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Everything you need to know about filing for divorce in Arizona — from required forms to how a Certified Legal Document Preparer can save you thousands
Filing for divorce in Arizona doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. Whether you're in Maricopa, Pinal County, Casa Grande, Phoenix, or anywhere across the Grand Canyon State, understanding the process and your options can save you time, money, and stress. Here's your complete guide to Arizona divorce document preparation.
Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don't need to prove wrongdoing to dissolve your marriage. The legal term in Arizona is "Dissolution of Marriage," and the only ground you need to cite is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Arizona also recognizes legal separation and annulment in specific circumstances.
To file for dissolution of marriage in Arizona, you or your spouse must have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing. If you have minor children, the children must have lived in Arizona for at least 6 months before the court can make custody orders.
If you and your spouse agree on all issues — property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and parenting matters — you can file for an uncontested divorce. Both parties sign the paperwork, and in many cases, a court hearing may not even be necessary. This is the fastest and most affordable option.
If your spouse fails to respond to the divorce petition within the legal timeframe (20 days if served in Arizona, 30 days if served out of state), you may be able to obtain a default judgment. This allows the divorce to proceed without your spouse's participation.
When spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, the case becomes contested. This typically requires court hearings, possible mediation, and a trial. Contested divorces are more time-consuming and expensive but are sometimes unavoidable.
Each Arizona county may have slightly different forms or additional local requirements. Maricopa County Superior Court, Pinal County Superior Court, and other Arizona counties each maintain their own form libraries. Using the wrong form can result in rejection.
Arizona attorneys typically charge $3,000-$15,000+ for a divorce. A CLDP can prepare all your documents for a fraction — often $500-$1,500 — while ensuring accuracy and Arizona court compliance.
Arizona courts reject incomplete or improperly filled-out forms, delaying your case for weeks. A CLDP knows exactly what each county requires.
Legal Success offers remote video consultations throughout Arizona — Maricopa, Pinal County, Casa Grande, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Florence, San Tan Valley, and beyond. Evening & weekend appointments available.
Document preparation assistance in both English and Spanish — language is never a barrier to getting your Arizona divorce documents prepared accurately.
File with the Superior Court in your county. Filing fee ~$350 (fee waivers available).
Formal service via process server, sheriff, or acceptance of service.
20 days if served in AZ, 30 days out of state. Uncontested: both sign Consent Decree.
Arizona mandates a 60-day cooling-off period from date of service.
Judge signs the Decree. In uncontested cases, a hearing may not be required.
Arizona is a community property state — assets and debts acquired during marriage are generally divided equally (50/50). Separate property (owned before marriage, gifts, inheritance) stays with the owning spouse. A properly prepared Consent Decree clearly identifies all property divisions.
Legal Success is proud to serve Arizona residents through our Casa Grande location. Our Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparer understands the specific requirements of Maricopa County Superior Court, Pinal County Superior Court, and courts throughout Arizona.
Contact Legal Success for a free consultation. We'll help you understand the Arizona divorce process and get your documents prepared accurately.
Disclaimer: Legal Success provides Certified Legal Document Preparer services. We prepare legal documents at your direction but cannot provide legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.