Think you’re stuck with the judge assigned to your family law case?
Think again.
In Arizona, the law gives you a one-time power move most people don’t even know they have:
You can fire your judge. Legally. No explanation required.
At Dodge & Vega PLC, we don’t just show up in family court.
We go to war for our clients—and part of winning the war is knowing when it’s time to change the battlefield. Or in this case, the judge.
The Legal Weapon You Didn’t Know You Had
Under Rule 6 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure, every party has the right to a Change of Judge as a Matter of Right. That’s not legal fluff—it’s a real, enforceable right.
Rule 6(a) – Change of Judge as a Matter of Right
“In any action pending before a superior court judge, any party may file a notice of change of judge once as a matter of right.”
This means you can demand a new judge without having to prove bias or misconduct. You just file the notice, and it’s done.
But here’s the catch: You only get ONE SHOT.
And you must do it before the judge rules on any contested issue or before they preside over a hearing where evidence is presented. Once that happens, your right is gone.
That window closes fast—and if you miss it, you’re stuck. No do-overs.

Why Does This Matter?
Because judges are human. Some are sharp, fair, and experienced in family law. Others? Not so much.
We’ve seen judges who:
- Routinely rule against fathers
- Push settlement just to clear the docket
- Refuse to consider nuanced financial arguments
- Lack courtroom control or familiarity with custody dynamics
You can’t afford to roll the dice. Not when your parenting time, assets, and future are on the line.
Picking the wrong judge is like stepping onto the field already 10 points down.
This Isn’t a DIY Game
Can you file the Rule 6 notice yourself? Technically, yes.
Should you? Hell no.
Family law is a strategic battleground. Knowing when to file, and more importantly, who you might get instead, takes real legal judgment. You don’t just need help—you need professionals who eat, breathe, and win family law trials.
That’s where we come in.
Dodge & Vega PLC – Arizona Family Law Trial Lawyers
At Dodge & Vega PLC, we don’t hand-hold.
We fight. Relentlessly. Strategically. Legally.
If you’re serious about protecting your kids, your assets, and your future—stop thinking like a victim and start playing to win.
Contact us now before you blow your one chance to make the biggest strategic decision in your case.
📞 Click here to schedule your consult
⚖️ Real trial lawyers. Real results.
If your judge isn’t right—don’t just sit there and take it.
Fire them. Legally. While you still can.
Dodge & Vega PLC, protects the innocent and will fight for your child’s rights in a delinquency/criminal matter. Contact our office for a free 30 minute consult to find out how we can protect your child.
-Ben Dodge, Esq.,
Founder – Managing Partner, Trial Attorney

Founder – Managing Partner, Trial Attorney
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