order any amount as the basic child support amount he or she believes is in the children’s bests interests.

What a Doctor Should Know About How Income is Calculated for Child Support in Arizona

One of the first things the attorneys will want to do is determine how much income each parents receives every month; which may include other employment benefits a parent receives. So, it is important to understand how a parent’s income is calculated for child support in Arizona.

If you are a W-2 employee, that may be very simple. However, if you receives bonuses, profit sharing, stock options, restricted stock options, or own your own medical practice, calculating your income may be much more involved.

Calculating a Self Employed Physicians Income to Calculate Child Support in Arizona

A review of your financial statements will show what you earn as a salary, what you may have earned as additional net profit over and above your salary, non-cash expenses such as amortization and depreciation, and expenses that the Internal Revenue Service may allow as a permissible business expense but an Arizona Judge does not need to consider as a business expenses for the purpose of calculating your income for child support.

The process of evaluation your financial statements to determine what your income is for the purpose of calculating child support is referred to as “normalizing” your income.

It is important, therefore, that your attorney is intimately aware of how a self-employed persons income is “normalized” to make sure your income is calculated correctly.

What a Doctor Should Know About the Impact of Spousal Maintenance on Child Support

Spousal maintenance has an impact on the calculation of each parents’ income in Arizona. Any spousal maintenance you are paying your spouse will be deducted from your gross income and added to your spouse’s gross income. This changes the percentage of the total child support obligation you will pay to your spouse.

Given the impact spousal maintenance has on child support, you may want to consider discussions about spousal maintenance along with discussions you are having with your spouse regarding child support.

What a Doctor Should Know About Mitigating a Deviation in Child Support in Arizona

What a Doctor Should Know About a Child Support Deviation. in Arizona.

A judge does not need to order a deviation in child support simply because your combined gross incomes are more than $30,000.00 a month. There are many occasions when a judge determines the child support calculation using the basic child support amount is more than sufficient to provide for your children’s needs.

A Judge Will Consider the Children’s Lifestyles During the Marriage to Determine if a Deviation in Child Support is Warranted

Most judges do not want the children’s lives disrupted any more than possible. As a result, the court will listen to evidence of the lifestyle the children enjoyed during the marriage. A more lavish lifestyle supports an upward deviation in child support while a less lavish lifestyle may provide a reason why a child support deviation is not necessary.

A judge will consider the home in which the children lived, the vehicles the parents owned, the vacations the children enjoyed while the parents were together to evaluate the children’s lifestyles and possible need for a child support deviation.

Arguably, the court should not consider the private school expenses since those expenses may already be included in the calculation of child support and should not be counted twice.

Make sure your attorney is sufficiently prepared to present evidence establishing the lifestyle your children had during the marriage in your child support case. We have seen far too many attorneys who focus solely on the income differences of the parents when arguing for a deviation in child support without providing any evidence of the lifestyle the children had during the marriage.

Consider Investing in a 529 College Fund Instead of a Deviation in Child Support

A judge in Arizona does not have the authority to order either parent to contribute to a 529 college fund or to order either parent to pay for the children’s college expenses after a child is 18 years old.

However, the law in Arizona does not prevent a judge from considering a parent’s contribution to a 529 college fund when determining whether a child support deviation is appropriate.

You may consider whether contributing to a 529 college fund and also requesting the other parent to contribute to that same 529 college fund is beneficial in addressing a potential child support deviation in Arizona. Not to mention supporting your children financially through college may be in their long term best interests.

If you decide to invest in a 529 college fund for your children, regardless whether the court finds a child support deviation is appropriate or not, you should carefully outline what you and the other parent agree those funds should be used to pay.

The attorneys at Hildebrand Law, PC have many years of experience successfully representing doctors and their spouses in Arizona child support and other family law matters.

Our attorneys have over 100 years combined experience in Arizona child support and family law cases and have received the Us News & World Report distinction of “Best Lawyers – Best Law Firms” for their Arizona divorce practice.

Call us today at (480)305-8300 or reach out to us through our appointment scheduling form to schedule your personalized consultation and turn your child support or family law case around today.

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