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Courtney Robertson Files Divorce in AZ: Community Property, 3 Kids

Bachelor's Courtney Robertson filed for divorce July 11, 2026 after her Oct 2020 Sedona marriage. How Arizona's 50/50 community property law applies.

By Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq.Arizona5 min read

Former 'Bachelor' winner Courtney Robertson, 43, told People on July 11, 2026 that she filed for divorce from attorney husband Humberto Preciado, 47, citing information that "irreparably damaged the trust" in their marriage. Because the couple married in Sedona in October 2020 and have three young children, Arizona's 50/50 community property and best-interests custody laws will likely govern the split.

Key FactDetail
What happenedCourtney Robertson filed for divorce from Humberto Preciado
When announcedJuly 11, 2026
MarriageOctober 2020, Sedona, Arizona (nearly 6 years)
ChildrenThree (Joaquin, 6; Paloma, 5; Gabriel, 2)
Governing lawArizona community property (A.R.S. § 25-211)
Practical impactAssets acquired during marriage presumptively split 50/50; custody by best-interests standard

Why this divorce matters legally

Arizona is one of only nine community property states, which means the outcome here is governed by a fundamentally different framework than the equitable-distribution model used in most of the country. Under A.R.S. § 25-211, all property either spouse acquires during the marriage belongs equally to both, regardless of whose name is on the title or who earned the income. When Robertson and Preciado divorce, the court presumes a 50/50 split of everything the couple accumulated between October 2020 and their date of separation.

That community property presumption applies whether the marriage lasted six years or sixteen. Robertson's stated reason for filing — learning information that damaged trust — carries no legal weight in Arizona because the state is a pure no-fault divorce jurisdiction. Under A.R.S. § 25-312, a court needs only a finding that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" to grant the decree. Misconduct, betrayal, or the reason behind the loss of trust does not change the property division or the custody analysis.

How Arizona law handles this

Arizona courts divide marital estates equitably, and in a community property state "equitable" means substantially equal. Under A.R.S. § 25-318, the court divides community property and community debts without regard to marital misconduct, targeting a 50/50 result unless a compelling reason (such as one spouse wasting assets) justifies deviation. Property Preciado or Robertson owned before the October 2020 marriage — or received individually by gift or inheritance — remains separate under A.R.S. § 25-213 and stays with its original owner.

With three children under seven, custody is the more consequential issue. Arizona uses the phrase "legal decision-making" and "parenting time" rather than "custody," and every determination follows the best-interests-of-the-child standard in A.R.S. § 25-403. The statute directs courts to weigh eleven factors, including each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and community, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the children. Arizona law under A.R.S. § 25-403.02 instructs courts to maximize each parent's parenting time consistent with the child's best interests, reflecting a strong policy preference for both parents remaining actively involved.

Child support in Arizona follows the Income Shares Model set out in A.R.S. § 25-320, which combines both parents' incomes and allocates the support obligation proportionally. Because Preciado is a practicing attorney and both parents will share parenting time, the guideline calculation will weigh each parent's gross income, the number of overnights, and the cost of childcare and health insurance. Parents anticipating this analysis can estimate ranges using a child support calculator, though only a court applying the official guidelines produces a binding figure.

One residency note matters: Arizona requires that at least one spouse live in the state for 90 days before filing under A.R.S. § 25-312. Couples who marry in Arizona but later relocate — as many celebrity couples do — may find the case belongs in California or another state instead. You can review the general rules in our overview of residency requirements for divorce.

Practical takeaways

Whether or not your circumstances resemble this high-profile filing, an Arizona divorce involving young children and shared assets rewards early, organized preparation. Consider these steps:

  1. Establish your date of separation. Arizona measures the community estate up to the point the marriage effectively ends, so the separation date directly affects which assets and debts are divided 50/50.
  2. Inventory separate versus community property. Document what each spouse owned before October 2020 or received by gift or inheritance, because separate property under A.R.S. § 25-213 stays with its owner and is excluded from the split.
  3. Prioritize a workable parenting plan. Courts favor detailed plans that maximize both parents' time; approaching co-parenting "with kindness and respect," as Robertson stated, aligns with the cooperation factor in A.R.S. § 25-403.
  4. Gather income documentation early. Because child support turns on both parents' gross incomes, collect pay records, tax returns, and business records before the guideline calculation begins.
  5. Budget realistically for the process. An uncontested Arizona divorce moves faster and costs far less than a litigated one; our divorce cost estimator helps you plan.

Couples who negotiate a full agreement can often finalize within a few months, while contested custody or property disputes can extend a case well past a year. Understanding the broader divorce process before filing helps you anticipate each stage and reduce conflict.

If you are navigating a divorce in Arizona and want to understand your options, a good first step is building a personalized divorce roadmap or connecting with a qualified divorce attorney in Arizona who can evaluate your specific situation.

This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Key Questions

Is Arizona a community property state for divorce?

Yes. Arizona is one of nine community property states. Under A.R.S. § 25-211, all property either spouse acquires during the marriage is owned equally, and courts presume a 50/50 split of community assets and debts upon divorce, regardless of whose name holds the title.

Does cheating or betrayal affect an Arizona divorce settlement?

No. Arizona is a pure no-fault state under A.R.S. § 25-312, so misconduct like infidelity or broken trust does not change property division or custody. Courts divide community property without regard to marital fault under A.R.S. § 25-318, targeting an equal 50/50 result.

How does Arizona decide child custody in a divorce?

Arizona courts apply the best-interests standard in A.R.S. § 25-403, weighing eleven factors including each parent's relationship with the child and willingness to cooperate. The state uses "legal decision-making" and "parenting time" and favors maximizing both parents' involvement under A.R.S. § 25-403.02.

What are Arizona's residency requirements to file for divorce?

At least one spouse must live in Arizona for 90 days before filing, per A.R.S. § 25-312. Couples who married in Arizona but later moved away may need to file in their current state of residence instead, which can change the governing property and custody laws.

How is child support calculated in Arizona?

Arizona uses the Income Shares Model under A.R.S. § 25-320, combining both parents' gross incomes and allocating support proportionally. The calculation factors in the number of overnights each parent has, childcare costs, and health insurance, producing a guideline figure a court then applies.

Written By

Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq.

Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Arizona divorce law