Navigating Your Divorce in Arizona: Forms, Resources & More

Dealing with a divorce can feel overwhelming. This page is here to help, providing essential info about divorce in Arizona. We’ve gathered key insights on state-specific laws and steps to guide you. More in-depth resources and useful links are also available to explore.

Divorce Laws in Arizona

Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that the court doesn’t consider marital misconduct when granting a divorce. The primary ground for divorce is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. To file, you or your spouse must have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days.

Unlike some states, Arizona doesn’t require a mandatory waiting period after filing for the divorce to be finalized.

Process of Filing for Divorce

In Arizona, the process starts by filing a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” in the Superior Court of the county where you live. You will need various forms, including financial disclosures.

After filing, Arizona law requires that you serve the divorce papers to your spouse, either in person, by mail, or through a process server. It’s important to follow the state’s specific rules for serving papers.

Child Custody and Support

Arizona courts focus on the child’s best interests when deciding custody, now referred to as “legal decision-making” and “parenting time.” The state encourages both parents to be involved in their children’s lives.

Child support is determined using Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ income and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Arizona’s approach might differ from other states in its details and calculations.

Alimony/Spousal Support

In Arizona, alimony, also known as spousal maintenance, is not guaranteed. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, and contributions to the marriage. This flexibility means each case can have a different outcome.

Property Division

Arizona is a community property state, meaning that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically divided equally between the spouses. This is different from states that use equitable distribution, where assets are divided based on what is considered fair but not necessarily equal.

Arizona Divorce Resources

Need more information? Check out our links for detailed insights into Arizona’s divorce laws. You’ll find resources from state courts, official government websites, and legal aid organizations.

Article: How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Arizona

Arizona Divorce Resources

General Forms:

• Family Court Summons – https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/forms
• Notice of Appearance – https://azcourthelp.org/component/seoglossary/2-family-law/notice-of-appearance
• Notice of Commencement of Action – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_gn2/
• Case Management Conference Order – https://www.azcourts.gov/coa1/Filer-Information/Case-Management-Statement
• Domestic Relations Case Information Sheet – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/family-court-forms/
• Final Judgment and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage – https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Child-Support-Family-Law/Family-Law-Forms/Dissolution-of-Marriage-with-Children

Petitions:

• Petition for Dissolution of a Non-Covenant Marriage (Divorce) without Minor Children – https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Child-Support-Family-Law/Family-Law-Forms/Dissolution-of-Marriage-with-Children
• Petition for Dissolution of a Non-Covenant Marriage (Divorce) with Minor Children – https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Child-Support-Family-Law/Family-Law-Forms/Dissolution-of-Marriage-with-Children
• Petition for Legal Separation – https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Child-Support-Family-Law/Family-Law-Forms/Legal-Separation-with-Children
• Petition for Annulment of Marriage – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/2300/draa10iz.pdf

Financial Forms:

• Financial Declaration – https://www.azcourts.gov/drive/formsandDocuments.aspx
• Affidavit of Direct Payments – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/4470/drmw32fz.pdf
• Spousal Maintenance Worksheet – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/8074/drsm12hz.pdf

Parenting Forms:

• Parenting Plan – https://www.azcourts.gov/efilinginformation/Parent-Education-Program-Info
• Child Support Worksheet – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/4901/drs12fz.pdf
• Notice of Change of Parenting Time – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_drmv1/

Other Forms:

• Request for Protected Address – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/2935/drrpa10fz.pdf
• Notice of Hearing – https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter/Landlord-Tenant-Disputes-Eviction-Actions/Forms-and-Notices
• Preliminary Injunction – https://azdirect.az.gov/administrative-office-courts
• Motion and Order for Telephonic Appearance – https://www.azcourts.gov/
• Motion to Modify Previous Decree – Judgment Order (parties agree) – https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/media/3109/dr24fz.pdf
• Motion to Modify Previous Decree – Judgment Order (parties do not agree) – https://www.azcourts.gov/

Other Resources:

Arizona Legal Center – https://arizonalegalcenter.org/free-divorce-help-in-arizona/

Disclaimer

Please note, the information here is for general guidance and should not be seen as legal advice. Always consult a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.