questions & answers

Question: My husband is a drug addict who has been evading service as of 2014/2015. Just when I was almost done with proceedings, he moved to a different state. I didn't have the money to start over and have since become unemployed. I don't want to end up responsible for his bills once my bankruptcy is through. How can I get help? My area states they don't handle divorces so I don't know where to turn.

Answer: If you are an Arizona resident, you can use the Superior Court website, www.azcourt.gov.  You find your county of residence on the website, then access the self-help center.  In the self-help center, you will find a section on "family law."  Click on the family law section and find the forms you need.  There are also instructions.  The court website will also tell you how to file an application to have court fees waived if you cannot afford them.  You may be able to serve your husband by publication if you do not know his current address.  If at all possible, you should talk to a lawyer.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  For a $75.00 fee, the Modest Means Program will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341. Both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Pima County Bar Association have lawyer referral services that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $40.00. The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.