Hi there, 

I’m sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing. Navigating the divorce process in Arizona, especially with children involved, can be challenging. Here’s a concise guide to help you through it:

1. Residency Requirement:

• Ensure that either you or your spouse has lived in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing.

2. Filing for Divorce:

• Obtain the necessary forms for Dissolution of Marriage with Children from the Arizona Judicial Branch.
• Complete and file these forms with the Superior Court in your county.

3. Serving the Papers:

• Legally serve the divorce papers to your spouse, ensuring they are officially notified.

4. Waiting Period:

• Arizona law requires a 60-day waiting period after your spouse is served before the divorce can be finalized.

5. Parent Education Program:

• Both parents must attend a court-approved Parent Education Program, focusing on the effects of divorce on children.

6. Reaching an Agreement:

• If you and your spouse agree on all terms (custody, support, property division), you can submit a Consent Decree, potentially avoiding court appearances.
• For contested issues, mediation or court hearings may be necessary.

7. Finalizing the Divorce:

• After resolving all matters and the waiting period has passed, the court will issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, officially ending the marriage.

Additional Resources:

• For detailed instructions and forms, visit the Arizona Judicial Branch’s Self-Service Center.

Embarking on this process can be emotionally taxing, but with open communication and a cooperative approach, it’s possible to reach a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of your children and respects both parties’ interests.

No matter what, you’re not alone in this. Arizona has a clear process, and there are support systems in place to help families through it. Wishing you the best as you move forward—hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I really appreciate the step-by-step guidance. I have a follow-up question:

If my spouse and I are unable to reach an agreement on issues like child custody and property division, how does the court in Arizona typically handle these disputes? What factors do they consider when making decisions, especially regarding the best interests of the children?

Also, if mediation is required, how long does that process usually take, and is it mandatory before going to court?

Thank you!

I understand how overwhelming this must be, especially with the kids involved. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Child Custody:
The court’s main focus is always on what’s best for the child. They’ll look at:

• How close the child is with each parent.
• Whether both parents can provide a stable and safe environment.
• The child’s physical and emotional well-being.
• And sometimes, the child’s preference (if they’re old enough).

Property Division:
Arizona follows community property laws, meaning most property and debts are split 50/50. But the court will consider things like who contributed to what and the financial situation when making the final decision.

Mediation:
Before things go to court, Arizona encourages mediation to work out disagreements. It’s not always required, but the court may ask for it, especially with custody. Mediation usually takes about 2-6 hours, depending on how much needs to be discussed.

I know this is a lot to take in, but try to keep communication open with your spouse if you can. If mediation doesn’t work, the court will make a final call based on these factors. Hopefully, this helps give you some clarity! You’ve got this.