Understanding Divorce in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re thinking about divorce in Arizona, you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed at the start of the process, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery.
At The Shaw Law Group, we have guided many clients through family law matters with clarity and confidence. This guide breaks down the Arizona divorce process into clear, manageable steps so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce officially begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
To file in Arizona:
- At least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days
- If there are children, they typically must have lived in Arizona for six months
This petition tells the court you are formally asking for a divorce and outlines your initial requests on issues like custody, property division, and support.
Step 2: Serving the Papers
Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be legally served with the divorce papers, usually by a process server or certified return receipt and restricted US mail.
- If they live in Arizona, they have 20 days to respond
- If they live out of state, they have 30 days
This step ensures that both parties have fair notice and the chance to participate in the case.
Step 3: Financial Disclosures and Inventories
Before any decisions can be made, both spouses must disclose their finances. This includes:
- Income statements and pay stubs
- Debt and loan information
- Property and assets
- Retirement accounts and other investments
Full disclosure ensures that property division, support, and other issues are handled fairly.
Step 4: Temporary Orders to Protect Stability
Divorce can take months. In the meantime, temporary orders may be issued to establish structure around:
- Who stays in the home
- Who pays which bills
- How parenting time is shared
Temporary orders create stability during the divorce process and help prevent unnecessary conflict.
For a more in-depth explanation, check out our full guide on temporary orders. (link to Temporary Orders blog)
Step 5: Negotiation or Mediation
Many couples resolve their divorce without going to trial. Through negotiation or mediation, parties and their attorneys can work toward agreements that save time, money, and stress.
When both sides can compromise, the court simply approves the agreed upon terms and enters the final decree.
Step 6: Trial if Necessary
If there are unresolved issues, the case moves to trial.
At trial:
- Both sides present testimony and evidence
- A judge reviews the facts
- The court makes a final decision on contested issues
This is a formal legal process that gives each side the opportunity to present their case.
Step 7: Final Divorce Decree
When everything is resolved through agreement or trial, the judge signs a Final Divorce Decree.
This document legally ends the marriage and spells out the final orders for property division, parenting time, support, and other matters.
How Long Does an Arizona Divorce Take
The minimum waiting period after service of the petition is 60 days.
- Uncontested divorces can be completed in 60 to 120 days
- Contested divorces may take closer to a year
The timeline depends on how many issues need to be resolved and how cooperative both parties are.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Even a simple divorce involves legal steps and strict timelines. Working with an experienced Arizona family law attorney ensures you:
- Do not miss critical deadlines
- Protect your financial and parental rights
- Have an advocate through an important life transition
At The Shaw Law Group, we help clients across Arizona navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation, visit our YouTube channel for helpful videos, and explore free legal resources anytime at bryanshawlaw.com.
