Rich J. Peters

The firm is located near downtown Phoenix. Although most of our clients come to us from Maricopa County, we are also pleased to provide legal services in the area of Divorce and Family Law throughout the state. Our goal is to provide quality legal representation to our clients and to make the unpleasant process of terminating a marriage more bearable. We strive to be caring, dedicated professionals whose idea of a successful resolution of divorce and family law matters is one which produces the best possible result for our client, at the lowest possible cost. We avoid costly and wasteful harassment tactics and aggressively resist those tactics if employed by opposing counsel. Our overriding concern is, as it should be, the best interest of our clients.

University of Arkansas School of Law

J.D. (1992)

1989 - 1992

Honors: Deans List

Arizona State University

B.S. (1989) | Business Marketing

1986 - 1989

Attorney Owner

R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.

2005 - Current

Current owner and practicing attorney.

Judge Pro Tem

Maricopa County Superior Court

2007 - 2009

Associate Attorney

Jon C. Dake and Assoc., P.C.

2000 - 2005

Associate Attorney

Bellah and Harrian

1998 - 2000

Associate Attorney

John T. Fields & Associates

1996 - 1998

Attorney Owner

Law Office of Rich J. Peters

1992 - 1996

Angel Player Loses Round in Child Support Case

Arizona Republic

July 3, 2009

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2014

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2012

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2011

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2010

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Pro Se Representation

May 15, 2009

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

Top 10 Attorneys

National Academy of Family Law Attorneys

2018

Outstanding Contributions to the Family Lawyers Assistance Project

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

2015

Lead Counsel for Family Law

Lead Counsel Review Board

2015

For Love of Just Award

Arizona Community Legal Assistance Volunteer Lawyers Program

2005

Certificate of Appreciation

Family Law Assistance Project--FLAP

2003

Arizona Association for Conflict Resolution

Member

2019 - Current

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Member

2019 - Current

Maricopa County Bar Association

Member

2013 - Current

Arizona State Bar  # 014601

Member

1992 - Current

W.B. Putman American Inn of Court

Member

1992 - Current

Arizona

Since 1992

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

Q. How can I revoke visitation rights and seek increased child support in Arizona?

May 13, 2025

A: You would need to file a Petition to Modify Parenting Time and Child Support. The court may modify parenting time rights whenever modification would serve the best interest of the child, This is just a very general description, and there is so much more to discuss, including timing issues as to when a modification may be permissible.

There is no way to predict exactly what a Judge will do. Your goal would be to paint an overall picture of the life you can provide for the child compared to Father's. With most things being somewhat equal, our Court's certainly do order equal parenting time quite often. A.R.S. §25-403.02(B) requires the Court to adopt a parenting plan that provides for both parents to share legal decision-making regarding their child and that maximizes their respective parenting time (so long as such is in the child's best interests). So, if you do not believe that kind of schedule to be in the child's best interests, you will need to prepare to convince your judge of your concerns.

Please remember that Arizona does not allow retroactive child support modifications. So, if you believe you are entitled to a modification, you need to file soon. Every month you wait is a month you lose.

Arizona does have a "Simplified Procedure" to modify child support, when that is the only issue. You may use this procedure so long as the resulting order varies 15% or more from the existing amount ordered. If the requested modification is disputed, the other parent must request a hearing. If no hearing is requested within the time allowed, the Court will review your request and enter an appropriate order or set the matter for hearing.

This is obviously a very important matter, and you should not go in alone.

A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation. ... Read More

Q. Need help with divorce packet in AZ amid privacy invasion and identity theft by spouse.

May 13, 2025

A: I think you are referring to packets from the self service center. If so, you simply need the divorce without children packet. https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_group_3/. Please know that these packets are rather generic and are not going to address every situation that needs to be addressed. You can also add claims for any financial losses which have resulted From any bad faith conduct which occurred (recently) in the marriage. If you want to prohibit any further conduct you may consider petitioning for an order of protection. Arizona defines domestic violence very broadly and the conduct you described may qualify. I would want to know so much more to provide more specific advice.

A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation. ... Read More

Q. Do I have to return my son or can I keep him due to concerns about my ex's living situation amidst our divorce without a custody agreement?

May 12, 2025

A: Pursuant to Arizona law, your Judge will be required, consistent with the child's best interests, to adopt a parenting plan that provides for both parents to share legal decision-making regarding their child and that maximizes their respective parenting time. So, Arizona law basically starts with the idea that the parents should share Equal Parenting Time.

There is no way to predict exactly what a Judge will do. Your goal would be to paint an overall picture of the life you can provide for the child compared to Mother's. With most things being somewhat equal, our Court's certainly do order equal parenting time quite often.

So, if you do not believe that kind of schedule to be in the child's best interests, you will need to prepare to convince your judge of your concerns.

Unilaterally withholding the child can be viewed as denying the other parent their legal rights, and a judge may interpret it as interfering with the child's best interests. If you keep the child from the other parent without a very strong, justifiable reason—like documented abuse or immediate danger—this may work against you later. If you have real concerns about the child’s safety, the right way to handle it is through proper legal channels—seeking emergency orders, calling authorities, or filing appropriate motions. Acting unilaterally, even with good intentions, can backfire.

A qualified and experienced family law attorney can of course assist you in considering your options and then getting where you need to be. Most of us offer free, 1/2-hour consultations, in which your matter can be discussed in detail. That would be a great opportunity to discuss the specifics of your matter and develop a plan. I would encourage you to quickly schedule this free consultation. ... Read More