Family Law Special Master

Expert Assistance for Complex Family Law Matters

A Family Law Special Master is a neutral professional appointed by the court to help resolve specific, often complex issues in family law cases. Special masters bring focused expertise and dedicated attention to matters that might otherwise take months to resolve through the traditional court process.

Our team's combined experience as attorneys, mediators, and former judicial officers makes us uniquely qualified to serve in this role. We understand how courts evaluate disputes and can provide thorough, well-reasoned findings and recommendations that help move cases toward resolution.

Issues We Handle as Special Master

Complex property division and asset disputes
Financial accounting and support calculations
Discovery disputes and evidence review
Real property conveyance matters
Compliance monitoring and enforcement of court orders
Post-decree implementation disputes

How the Special Master Process Works

Appointment

The court appoints a special master — either by agreement of the parties or on its own motion — to address specific disputed issues in the case.

Review & Investigation

The special master examines evidence, takes testimony, reviews documentation, and conducts hearings as needed to fully understand the issues.

Findings & Recommendations

A detailed report with findings of fact and conclusions of law is submitted to the court, helping the judge make a well-informed final decision.

Why Appoint a Special Master?

Family law cases can involve highly technical or detailed issues — forensic accounting, business valuations, multi-year support calculations, or disputes over compliance with existing court orders. Judges carry heavy caseloads and may not have the time to give these matters the focused attention they require.

A special master dedicates concentrated time and expertise to the specific issues referred by the court, leading to more thorough analysis and faster resolution. This benefits everyone involved — the parties get a more efficient process, and the court receives a well-developed record to base its decisions on.

Faster Resolution

Focused attention means issues are resolved more quickly than waiting for court hearings.

Specialized Expertise

In-depth knowledge of family law and the specific issues at hand.

Neutral & Impartial

An objective professional focused on fair, well-reasoned outcomes.

Thorough Analysis

Detailed findings and recommendations built on careful evidence review.

Frequently Asked Questions

A mediator helps parties reach their own voluntary agreement. A special master is appointed by the court to investigate specific issues, take evidence, and submit findings and recommendations to the judge. The special master's role is more evaluative and formal, while mediation is collaborative and consensus-driven.

A special master can be appointed by agreement of both parties (stipulation) or by the court on its own motion. Either party may also request the court to appoint a special master to address specific issues in the case.

In Arizona, a family law master may handle most matters under Title 25 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, including property division, financial disputes, support calculations, discovery issues, real property matters, and post-decree enforcement. The court defines the specific scope of the special master's authority in each case.

Yes. After the special master submits a report, either party can file a motion to reject or modify the findings. The court may then set oral argument, take additional evidence, or accept, reject, or modify the report based on its review of the record.

Need a Special Master for Your Case?

Contact us to discuss how our experience as attorneys and former judicial officers can help resolve the complex issues in your family law matter.