Elite Representation for Developers, Contractors, and Owners
In Prescott, construction law is defined by high-stakes technical standards and rigid statutory deadlines. As of March 2026, the Yavapai County Superior Court has fully implemented mandatory digital filing, significantly accelerating the pace of litigation.
At Burnham Law, we specialize in the clinical management of construction risk. Led by expert litigators like Brian Teed—who utilizes his experience clerking for the Arizona Court of Appeals to build “appeal-proof” trial records—we provide comprehensive counsel for private and public works. From navigating Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) complaints to litigating Prompt Pay Act violations, our team focuses on project continuity and bottom-line protection.
Associate Attorney - Civil Litigation / Probate and Estate Planning
Prescott, Arizona
Bryon has more than a decade of experience in probate, trust administration, and estate planning. His probate experience includes contesting fraudulent wills and litigating terms of estate plan documents. In preparing estate plans, Bryon emphasizes helping clients pass on as much of their estates to their loved ones as possible through careful and regular review by clients. Bryon also has experience in representing landlords in evictions, contracts, commercial sales transactions, public bidding, and special taxing districts. When not serving clients, Bryon enjoys camping, off-roading, and traveling with his family.
Client Development / Civil Litigation and Estate Planning
Prescott, Arizona
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Associate Attorney - Domestic Relations, Civil Litigation, and Probate
Prescott, Arizona
Paul brings extensive experience in various areas of law, including juvenile, family, and probate and estate planning. He graduated from Franklin Pierce Law Center (Concord, NH) and was subsequently admitted to the Arizona Bar. He began his career with a family law firm in Phoenix before moving to north-central Arizona to work with a firm specializing in insurance defense. In 2004, he established his own practice in Cottonwood, AZ, focusing on juvenile law, family law, and probate and estate planning, and has successfully represented clients in municipal, justice, tribal, and superior courts across Arizona. His commitment to justice is demonstrated by his work in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation training and teaching the Parent Education Course for the Yavapai County Superior Court for eight years, as well as his judicial service as the Presiding Magistrate of the Camp Verde Municipal Court (2014) and the Sedona Magistrate Court (2021). He was recently appointed as Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem...
2026 Construction Framework: The Prescott Mandates
Arizona’s construction statutes have undergone critical refinements in 2026, particularly regarding how change orders and payment requests are processed in Northern Arizona.
| Legal Area |
2026 Statutory Standard |
Critical Deadline/Requirement |
| Private Prompt Pay |
A.R.S. § 32-1182 |
Owners have 14 days to approve/deny an invoice; payment is due 7 days after approval. |
| Public Prompt Pay |
A.R.S. § 41-2577 |
Approval is typically required within 7 days, with payment due within 14 days. |
| Residential Defects |
A.R.S. § 12-1363 |
Mandatory Notice and Opportunity to Repair before a “dwelling action” can be filed. |
2026 Legal Updates: Strategic Leverage in Northern Arizona
The 2026 legal landscape has introduced powerful new tools and procedural requirements for the Prescott market:
1. Mandatory E-Filing & Digital Records (2026 Standard)
Effective February 1, 2026, Yavapai County courts have mandated electronic filing for all construction-related civil actions.
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AZTurboCourt Integration: We utilize native digital filing to initiate cases instantly, ensuring the one-year statute of limitations for certain construction claims is managed with precision.
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Evidence Management: We leverage the court’s digital portal to index time-coded project logs, photos, and emails, ensuring your evidence is trial-ready from day one.
2. HB 25-1090: The “Total Price” Mandate for Services
For construction professionals providing services in Prescott, the Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices Act (effective 2026) requires:
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Upfront Transparency: All service-related contracts must clearly disclose “Total Price” factors.
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Leverage Against Junk Fees: If a vendor or sub-tier contractor attempts to add undisclosed fees, they are liable for actual damages plus 18% interest. We use this to protect developers from unexpected cost overruns.
3. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) Strategy
In 2026, the ROC remains a primary venue for workmanship disputes.
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2-Year Window: The ROC typically maintains a two-year window after project completion to file workmanship complaints.
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Recovery Fund Access: Only work performed by licensed contractors allows homeowners access to the Residential Recovery Fund. We audit license statuses to ensure your project’s legal standing is secure.
The 2026 Prescott Construction Roadmap
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Contract Drafting & Review: We ensure your contracts include 2026-compliant Prompt Pay and Change Order language to maximize your leverage.
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The “Notice of Claim” Period: For defect claims, we navigate the 180-day repose nuances and ensure the builder’s “Right to Repair” is respected or properly challenged.
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Payment Enforcement: We utilize Mechanics’ Liens and Stop Notices, ensuring the Preliminary 20-Day Notice was properly served to preserve your lien rights.
Why Choose Burnham Law for Prescott Construction Matters
In the 8th Judicial District, victory is found in the “Notice” requirements. Burnham Law offers:
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Statutory Precision: We are experts in the 2026 updates to A.R.S. Title 32, ensuring your mechanics’ liens and stop-work notices are technically perfect.
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Complex Defect Litigation: We handle everything from structural failures to multi-party HOA defect claims across Northern Arizona.
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Appellate Foresight: Brian Teed’s unique background ensures that every motion for summary judgment we file is built to survive the highest levels of scrutiny.
Take Action Today
Construction deadlines in Arizona are notoriously “use it or lose it.” Whether you need to file a Preliminary 20-Day Notice to protect your lien rights or defend against a Notice of Intent to Repair, the timing of your next move is critical. Contact Burnham Law to schedule a strategic construction law consultation:
📞 Call 928.771.8277
📍 Prescott Office: 136 Grove Avenue, Prescott, AZ 86301
📅 Schedule a Consultation Online
