Prepare Your Documents for Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona
This website helps you prepare the court forms required to file for a Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona.
An overview of the cases at is here
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with our online screening tool to help determine whether a Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona is the right option for your situation.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of filling out court forms yourself, our system guides you through the process by asking simple questions organized by topic. You can provide the necessary information in plain, non-legal language, and our system will automatically use your answers to complete the required court forms.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
In Arizona, you may consult a legal aid advocate or family law professional for assistance with a dissolution of marriage (divorce). They can review your paperwork, explain your legal rights, and help ensure your documents are complete and accurate, making the process easier, especially if you are filing without an attorney.
4. File with the Clerk
To begin a dissolution of marriage (divorce) in Arizona, you must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the required supporting documents with the Superior Court in the appropriate county. Generally, you or your spouse must have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing. Court filing fees apply, but you may request a fee waiver or deferral if you qualify based on your financial circumstances.
Process
Step 1
Before You Begin, Gather Your Information
Before starting your online screening for a Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona, gather some basic information about yourself, your spouse, and your marriage.
You may need:
Your full legal name and your spouse's full legal name.
Your current residential address and your spouse's address, if known.
Your marriage date and location.
Information about how long you or your spouse have lived in Arizona.
Basic information about your income, property, assets, and debts.
Information about any existing agreements concerning property division or spousal maintenance.
Information about minor children, if applicable.
You do not need to prepare or complete court forms before starting. Our online system will guide you through the questions and use your answers to prepare the necessary documents.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine whether your situation qualifies for a Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona by completing a brief online screening. Start by entering your ZIP code or selecting your county to identify the appropriate Superior Court for your filing.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After completing the screening, this website will guide you through the remaining steps to prepare your court documents.
To file for a Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona, you must complete and submit the required Arizona court forms. These forms collect information about your marriage, property, debts, spousal maintenance, and any agreements or requests you wish to make.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
The primary document is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, filed by one spouse (the Petitioner), naming the other spouse (the Respondent).
Additional Court Documents
Depending on your circumstances, additional forms may be required, including a Summons, Preliminary Injunction, Sensitive Data Cover Sheet, and other supporting documents.
How Our System Helps
Our system will guide you through simple, easy-to-understand questions organized by topic. Your answers will automatically be used to prepare the necessary court forms, eliminating the need to complete each document manually.
Step 4
You: File with the Court. How to File for a Non-Covenant Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in Arizona
In Arizona, you must file your completed divorce documents with the Clerk of the Superior Court in the appropriate county. Depending on the county and available court services, you may be able to file your documents in person, by mail, or electronically through an approved e-filing system.
Submit Your Divorce Documents
To formally request a divorce, one spouse (the Petitioner) must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage along with the required supporting documents, such as the Summons, Preliminary Injunction, Sensitive Data Cover Sheet, and other applicable forms. This process is called filing.
Court Filing and Case Number
Once your documents are submitted and accepted by the Clerk of the Superior Court, your case will be assigned a case number. You must generally arrange for the other spouse (the Respondent) to be legally served with the required documents or obtain an appropriate acceptance of service.
What Happens After Filing?
Arizona generally requires a minimum waiting period of 60 days after service or acceptance of service before a divorce can be finalized. Depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, additional documents, court proceedings, or a hearing may be required before the judge signs the final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
Step 5
You: Serve Your Spouse – Notify the Respondent About the Divorce
After filing your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Arizona Superior Court, you must ensure that your spouse (the Respondent) receives the required divorce documents. This process is called service of process.
Serve the Divorce Documents
The Respondent must receive copies of the filed Petition, Summons, Preliminary Injunction, and other required documents. Service may be completed through an authorized process server, sheriff, or another method permitted under Arizona court rules.
Acceptance of Service
If your spouse agrees to accept the documents voluntarily, they may sign an Acceptance of Service form. This can simplify the process by avoiding formal service through a process server.
File Proof of Service
After service is completed, the appropriate proof of service or signed Acceptance of Service must be filed with the court.
What Happens Next?
The Respondent generally has 20 days to respond if served within Arizona or 30 days if served outside Arizona. The court process will depend on whether the Respondent files a response or the case proceeds by default.
Step 6
Court: Review Your Case and Complete the Divorce Process
After your spouse has been served, the Arizona Superior Court will proceed with your divorce case based on whether the Respondent files a response and whether both spouses agree on the terms of the divorce.
If Your Spouse Responds
If the Respondent files a response, both spouses may need to exchange financial information, resolve disagreements, and submit additional documents. If an agreement is reached, the parties may request a Consent Decree. Otherwise, the court may schedule hearings or a trial to resolve disputed issues.
If Your Spouse Does Not Respond
If the Respondent does not respond within the required deadline, you may request that the court enter a default. Additional notice and waiting requirements apply before the court can finalize the divorce.
Complete the Mandatory Waiting Period
Arizona requires a minimum waiting period of 60 days after service or acceptance of service before a divorce decree can be entered.
Receive Your Final Divorce Decree
Once all legal requirements are satisfied, the judge may sign the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. The decree officially ends your marriage and establishes applicable orders concerning property, debts, spousal maintenance, and other matters.
Your divorce is finalized when the signed decree is filed with the court.
Step 7
You: Follow Your Final Divorce Decree – Complete Any Remaining Requirements
After the Arizona Superior Court issues your final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, your divorce is legally finalized. However, you may still need to complete certain steps to comply with the court's orders.
Review Your Final Decree
Carefully review the signed decree to understand your rights and responsibilities, including any orders concerning property division, debts, spousal maintenance, or restoration of a former name.
Complete Property and Debt Transfers
If the decree requires you or your former spouse to transfer property, refinance loans, or divide financial accounts, complete these actions according to the court's instructions and deadlines.
Follow Spousal Maintenance Orders
If spousal maintenance was awarded, ensure payments are made or received according to the terms established in the decree.
Update Your Personal and Financial Records
You may need to update your identification documents, bank accounts, insurance policies, beneficiary designations, and other records to reflect your new marital status or restored name.
Keep a Copy of Your Divorce Decree
Obtain and safely store a copy of your final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. You may need it for future legal, financial, or personal matters.
Once you have completed all applicable requirements, no further court action is generally necessary unless you need to enforce, clarify, or modify an eligible provision of the decree.
Step 8
Your Divorce Process Is Complete
Once the court has issued your final Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and you have fulfilled all applicable court orders, your divorce process is complete.
Keep your court documents in a safe place for future reference. If circumstances change or your former spouse does not comply with the decree, you may need to seek additional assistance or request further action from the court.
FAQs
Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the steps required to complete your dissolution or divorce documents and file your case with the court.
Core Forms
- Certificate Of Divorce, Dissolution Of Marriage, Or Annulment
- Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage No Minor Children
- Information Sheet
- Request to Waive Appearance at Hearing