📅 2026 Update: Changes in the Arizona Divorce Process

Since the original article was published, several important updates have occurred in the Arizona divorce process. The Arizona Judicial Branch has introduced new filing fees and requirements, along with revisions to spousal maintenance guidelines. These changes can impact how individuals navigate their divorce cases in Arizona.

The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information about the divorce process.

📄 New Filing Fees

The Arizona Judicial Branch updated the justice court filing fees effective December 28, 2024. The initial case filing fee for civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $50 is now $86.00. For subsequent filings, the fee is $47.00.

These fees apply to divorces and separations filed in justice courts across the state.

📑 eFiling Requirements Expanded

As of October 1, 2025, attorneys are required to eFile all documents in civil and eviction action cases in several counties, including Cochise, Gila, and Mohave. This requirement expanded further on February 1, 2026, when eFiling was mandated in additional counties, such as Apache and Navajo. This shift aims to streamline the filing process for divorces and related cases.

⚖️ Revised Spousal Maintenance Guidelines

The Arizona Supreme Court adopted revised spousal maintenance guidelines, effective September 1, 2025. These guidelines help determine how much spousal support one spouse may owe the other during divorce proceedings. Changes may affect existing agreements and future cases, making it important to understand the new criteria.

🏠 Self-Service Resources Available

Individuals representing themselves in court can utilize the Arizona Judicial Branch's Self-Service Center. This resource offers legal information and court forms to assist with divorce cases. It helps those who may not have an attorney navigate the court processes.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • New filing fees for justice courts apply since December 28, 2024.
  • eFiling mandates are now in place for several counties.
  • Revised spousal maintenance guidelines took effect on September 1, 2025.
  • The Self-Service Center offers resources for self-representation.

💡 Tips for Navigating Divorce in Arizona

Reviewing the details of your situation with an attorney is essential for navigating the divorce process.

📅 Understand Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days. If the case involves a minor child, that child must have lived in Arizona for at least 6 months before filing.

📝 Use the Divorce Flowchart

The Arizona Judicial Branch provides a divorce/legal separation flowchart. This flowchart outlines the steps of the divorce process, including filing a petition and serving the spouse. It can help individuals understand what to expect throughout their case.

📄 File in the Correct Court

Divorce cases typically need to be filed in the appropriate justice court. Make sure you understand which court has jurisdiction over your case to avoid delays.

🌐 Complete the Parent Education Program

Arizona requires parents involved in divorce or legal separation cases to complete a parent education program. This program aims to help parents understand their responsibilities and the impact of divorce on children.

🗂️ Consider Limited Scope Representation

Individuals may seek limited scope representation from attorneys. This allows them to receive help with specific parts of their case, such as reviewing paperwork, without having full representation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is the process for filing for divorce in Arizona?

To file for divorce, one spouse must complete a petition and file it with the appropriate court. The petitioner must then serve the other spouse with the documents.

📅 How long does the divorce process take in Arizona?

The duration of the divorce process can vary based on the complexity of the case. Factors include whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and how quickly both parties can agree on terms.

🏛️ Are there any fees associated with filing for divorce?

Yes, as of December 28, 2024, the initial filing fee for civil cases is $86.00, with a subsequent fee of $47.00 for additional filings in justice courts.

👶 Do I need to complete a program if I have children?

Yes, Arizona requires parents involved in divorce or legal separation cases to complete a parent education program. This program helps parents understand the impact of divorce on their children.

📑 Can I represent myself in a divorce case?

Yes, individuals have the right to represent themselves in court without an attorney. However, they must follow all court rules and procedures.

💼 What are spousal maintenance guidelines?

Spousal maintenance guidelines are criteria set by the Arizona Supreme Court that help determine the amount of financial support one spouse may owe the other during and after divorce proceedings.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Divorce

Several recent court rulings have impacted divorce cases in Arizona, particularly concerning spousal maintenance and filing procedures. Legal changes can affect how divorces are processed and the outcomes for individuals involved.

For more details, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Guide to the Divorce Process in Arizona

Divorcing can be difficult and expensive.  What's more, trying to find out about the divorce process in Arizona can be overwhelming.  This guide will break down Arizona's divorce laws so that you understand, step by step, the process that you will go through to dissolve your marriage.  Often, this process can be completed without even going to court.  Arizona gives several options to people who want to negotiate an out-of-court divorce settlement, even for people who have children.

Petition and Response

The divorce process in Arizona begins when the spouse asking for the divorce files a petition with the local courthouse.  Petitions for divorce establish both what the grounds for divorce are and what relief is being sought.  Grounds for divorce are usually “no-fault” grounds today, which mean that the divorcing spouse will say the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

The “relief” being sought can take many forms.  This will always include a request for the divorce itself, as well as an equitable division of all marital property.  In some cases, it will also involve requests for spousal support (commonly called alimony) and child support, as well as child visitation or custody arrangements.

Divorce Process in Arizona

When the complaint is served to the other spouse (the “respondent”), the respondent will have to file a response with the court.  This response may be a consent decree—more on that in a minute—or it may make claims for different relief, in which case the divorce is contested and the divorce process in Arizona becomes more complicated.

Child Custody and Parent Education

Child custody arrangements are determined based on what is in the best interests of the child.  The divorce process in Arizona requires all divorcing parents, even those who are settling their divorces out of court, to attend a parent education class about the likely effects of their divorce on their children.

Consent Decree

At any time during the divorce process in Arizona, a consent decree can be filed if both spouses can agree on not only how to divide their property, but also on child custody and visitation, child support, and spousal support.

Consent decrees can sometimes be easier for spouses to agree on if the court appoints a mediator to help with the divorce process in Arizona.  Mediators can help spouses to understand their options, and a mediated divorce is much more inexpensive than a divorce that goes to trial—typically costing around $1000 or so in addition to the court filing costs of about $250.

Trial

Spouses who cannot negotiate a divorce settlement will present their cases before a judge at a divorce trial.  Heavily-litigated trials may take days or weeks, and can be an expensive endeavor for both spouses.  Both sides may hire expert witnesses to bring in evidence that pertains to the division of marital property, child custody, or any other issues that the spouses cannot agree on.

After the trial, the judge will issue an official judgment that contains the terms of the divorce.  Your divorce is not final until this divorce order is issued.