Under advisement means the judge has heard the arguments and evidence on a matter and will issue a ruling at a later time rather than deciding from the bench immediately. In Arizona family law complex contested matters are often taken under advisement after trial or after a significant hearing.

When a matter is under advisement both parties wait for the ruling. The timeline for receiving a ruling varies significantly by judge and by the complexity of the matter. Some judges rule within days. Others take weeks or months.

While a matter is under advisement manage the client's expectations about timing and remind them that the ruling when it comes may not be exactly what either side requested.