Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

I have filed for an order of protection against a family member due to threats she was making. The server has not yet been able to serve her because she is avoiding the process servers/police. Once she heard from a family member that I was having her served she decided to place an order of protection against me as well, claiming threats which are untrue-- I have made no contact with her whatsoever since I asked her to move out of my home in December 2010. I have been told by neighbors that she has shown up to my home 4 different times with cops and papers in their hands, I am assuming they were attempting to serve me. I have been off of work all week out of town for a couple of the days, however, I am afraid when I return to work, I may be served at my job, which is at a large hospital in Chandler, Arizona.

Can the police officer go to my work and serve me papers there?? I am also afraid my employer would lash back at me for this occurrence happening right in the middle of a hospital full of patients.

I also do not want an order of protection placed against me and on my record due to false accusations, I know once you are served you can have a hearing to state why this order should not be placed against you, however, is this something that I should hire an attorney for?

My relative is very sneaky, dirty, violent person when upset, did prison time for aggravated assult with a deadly weapon. I want nothing to do with her, I dont even want to be in the same court room as her but I also do not want false allegations placed against me along with a restraining order.

Is a lawyer my best option and what type of a lawyer would I get for this?


Asked on 2/24/11, 8:21 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rich Peters R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.

YOU COULD CALL THE OFFICER AND AGREE TO MEET SOMEWHERE FOR SERVICE. THEN YOU COULD CONTEST THE OP ONCE SERVED. ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, YOU WOULD BENEFIT FROM HAVING AN ATTORNEY ASSIST YOU IN THESE MATERS, BUT IT IS NOT REQUIRED.

We can certainly help you consider and then pursue your options. This is obviously a very important matter, and you should not go in alone.

One of our attorneys can explain the issues and procedures better in person. As you can imagine, there is too much to cover via email. We offer free 1/2 hour consultations, in which we can discuss your matter in detail.

Please call us directly to discuss the specifics of your matter, or contact my assistant Alicia or my paralegal Jennifer to schedule your free 1/2 hour consultation.

/s/ Rich J. Peters

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

1422 North 2nd Street, Suite 100

Phoenix, Arizona 85004

602-254-7251

facsimile 602-254-1229

see our website at www.familylawaz.com

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Answered on 3/02/11, 8:14 am


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