Arizona divorce at a glance
Official source: Arizona court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Arizona: step by step
Arizona is no-fault with a 90-day residency rule and a 60-day waiting period. Here is the path from petition to a Decree of Dissolution.
- Confirm you can file in Arizona
One spouse must have been domiciled in Arizona for 90 days. Arizona is no-fault for standard (non-covenant) marriages — the marriage is irretrievably broken.Source: A.R.S. § 25-312 - Prepare the Petition for Dissolution
Use the AOC Self-Service Center dissolution packet to prepare your Petition for Dissolution — but check whether your county (Maricopa, Pima) requires its own packet.Source: AZ AOC Self-Service Center - File with the Superior Court
File with the Superior Court and pay about $280–$365, or file a fee-deferral/waiver application.Source: AZ fee deferral/waiver application - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse; they can respond, sign an Acceptance of Service, or agree to a Consent Decree.Source: Ariz. R. Fam. L. P. 40 - Complete the child-support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, complete the Arizona child-support worksheet using the official guidelines calculator.Source: AZ Child Support Guidelines - Wait 60 days and finalize
Arizona requires a 60-day wait after service. After that, submit your Consent Decree or attend a default hearing; the judge signs the Decree of Dissolution.Source: A.R.S. § 25-329
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Arizona?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Arizona
Arizona child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Arizona’s official guideline, figures effective 2026-01-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Arizona divorce take?
A 60-day waiting period after the other spouse is served before the decree can be entered. After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Arizona divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. High. The biggest counties (Maricopa, Pima) effectively require their own packets, so county packets often substitute for the statewide ones.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your Arizona case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official Arizona forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Arizona divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Arizona?
No lawyer is required: Arizona courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official Arizona forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Arizona to file for divorce?
One spouse must have been domiciled in Arizona for 90 days before filing. Confirm the current rule with the official Arizona court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Arizona?
The court filing fee is about $280–$365, varying by county (Maricopa petition is about $349). File the statewide fee deferral/waiver application if you can’t afford the fee. LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.