Arizona imposes no waiting period for remarriage after a divorce is finalized. Once an Arizona Superior Court judge signs your Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and the clerk files it, you are legally single and may remarry immediately—even on the same day. This makes Arizona one of the most remarriage-friendly states in the nation. However, remarrying before your divorce is complete constitutes bigamy under A.R.S. § 13-3606, a Class 5 felony carrying potential prison time of 6 months to 2.5 years.
Key Facts: Remarriage After Divorce in Arizona (2026)
| Requirement | Arizona Law |
|---|---|
| Waiting Period After Divorce | None—remarry immediately upon decree entry |
| Marriage License Fee | $76–$98 depending on county (Maricopa: $83) |
| Marriage License Waiting Period | None—license valid same day |
| License Validity | 12 months from issuance |
| Residency for Marriage | Not required—non-residents may marry in Arizona |
| Divorce Filing Fee | $349 (Maricopa County, as of January 2026) |
| Divorce Waiting Period | 60 days from service under A.R.S. § 25-329 |
| Residency for Divorce | 90 days domicile under A.R.S. § 25-312 |
| Property Division | Community property (presumptive 50/50) |
| Bigamy Penalty | Class 5 felony under A.R.S. § 13-3606 |
How Soon Can You Remarry After Divorce in Arizona?
Arizona law permits remarriage immediately upon the court's entry of your final divorce decree—there is no post-divorce waiting period whatsoever. This contrasts sharply with states like Texas (30 days), Nebraska (6 months), and Alabama (60 days) that impose mandatory cooling-off periods between divorce finalization and remarriage. In Arizona, if a judge signs your Decree of Dissolution at 9:00 AM, you can legally apply for a marriage license that same morning and marry by afternoon.
The critical requirement is timing verification. Your divorce must be completely finalized, meaning the judge has signed the decree and the clerk has filed it with the court. A signed settlement agreement alone does not end your marriage. Until the court enters the final decree, you remain legally married to your first spouse, and any subsequent marriage would be void and potentially criminal.
Arizona courts typically enter decrees in one of three ways: after a consent decree where both parties agree, after a default hearing where one spouse did not respond, or after a trial where the judge decides contested issues. In all three scenarios, remarriage becomes legal only when the clerk files the signed decree—not when settlement is reached, not when the 60-day waiting period expires, and not when the judge verbally announces the decision.
Understanding Arizona's 60-Day Divorce Waiting Period
While Arizona has no remarriage waiting period, it does mandate a 60-day divorce waiting period under A.R.S. § 25-329. This statute prohibits courts from holding hearings or entering a dissolution decree until 60 days after the respondent spouse is served with the divorce petition. The 60-day clock starts on the date of service—not the filing date.
During this cooling-off period, productive steps remain available. Couples can negotiate settlement terms, attend mediation, complete mandatory parenting classes ($50 per parent if children are involved), gather financial documents, and even sign a Consent Decree. However, even if both spouses reach complete agreement on Day 1, the court cannot enter the final decree until Day 61 at the earliest.
Practical divorce timelines in Arizona rarely match the 60-day minimum. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree typically take 90 to 120 days from filing to final decree. Contested divorces involving disputes over property division, spousal maintenance, or child custody often extend from 6 to 18 months, with complex high-asset cases sometimes exceeding 2 years.
Marriage License Requirements in Arizona
Arizona's marriage license process is straightforward and does not require residency, blood tests, or waiting periods. Both parties must appear in person at any Arizona Superior Court Clerk's office with valid government-issued photo identification. The license is issued immediately upon approval and remains valid for 12 months.
Marriage license fees vary by county. Maricopa County (Phoenix metro) charges $83, Pima County (Tucson) charges $83, while smaller counties like Cochise and Graham charge $98. Payment methods typically include cash, credit cards, and money orders. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or ages 16-17 with parental consent and court approval.
Two witnesses age 18 or older must sign the marriage license during the ceremony. The officiant then returns the completed license to the issuing clerk's office for recording. Arizona recognizes marriages performed by judges, justices of the peace, ordained ministers, and other authorized officiants.
Bigamy Laws: Criminal Consequences of Remarrying Too Early
Remarrying before your Arizona divorce is finalized constitutes bigamy under A.R.S. § 13-3606, classified as a Class 5 felony. The statute states that "a person having a spouse living who knowingly marries any other person is guilty of a class 5 felony." Penalties for Class 5 felonies in Arizona include 6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment for first-time offenders.
Beyond criminal penalties, a bigamous marriage is void from inception. This means the second marriage has no legal effect—there is no community property accumulation, no spousal maintenance rights, and no inheritance protections. The innocent second spouse may have civil claims against the bigamist but cannot claim rights as a legally married spouse.
Arizona law provides limited exceptions to bigamy charges. You are not guilty of bigamy if your former spouse has been absent for five consecutive years without being known to you to be living, or if your prior marriage was pronounced void, annulled, or dissolved by judgment of a competent court. The burden of proving an exception falls on the defendant.
Verifying Your Divorce Is Final Before Remarriage
Before applying for a marriage license, verify your divorce finalization through official channels. The safest approach is obtaining a certified copy of your Decree of Dissolution of Marriage from the Superior Court Clerk's office in the county where your divorce was granted. This document shows the judge's signature and the date of entry, confirming your single status.
Maricopa County maintains online case access at clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov where you can view case status, though certified copies require in-person pickup or mail request. Other Arizona counties offer varying levels of online access. Certified copy fees typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
If you divorced in another state, Arizona marriage license clerks may require proof that your prior marriage was dissolved. Contact the issuing state's court system for certified copies. International divorces require additional verification—some countries' divorce decrees must be authenticated through the Secretary of State or require apostille certification.
How Remarriage Affects Spousal Maintenance in Arizona
Remarriage terminates your right to receive spousal maintenance (alimony) under Arizona's default statutory framework. A.R.S. § 25-327 provides that "the obligation to pay future maintenance is terminated on the death of either party or the remarriage of the party receiving maintenance." This termination is automatic upon remarriage—no court order modification is required.
However, divorce decrees can override the default rule. If your decree specifically states that spousal maintenance survives remarriage, the paying spouse must continue payments regardless of your new marital status. Review your decree carefully or consult an attorney before assuming remarriage will end maintenance obligations.
The paying spouse's remarriage does not automatically terminate maintenance obligations. If you are paying spousal maintenance and you remarry, you remain obligated to pay your former spouse according to the existing decree. New financial obligations from a second marriage are not grounds for automatic modification, though they may support a motion to reduce maintenance based on changed circumstances.
Impact of Remarriage on Child Custody and Support
Remarriage does not automatically modify child custody orders or child support calculations in Arizona. Your parenting plan and legal decision-making arrangements remain in effect regardless of either parent's new marital status. However, remarriage can indirectly affect custody through changed circumstances that impact the children's best interests.
Child support calculations under Arizona Guidelines consider each parent's income and the parenting time schedule. A new spouse's income is generally not included in child support calculations, though courts may consider household resources when evaluating a parent's actual financial situation. If remarriage significantly improves your financial circumstances, the other parent could potentially request a support modification.
Introducing a stepparent to children requires sensitivity. Arizona courts prioritize stability for children. Rapid introductions or attempts to replace the other biological parent can negatively impact custody evaluations if modification requests arise. Consider the timing of remarriage relative to your children's adjustment to the divorce.
Property and Financial Considerations for Second Marriages
Arizona's community property laws under A.R.S. § 25-211 apply fully to second marriages. All property acquired during the second marriage by either spouse's efforts becomes community property, owned equally by both spouses. This includes income, retirement contributions, real estate purchases, and asset appreciation during the marriage.
To protect assets brought into a second marriage, consider a prenuptial agreement. Arizona recognizes prenuptial agreements that are voluntary, made with full disclosure, and not unconscionable. A valid prenuptial can designate specific assets as separate property, waive spousal maintenance rights, and establish property division terms if the marriage ends.
Existing property division from your first divorce carries forward. Assets you received in your divorce remain your separate property in a second marriage, provided you keep them separate and avoid commingling with community funds. Document the separate property status and consider titling strategies to maintain clear ownership records.
Timeline: From Divorce Filing to Second Marriage
The fastest possible timeline from filing for divorce to legally remarrying in Arizona is approximately 61 days. This assumes your spouse accepts service immediately, both parties agree on all terms, you have no children requiring additional procedures, and the court enters your decree on Day 61.
| Stage | Minimum Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filing divorce petition | Day 1 | $349 filing fee (Maricopa) |
| Service of process | Days 2-14 | Personal service or acceptance |
| 60-day waiting period | Days 2-61 | From date of service |
| Decree entry | Day 61+ | Court signs and files decree |
| Remarriage eligible | Same day as decree | No additional waiting period |
| Marriage license | Same day | $83 (Maricopa), issued immediately |
| Wedding ceremony | Same day | License valid upon issuance |
Realistic timelines are longer. Uncontested divorces typically take 90-120 days total. Add time for mandatory parenting classes if you have minor children. Contested divorces involving disputes can take 6-18 months. Complex cases with business valuations, hidden assets, or custody battles may extend beyond 2 years.
Arizona vs. Other States: Remarriage Waiting Period Comparison
Arizona's lack of a remarriage waiting period distinguishes it from many other states. This comparison shows how Arizona's approach compares to neighboring and frequently compared jurisdictions.
| State | Remarriage Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | None | Remarry same day as decree |
| California | None | Divorce final 6 months after filing |
| Texas | 30 days | Unless court waives |
| Alabama | 60 days | Applies to both parties |
| Nebraska | 6 months | One of the longest waits |
| Nevada | None | Known for quick divorces |
| Utah | None | No post-decree waiting period |
| Colorado | None | 91-day divorce waiting period |
Arizona's combination of no remarriage waiting period and a relatively short 60-day divorce waiting period makes it one of the faster states for someone seeking to end one marriage and begin another. Only Nevada's minimal residency requirements (6 weeks) make it potentially faster overall.
Special Circumstances: Covenant Marriages
Arizona is one of three states (along with Arkansas and Louisiana) that offers covenant marriages—a legally distinct marriage category with stricter dissolution requirements. If your first marriage was a covenant marriage, different rules applied to your divorce, though the remarriage rules remain the same.
Covenant marriages require premarital counseling and limit divorce grounds to specific fault-based reasons or extended separation periods. However, once a covenant marriage divorce is finalized, the remarriage rules are identical to standard marriages—no waiting period applies, and you may remarry immediately upon decree entry.
If you are entering a second marriage and want it to be a covenant marriage, both parties must receive premarital counseling from a clergy member or counselor, sign a declaration of intent, and have the marriage solemnized accordingly. Covenant marriage status cannot be added to an existing standard marriage.