Getting a Divorce in Arizona: The Steps

A divorce — no matter where you live — can be a difficult, life-changing event. Most people in a failing marriage know that they want a divorce, but don't necessarily know how to get there. We will explain the divorce process and what you can expect in a dissolution of marriage.

Are you facing divorce?
Do you have questions about property division or child support? Contact The Law Offices of Scott David Stewart to schedule a consultation with an attorney.

The Divorce Process in Arizona: Step-by-Step

If you have made the decision to end your marriage, here are the general steps you need to take:

• Gather financial documents, business documents, and other important paperwork in preparation for divorce. These documents are needed for reference for property division.
• Discuss the topic of property division. Although no decisions are made at this point, it may be helpful to address this subject at an early point.
• File a petition for divorce. This is the first legal step involved in a divorce. Only one spouse files the petition regardless if the decision to divorce is mutual.
• Are children involved? If so, a temporary order of child support and child custody is filed.
• A proof of service of process is filed by the spouse who filed for divorce. This document is a statement that the non-filing spouse has received the divorce petition.
• A response to the petition is filed by the spouse who did not originally file a petition for divorce. This petition can address a number of divorce-related issues: Disputing the divorce, defense against any of the points made in the petition, child support, child custody, and more.
• Negotiation occurs if there are any disagreements about any divorce-related topics. The courts are typically involved in negotiations, which also address topics of alimony and property division.
• If an issue cannot be resolved through negotiation, the divorce goes to trial.
• An order of dissolution finalizes the divorce and addresses many divorce-related topics such as property division, alimony, child support, custody, and more. A judge finalizes the divorce after both parties have agreed.

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If you have questions about the divorce process or mediation in Arizona, please contact our lawyers online to schedule a confidential consultation.