To initiate a divorce in Arizona, a spouse files a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” with the clerk of the Superior Court and pays the requisite filing fee. The other spouse must be served with a copy of the petition and summons.
How long does it take to get a divorce in AZ?
It depends. Although you can get a divorce decree in as little as 60 days (in limited circumstances as per the waiting period in Arizona Revised Statute 25-329), the average time to finalize even an uncontested divorce in Arizona is between 90 and 120 days. In many cases, divorces can take considerably longer.
What are requirements for divorce in Arizona?
- First, you must meet the residency requirements of the state.
- Second, there must be a reason to end the marriage.
- Third, you must file divorce papers and have copies sent to your spouse.
What is the quickest way to get divorce in Arizona?
An uncontested divorce (sometimes known as divorce “by consent decree” in Arizona) is almost always far cheaper and quicker than a traditional, contested divorce. That’s because you won’t have to go to trial to have a judge resolve your disputes.
Does Arizona require separation before divorce?
How long do you have to be separated before divorce in AZ? No, Arizona does not require spouses to separate before filing for divorce (dissolution of marriage). However, there is a waiting period of at least 60 days before the divorce can be finalized after filing and serving your spouse.
What can be used against you in a divorce?
Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.
How much does a divorce cost in AZ?
The average cost of a divorce in Arizona is about $20,000 with prices ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 in Arizona, according to multiple sources. However, your actual divorce costs depend on the type of divorce process you choose. A contested divorce, in court, will cost you an average of $75,000.
How much does it cost to file divorce in AZ?
To file for divorce in Maricopa County you simply need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage which costs $349. If you are on the receiving end of the divorce petition it will cost you $274 to file a response.
Is marriage counseling required before divorce in Arizona?
If one spouse feels that a marriage can be saved through counseling, he or she can petition the court to have the dissolution order delayed by 120 days. During this time, a divorcing couple will be required to undergo marriage counseling to see if reconciliation is possible.
Can you date while separated in Arizona?
Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, so no law prohibits you from dating during the divorce process. Ultimately, only you can make the decision about whether to date during the divorce process. If you know dating will set off your spouse, it’s probably in your best interest to wait until your divorce is finalized.
Is Arizona a 50 50 state in a divorce?
Each former spouse begins life after divorce with all his or her separate property and half what they once owned together. Arizona is a 50/50 property law state when it comes to divorce. Community property division must be equitable, but seldom will shares be absolutely equal.
Can I get divorced without going to court?
It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.
How fast can a divorce be finalized in Arizona?
In some circumstances, it is possible to get a divorce in Arizona in as few as 60 days. However, in most cases, a divorce will take anywhere from two to four months to finalize. Of course, in some situations, the situation may take even longer.
Do I have to pay alimony in Arizona?
Arizona divorce courts have the power to require your spouse to pay alimony to you during or after the divorce (or both) if you establish eligibility. On the other hand, spouses who are capable of living on their own without financial support may not need alimony — known in Arizona as spousal maintenance.
How can I get a free divorce in Arizona?
Free DIY Arizona divorce forms It is possible to complete your own divorce for just the cost of filing fees and paperwork. Arizona divorce forms are all available online and free to use. The Arizona Judicial Branch provides the required forms and instructions for a divorce with minor children or without minor children.
What is considered abandonment in a marriage in Arizona?
Marital abandonment occurs when one spouse deliberately severs all ties with his or her family with no intention of returning. This includes no longer taking care of financial obligations and support without a good reason.
Does it matter who files for divorce first in Arizona?
If you are thinking about divorce, you may wonder, “Does it matter who files for divorce first in Arizona?” Legally, the answer is no. Whether you file first will not make any difference regarding any of the legal elements of your divorce.
Is infidelity illegal in Arizona?
Adultery Is A Crime In Arizona Perhaps the most serious consequence of adultery is a criminal conviction. Adultery is a class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona, which means it may lead to jail time and other criminal penalties. However, this law can only be enforced if the non-adulterous spouse has formally filed a complaint.
Can text messages be used against you in a divorce?
Can My Texts Be Used Against Me in a Divorce? The short answer is “Yes.” The court usually allows the person receiving the text to testify that he or she recognizes the phone number the text was sent from. The court might also ask about the sender’s identity and the context of the message.
How do I protect myself before divorce?
- Hire An Attorney. You may not know that you are not actually required to litigate a divorce.
- Cancel Joint Credit Cards.
- Keep Tight Records.
- Don’t Sign Anything.
- Choose Your Words Carefully.
- Protect Yourself.
What should you not forget in a divorce agreement?
- A detailed parenting-time schedule—including holidays!
- Specifics about support.
- Life insurance.
- Retirement accounts and how they will be divided.
- A plan for the sale of the house.
Do both parties pay for a divorce?
There appears to be a myth that the person being divorced (known as the Respondent) always pays the fees for a divorce, when in reality this is not the case in the majority of divorce cases. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Applicant) will always pay the divorce filing fee.
Do I need a divorce lawyer in Arizona?
In Arizona, a large percentage of divorces proceed without either party hiring a lawyer. As Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, couples do not need a specific reason to file for divorce – it is sufficient that the parties do not get along – otherwise known as irretrievable differences.
Is Arizona a no-fault divorce state?
Like most states, Arizona is one of the no-fault divorce states and does allow the marriage to be dissolved without allegations and proof of fault.
Who pays the court fees in a divorce?
In most cases, the applicant pays the court fee; however, some couples agree to split the court fees between them, particularly if it is a joint application. Helping our clients file their divorce papers is only one of the many family law services at Stowe Family Law.