Know the Laws: Arizona
UPDATED September 18, 2009
Basic information about Arizona divorce laws.
- What are the basic steps for filing for divorce?
- Where can I find additional information about divorce?
back to topWhat are the basic steps for filing for divorce?
While divorce laws vary by state, here are the basic steps for a divorce in Arizona:
- First, you must meet the residency requirements of the state.
- Second, there must be a reason to end the marriage. If you have a covenant marriage, you must prove one of the specific grounds (a legally acceptable reason) to end your marriage.* To learn more above covenant marriage and the specific grounds for divorce, you can visit the state supreme court's website. If you do not have a covenant marriage, a divorce can be granted based on the fact that your marriage is "irretrievably broken."
- Third, you must file divorce papers and have copies sent to your spouse.
- Fourth, if your spouse disagrees with anything in the divorce papers, then he will have the opportunity to file papers telling his side. This is called “contesting the divorce.” If he contests it, then you will have a series of court appearances to sort the issues out. If your spouse does not disagree with anything (known as an "uncontested divorce"), then you can proceed either by default (where he takes no action) or by consent. Speak to a lawyer for more information.
- Fifth, if there is property that you need divided or if you need financial support from your spouse, then you will have to work that out either in an out-of-court settlement or in a series of court hearings. Custody may also be decided as part of your divorce.
back to topWhere can I find additional information about divorce?
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges has a free, in-depth information packet called "Managing Your Divorce: A Guide for Battered Women," which you may find helpful, especially if you have to represent yourself in your divorce. There are also other information packets on related topics which can be found on their website at http://www.ncjfcj.org/content/blogcategory/256/302/.
You may also find more information at the cites below:
Arizona divorce statutes/laws: www.azleg.state.az.us
Information and forms: http://supreme.state.az.us/nav2/selfserv.htm
Basic Information: www.divorcelawinfo.com/states/az/arizona.htm
In addition to free information, this company provides services for a fee. WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not endorse its services. We provide this link for your information only.
Basic Information: www.divorcesource.com/AZ/index.shtml
In addition to free information, this company provides services for a fee. WomensLaw.org has no relationship with this company and does not endorse its services. We provide this link for your information only.