{"id":371527,"date":"2019-01-03T11:44:30","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T16:44:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-divorce-process.html"},"modified":"2024-03-11T15:04:01","modified_gmt":"2024-03-11T20:04:01","slug":"arizona-divorce-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-divorce-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Divorce Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arizona Divorce Process<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Few people go into a marriage thinking they’ll end up getting divorced. At a certain point, however, your marriage may become an unhappy union. When this happens, you may consider filing for divorce<\/a>. Like most other states, Arizona has a unique divorce process.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we will explain how the Arizona divorce process works. We’ll also discuss whether you can demand alimony<\/a>, child support<\/a>, and custody<\/a> of your minor children. Finally, we will provide links to helpful resources for the Arizona divorce laws.<\/p>\r\n

Important Terminology<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

It’s helpful to understand a few important terms before we discuss the divorce process in Arizona. First, Arizona law uses the terms \u201cdivorce\u201d and \u201cdissolution\u201d interchangeably. Some states refer to a dissolution when speaking about a simple, no-fault divorce. In Arizona family court, these words mean the same thing – the legal ending of a marriage.<\/p>\r\n

Another term you should be familiar with is equitable distribution<\/a>. This is when you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse divide your marital property<\/a> and liabilities. This includes your marital home, personal property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, etc.<\/p>\r\n

Arizona is one of only three states that recognize something they call a covenant marriage<\/a>. People enter a covenant marriage when they want to prove they have a superior commitment to each other. They see their marriage as a contract made before their god. No other states except Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana allow for this type of union.<\/p>\r\n

Finally, you should know that Arizona offers an uncontested divorce (no fault) and a fault-based dissolution. Most petitioners cite irreconcilable differences as the basis for their divorce. However, you have the option of citing specific grounds for divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Now that we\u2019ve reviewed the important terminology, let’s discuss the other legal issues you\u2019ll address when you file a petition for dissolution of marriage.<\/p>\r\n

No-Fault Divorce<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Arizona is a no-fault state<\/a>. You don’t have to explain why your marriage has broken down. All you must do is certify that your marriage is beyond saving and that there is no chance of conciliation.<\/p>\r\n

Remember, there is no such thing as a no-fault divorce for people in a covenant marriage. Covenant marriages require a greater marital commitment, so it takes a greater effort to dissolve them. However, it can be simple if both parties agree to dissolve a covenant marriage.<\/p>\r\n

Grounds for Dissolution of a Covenant Marriage<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you are in a covenant marriage, you must provide specific information before you can get a divorce\/dissolution.<\/p>\r\n

Grounds for a covenant marriage dissolution include the following:<\/p>\r\n