Filing for divorce in Arizona without an attorney costs $300-$350 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 90 days in Arizona. Arizona is a community property state with a 60 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Arizona-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $300-$350 (Maricopa County (Phoenix): $349. Pima County (Tucson): $328. Fees vary slightly by county.) |
| Residency Requirement | 90 days in Arizona |
| Waiting Period | 60 days |
| Property Division | Community Property (50/50) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievably broken (no-fault) |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Arizona, you must meet the following residency requirement: 90 days in Arizona.
At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. Military members stationed in Arizona also meet this requirement.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Arizona's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Arizona without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. Military members stationed in Arizona also meet this requirement.
Download the official Arizona divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Preliminary Injunction. All forms are available from the Arizona courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (DRDA11f) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Arizona court and pay the filing fee of $300-$350. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Arizona rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Arizona law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served (or files a response). The court cannot enter a decree until this period has passed.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Arizona, this typically takes 2-3 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Arizona. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Notifies spouse
Freezes assets automatically
Financial disclosure
If uncontested
The filing fee to start a divorce in Arizona is $300-$350. Maricopa County (Phoenix): $349. Pima County (Tucson): $328. Fees vary slightly by county.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $300-$350 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $400-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Arizona offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Arizona, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Arizona courts are strict about service requirements.
Arizona is a community property state.
Arizona is a community property state. All property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property and must be divided 'equitably' (usually 50/50). Separate property (owned before marriage or received as gift/inheritance) remains with the original owner.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Arizona law applies to your specific property.
Arizona uses the Income shares model per Arizona Guidelines.
Arizona uses income shares guidelines. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, then support is allocated based on parenting time. The guidelines include adjustments for healthcare, childcare, and education costs.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Arizona divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $300-$350 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
60 days - Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served (or files a response). The court cannot enter a decree until this period has passed.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only state
Community property with equitable division
Automatic preliminary injunction upon filing
Covenant marriage option (harder to divorce)
90-day residency is short compared to most states
Common questions about filing for divorce in Arizona without an attorney.
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Arizona-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
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Child support calculator
Using Arizona's exact guidelines
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All Arizona divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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