Glendale Divorce Attorneys

What Are the Requirements for Divorce in Arizona?

To file for divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days. Couples must also establish the grounds for divorce (usually “irreconcilable differences” for no-fault divorces) and file a formal petition to initiate the proceedings.

Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce?

State law mandates a 60-day waiting or “cooling off” period after divorce papers are served before a final decree can be issued. Our lawyers can discuss your options and guide you toward an efficient path forward. 

How Is Property Divided in an Arizona Divorce?

Arizona is a community property state, meaning courts aim to divide marital assets (“community property”) equally in a divorce. This refers to debts, assets, income, and other property acquired during the marriage. Separate property like gifts or inheritances is not subject to division and typically remains in the possession of the original spouse. 

While it isn’t uncommon for community property division to result in a 50/50 split, this is never a guarantee. Courts may consider various factors to determine a fair division, including the length of the marriage, the needs of any minor children, the contributions of each spouse, potential tax liabilities, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.

Whether you want to protect a family business, retirement benefits, or real estate, our attorneys can help you identify community property, obtain accurate valuations, and present compelling evidence to protect your hard-earned assets. With thousands of cases handled, our proven reputation speaks for itself. 

How to File for Divorce in Glendale

The divorce process generally involves the following steps:

• Confirm residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least 90 days before filing a divorce petition. 
• Obtain the required forms. Gather the official divorce forms, including the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and related documents. 
• Complete the paperwork. Fill out the petition and administrative forms. If minor children are involved, you must complete additional forms addressing legal decision-making, parenting time, and support. 
• File the petition with the Superior Court. Take your original documents and the required copies to the Maricopa County Superior Court. After filing, you should receive a case number and stamped copies.
• Serve the divorce papers. After filing, your spouse must be notified of the divorce action, usually via a process server or sheriff. 
• Wait for the statutory period. There is a 60-day waiting period from the date your spouse is served before a final divorce decree can be entered, even if you agree on all terms. 
• Finalize the divorce. If you and your spouse agree on all issues, you can submit a Consent Decree for the court’s signature. If your spouse does not respond, you may be able to seek a default judgment after the appropriate waiting time. 

Do You Represent Couples in Same-Sex Divorces?

Yes. Our attorneys have extensive experience in same-sex divorce proceedings. From addressing judicial bias to navigating complex parenting disputes, we understand the unique challenges involved in LGBTQ+ family law to represent your best interests at each stage of the process. 

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

It depends. Most contested divorces take 6–12 months or longer, while uncontested divorces can be resolved in a few months. We can work to streamline the proceedings when possible by managing deadlines and court requirements, assisting with paperwork, communicating with opposing counsel, and preventing potential procedural errors that may delay your case. 

What Is a Covenant Marriage?

A covenant marriage is a legally recognized type of marriage with stricter requirements than a standard marriage. Couples must complete premarital counseling and sign a declaration acknowledging the limited grounds for divorce. 

Ending a covenant marriage generally requires different forms and limited grounds for divorce, such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment. We can guide you through the legal nuances of covenant divorce proceedings while protecting your rights at every turn.

Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call (602) 878-3133 to schedule a consultation with our compassionate advocates.