Best Family Lawyer in Phoenix
Kristen Kaffer, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Kristen Kaffer, Esq. is a family law attorney practicing in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County and Arizona. Ms. Kaffer was born and raised in South Carolina but has lived in Arizona since 2004. Kristen received her undergraduate degree from Furman University in Music and her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Georgia in Music.
Kristen received her law degree from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. During law school, Kristen developed a passion for family law on both a personal and professional level. She completed externships with the Honorable Bruce Cohen and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. After graduating from law school, Kristen completed a fellowship with the Diane Halle Center for Family Justice and served as a bailiff for the Honorable Daniel Kiley.
Prior to forming the Law Office of Kristen Kaffer, PLLC, Kristen worked as an associate family law attorney for local family law firms. Kristen is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, the Maricopa County Bar, the Arizona Association of Family Law Attorneys and the Association of Solo Practitioners and Small Firms of Arizona. She has participated with the Lawyer Referral Service, the Hope Women’s Center Family Law Clinic and the Family Law Assistance Project. Kristen earned AVVO Clients’ Choice awards in 2015 and 2017. She was peer-review rated by Martindale Hubbell in 2019 and named a Rising Southwest Star by Super Lawyers in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Darin Colburn
Family Lawyer
Darin Colburn’s first encounter with the legal system was during his parents’ divorce, which began when he was six years old and ended when he was twelve. More than twenty years later, having helped hundreds of clients navigate the murky waters of divorce, child custody, and other family law disputes, Darin tells many of his clients what he wishes someone would have told his parents back in the day: take a deep breath and don’t let the past stop you from building a better future.
It may have taken decades, but Darin’s parents are now friends, and both wish they had handled matters differently. In particular, they both have independently shared their regret over spending an exorbitant amount of money on legal fees during their divorce. In fact, Darin’s dad is fond of saying that if he had just settled early on and put the money that he spent on attorneys (that’s right, he had more than one) in the market, he would have retired decades ago.
To help his clients avoid the pitfalls experienced by his parents, Darin employs a strategic, solution-oriented, and client-centric approach to the practice of law. He enjoys earning a client’s satisfaction by accomplishing their goals early on through skillful negotiation and settlement, thereby keeping more money in the client’s pocket.
As an undergraduate at the University of Arizona, Darin learned the ins and outs of cost-benefit analysis, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from the Eller College of Management. During law school, Darin honed his skills in legal writing, research, and trial advocacy, earning multiple CALI awards (granted to the student with the highest grade in a given class). Darin graduated Magna Cum Laude, finishing law school with a final ranking in the top 5% of his class.
David M. Cantor
Family Lawyer
- High Profile Jury Trials covered live by NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX TV News along with KTAR and KFYI Radio
- Member: Arizona State Bar; District Court of Arizona; U.S. Supreme Court; AZ Trial Lawyers Association; Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Past Legal Commentator for NBC Channel 12, CBS Channel 5, ABC Channel 3, FOX Channel 10 and KTAR and KFYI Radio and often quoted in The Arizona Republic and East Valley Tribune
- Featured on Hannity and Colmes, the CBS Early Show in New York, Inside Edition and FOX Newsmaker Sunday.
- Listed in the 2007 and 2019 Southwest Super Lawyers edition
- Rated Top 10 Attorney by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys
- Assistant Chaparral High School Wrestling Coach
- Board Member ASU Sun Devil Wrestling
- Past Board Member of Home Base
- Co-Founder of Firebird Wrestling Club
- Firm has received the highest possible rating, “AV”® by Martindale-Hubbell ®!
- Firm listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers ®, (Family Law).
- Free Initial Consultation
- 24 Hour Emergency Service
Cantor Law Group is a full service family law firm who will commit all necessary resources to fight for your rights in a divorce or other family law matter. Your questions and concerns are very important to us. We promise that we will respond immediately to any emergency phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Anthony F. Paradise, Esq.
Family Lawyer
“I became an attorney to serve others and give a voice to those without. I practice family law because nothing in life is more important than family. Family law cases surround the most stressful times in life. My sincere belief is with the proper attitude and intent, clients will overcome adversity and lead successful lives.”
I begin each case with the end in mind. Initially, we will spend time discussing your current position and future goals. After we agree on achievable goals, I will develop a legal strategy to reach them. Each case presents unique challenges and requires a tailored approach. I balance the passionate representation of my clients with mutual respect for opposing parties and counsel.
My general approach to family law cases is to seek peace but prepare for war. You can expect me to be compassionate, professional and transparent. My goal is to keep you informed and engaged every step of the way.
Education
Arizona Summit School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2012
Professional Associations
State Bar of Arizona
Member, Family Law Section
American Bar Association
Member, Family Law
Maricopa County Bar Association
Member, Family Law Section
Arizona Association of Family Law Attorneys, Member
Billie Tarascio
Family Lawyer
When I was 19 my parents went through a divorce. I hadn’t seen it coming, especially as the drama of the divorce and the resulting custody battle unfolded. My brothers and I were heartbroken. Our worlds were completely rocked.
At the time, I was all too aware of the role my parents’ attorneys played during this life changing transition for all of us. Their divorce changed the course of my life. That’s when I knew that I wanted to be a family law attorney.
What we do as family law attorneys affects people’s lives, and the lives of their children for decades and I absolutely love it.
Billie’s favorite types of cases involve complex custody and property division issues. Where some attorneys would prefer to fight easier battles, Billie enjoys the challenge of investigating, fully understanding and conquering the more intricate cases; showing clients who may have thought they’ve lost everything that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Shawnna Riggers
Family Lawyer
Shawnna was born and raised in Idaho, where she learned the importance of hard work. She was first exposed to the opportunities and diversity Arizona has to offer while attending Arizona State University, graduating from the Barrett Honors College and earning a B.S. in Marketing. After graduation, she attended Seattle University School of Law. Shawnna honed her own research skills in law school, and she taught them to others while working at the law library and for Westlaw. She interned at Koenig and Associates.
Shawnna began her professional legal career in 2006, moving to Montana to help the local business community as an associate at Bjornson Law Offices. As her career developed, she had an opportunity to move to Phoenix in 2007.
In 2010, Shawnna founded her own law firm and has limited her practice exclusively to family law. She is passionate about helping families move through the legal process while aiming to minimize the level of distress they experience.
Rising Star – Shawnna Riggers with every case, her goal is to assist each family in reaching a settlement, when possible, and to guide her clients through litigation when necessary. At Arizona Family Law Attorneys, she also works to make the adoption process as easy as possible for adoptive families and to ensure that birth parents understand the process while supporting the selfless choice they make to place their child for adoption.
Daniel Hutto
Family Lawyer
Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Daniel Hutto was destined to serve the people of Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona in his hometown in order to be close to family and continue his career in auto racing. While living life at 100 MPH Daniel focused his future on law and graduated from Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law in 2013.
Upon earning his Juris Doctor, Daniel worked as a law clerk for a small Civil and Family Law office in north Phoenix. Daniel was soon welcomed on as an associate attorney in the firm’s Family Law practice before he decided to join the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office where he quickly solidified his reputation as a strong advocate for justice. Daniel quickly ascended to a major crimes prosecutor by becoming a Vehicular Crimes Deputy County Attorney in less than a year.
Daniel soon realized that justice was best served representing the accused and decided to re-enter private practice with a boutique Criminal and Family Law firm in central Phoenix. After asserting himself as a strong advocate for criminal defendants and family law clients, Daniel joined one of the state’s largest Criminal Defense law firms. It was during this time that Daniel grew his expertise handling complex criminal defense cases, including homicide, sex crimes, DUI, domestic violence, and post conviction cases.
After five years of practice, Daniel founded the Law Office of Daniel Hutto, PLLC to provide an aggressive, complete and caring law firm for Arizona individuals and families dealing with Criminal and Family Law cases.
Scott D. Goldman, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Scott D. Goldman, founder and managing member of Goldman Law, LLC established the law firm with the strong belief that all individuals deserve proficient and ethical legal representation.
Scott handles each and every one of his cases in a professional manner to allow for favorable outcomes. His years of experience with bench trials and jury trials give his clients the confidence that he is the right attorney for the job.
He knows that your legal matter is crucial to you, and will take the time to explain your case to you and see to it that you understand what is going on in your case at all times.
Scott earned his B.A. in Economics from Michigan State University. He then earned his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Colorado and Arizona.
Can Yelling at a Child Cause Trauma? New Study Provides Insights
Yelling at a child can indeed cause trauma, and a new study provides fresh insights into the potential long-term effects of verbal aggression on children’s mental and emotional well-being.
1. Impact of Yelling on Child Development
- Emotional Distress: Yelling can trigger intense emotional distress in children, leading to feelings of fear, insecurity, and worthlessness. The study highlights that repeated exposure to yelling can create a chronic state of anxiety in children.
- Behavioral Issues: Children who are frequently yelled at may develop behavioral problems, such as aggression, defiance, or withdrawal. The study suggests that these behaviors can be coping mechanisms for dealing with the stress caused by verbal aggression.
2. Link Between Yelling and Trauma
- Psychological Trauma: The study emphasizes that yelling, particularly when combined with other forms of verbal or emotional abuse, can contribute to psychological trauma. This trauma can manifest as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life.
- Long-Term Consequences: Children who experience verbal aggression may carry the effects into adulthood, impacting their self-esteem, relationships, and overall mental health. The study points out that the brain’s stress response system can become hyperactive due to chronic exposure to yelling, leading to long-term emotional difficulties.
3. Differences Between Occasional Yelling and Chronic Verbal Abuse
- Frequency and Intensity: While occasional yelling may not cause significant harm, the study clarifies that it is the frequency, intensity, and context of yelling that determine its potential for causing trauma. Chronic verbal aggression, especially when it involves derogatory language or threats, is more likely to lead to lasting psychological damage.
- Parent-Child Relationship: The study also notes that the overall quality of the parent-child relationship plays a crucial role. A generally supportive and loving relationship can mitigate the negative effects of occasional yelling, whereas a consistently hostile environment exacerbates the risk of trauma.
4. Alternative Discipline Strategies
- Positive Reinforcement: The study advocates for using positive reinforcement and calm, constructive communication as more effective discipline strategies. These approaches help build a child’s self-esteem and encourage positive behavior without causing emotional harm.
- Seeking Professional Help: For parents who struggle with anger or frustration, the study recommends seeking professional guidance. Therapists can provide strategies to manage emotions and improve communication with children, reducing the likelihood of causing unintentional harm.
5. Conclusion
- Raising Awareness: The study underscores the importance of raising awareness about the potential harm of yelling and verbal aggression. By understanding the impact of their words, parents and caregivers can make more informed choices in how they communicate with children.
- Promoting Healthy Development: Ultimately, the goal is to promote healthy emotional and psychological development in children by fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, free from the fear and anxiety that can be caused by yelling.
In summary, the new study sheds light on the significant risks associated with yelling at children, particularly when it is frequent and intense. Understanding these risks and adopting healthier communication methods can help prevent the potential for trauma and support the overall well-being of children.