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Ruth M. Swenson
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Ruth M. Swenson
Ruth M. Swenson, PLC
1550 S. Alma School Road
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (480) 649-3044 | Fax: (480) 861-0165
http://www.familylaw-az.com/
20 Years Experience. Capable. Family Oriented.
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with a client who is cooperative, truthful, and helps me to continue to represent them in the best possible way.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Common Law Marriage
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Individualized Education Plans
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with a client who is cooperative, truthful, and helps me to continue to represent them in the best possible way.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
AZ, May 1986
Bar Number: 010731
Specialty Certifications
Certified Hearing Officer, Special Education, Department of Education
Other Court Admissions
Arizona, 1986
U.S. Federal Courts, 1988
Association Memberships
Maricopa County Bar Association, East Valley Bar Association, State Bar of Arizona - Public Lawyers Section, Arizona State Bar - Family Law Section
Continuing Education
I complete 24 hours per year of Continuing Education in the area of Family Law, 12 hours per year in the area of Personal Injury, and, in the area of Social Security, self-study courses presented by the State Bar of Arizona and by Social Security Administration.
Example Cases
Throughout my twenty years of practice, I have litigated hundreds of cases in family court and represented clients on issues including social security and personal injury.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Nebraska College of Law
City:
Lincoln
State:
NE
Year:
1985
Honors:
McKelvie Scholarship, Civil Clinic, Senior Certified to Practice Law
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Northern Colorado
City:
Greeley
State:
CO
Year:
1971
Focus and Accomplishments:
I majored in Special Education.
Degree:
Masters in Education
School:
Illinois State University
City:
Normal
State:
IL
Year:
1976
Focus and Accomplishments:
I focused on special education and behavioral disorders in children, and had 13 post-graduate hours in Special Education and Behavior Disorders of Children.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Arizona
Firm Focus and History
I became a sole practitioner in 2004. One of my specialties is in the area of assisting victims of domestic violence in family law issues.
Previous Employment Summary
Sole Practitioner, 2004 - Present
Partnership, Swenson & Brown, P.L.L.C., 2000 - 2003
Sole Practitioner, 1991 - 2000
Community Legal Services, Eastside Office, Maricopa County, Managing Attorney, 1991 - 1993
Community Legal Services, Eastside Office, Maricopa County, Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence Project, 1988 - 1991
State Services for the Visually Impaired, Lincoln, Nebraska, State Consultant for the Multi-Disabled/Blind, 1977 - 1982
Kansas Neurological Institute, Topeka, Kansas, Resource Room Teacher, 1972 - 1973
Activities and Awards
I am a Judge Pro Tem in Maricopa County Superior Court, Family Law Division (Settlement Hearings).
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that it is important for clients to educate themselves with respect to the issues they are facing, so long as the education is directed and assists the client in understanding the legal process.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My interest in law was primarily to represent the poor through Legal Aid and to assist parents and children who have special education issues with the school district the child is attending. I also have an interest in assisting disabled adults in obtaining social security and working through the rehabilitation system for vocational services.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
As a licensed attorney practicing in Arizona for 20 years, I have extensive experience in the areas of Family Law - particularly cases involving domestic violence - and Personal Injury. Of course, keeping up-to-date on changes in these areas of law, I attend numerous hours of continuing education each year.
I have always had a real interest in assisting disabled adults, disabled children and their parents by guiding them through their education process. Having both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Special Education, I am more than qualified.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
My interest in Family Law and particularly cases concerning domestic violence developed early in my career while working on a domestic violence project through legal aid. It was there, while dealing with family issues in Civil Court, that I became aware of the lack of attorneys who weren't afraid to take on cases involving all types of abuse. Many years later, I continue to champion my clients, the domestic abuse victims, in court.
Choosing to represent disabled adults, disabled children and their parents was inevitable. I am the parent of a disabled child, and am also disabled myself. I am all too aware of the difficulties often faced by the disabled who lack quality representation. My expertise comes from real life experience, both with a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Special Education.
What do you like best about your career?
It is with great pleasure and a modicum of pride that while walking your client through the often miserable experiences of Family Court, you are able to observe, with each positive change, the return of their strength and courage.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am very proud of my staff and appreciate that each of them brings their own gift, allowing my practice to be multidimensional. They work hard and care about our clients, just as I do. Our clients are treated with respect; they know that their privacy is protected.
What are your strengths and style?
I have the unique ability to know when to be assertive in a case and when negotiation and/or mediation would be in the client's best interest, both in and outside the courtroom; focusing on those issues which will best represent the client in their case.
I realize the importance of establishing a trusting relationship with the client, thus allowing me and my staff to represent the client in a way that provides the most positive resolution of their case.
I am easy-going, familiar, and have a comforting staff that ensures privacy and confidentiality.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy reading, working with the blind (former President of National Federation of the Blind of Arizona; also on the Board of Governor's Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment, and formerly a Board Member of the Association of Blind Lawyers of the National Federation of the Blind).
Office Manager/Assistant
Joy Anderson
Fax
(480) 861-0165
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For emergencies, clients may call (480) 570-8024.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I charge $75 for an initial one-hour consultation.
Hourly Rates
My rate is $250 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
No, it costs $75 for the initial one-hour consultation.
Typical Retainer
The typical retainer depends on the case, but is no more than an initial fee of $5,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
