Arizona Alimony Laws
By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Susan Buckner, J.D. | Last reviewed June 07, 2024
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In Arizona, alimony or spousal maintenance is not guaranteed. Family law courts consider various factors to decide whether support is necessary and how much is appropriate.
In 2023, the Arizona Supreme Court amended the spousal maintenance laws. The new guidelines apply to all spousal support orders entered after July 1, 2023. For dissolution petitions filed after Sept. 24, 2022, the court can use the new guidelines for modification petitions. Couples can agree that the new laws will not apply in these cases but can't use the new guidelines for a "substantial showing of changed circumstances."
The primary change in the maintenance laws was limiting alimony payments to a specific period of time. The limit is the amount of time reasonably necessary for the receiving spouse to become self-sufficient. In practice, judges still have great discretion in spousal maintenance awards.
Overview of Arizona Alimony Laws
This is a brief overview of spousal support laws in Arizona with links to relevant statutes. Arizona's government page has links to the new Spousal Maintenance Guidelines. If you have questions or concerns about your divorce or legal separation or want to know how these laws may affect your divorce process, you should speak with an Arizona family law attorney.
Statute(s) | Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 25, Chapter 3, Article 2:
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Factors considered to determine alimony award eligibility | The new guidelines have three purposes. They help the requesting spouse become self-sufficient. They help courts keep spousal maintenance orders consistent. They provide tools for encouraging settlements in spousal maintenance payments by ensuring fairness. The court uses a spousal maintenance calculator when determining whether a spouse is eligible for support. Eligibility only means the spouse meets the statutory requirements. The judge can decide whether the spouse is entitled to support. Factors include:
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How a court determines alimony duration | In determining the amount and duration of alimony, the court considers all relevant factors, including:
Other factors that can affect the duration and amount of spousal maintenance depend on the facts in the case. Spousal maintenance is not meant to be permanent. If a person needs long-term payments after a divorce case is over, they may need other types of support, such as disability payments. |
Factors that do not affect alimony |
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Factors that may affect alimony |
Criminal behavior or domestic violence may be grounds for temporary spousal maintenance separate from any alimony court order. |
Related statute(s) | Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 25:
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Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. FindLaw strives to provide the most current information available. You should consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) before making any legal decision.
Arizona Alimony Laws: Related Resources
Visit the links below for more information and resources related to this topic.
- Arizona Divorce Laws
- Arizona Marital Property Laws
- Arizona Prenuptial Agreements
- Arizona Family Laws
Have Questions About Alimony Laws in Arizona? Speak With an Attorney
Getting divorced is stressful enough. If you're worried about financial support after the divorce proceedings, it may be worse. If you have questions about spousal support or need help requesting it, contact a local divorce attorney who can explain Arizona alimony laws.
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