Arizona Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/arizona/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
Minimum 60 days for uncontested consent decree (per A.R.S. § 25-329 waiting period); 90-120 days typical for uncontested divorce; 6-9 months for contested divorce with mediation; 1-3 years for fully litigated contested divorce with trial
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Arizona Driver's License or State-Issued ID
- Children's Birth Certificates(if applicable)
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Social Security Cards for Both Spouses and Children
- Proof of Income (Pay Stubs)
- Real Estate Deeds and Property Appraisals
- Vehicle Titles and Registration Documents
- Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- 6 Months of Bank Statements for All Accounts
- Retirement and Pension Account Statements
- Life Insurance Policy Documents
- Business Ownership Documents(if applicable)
- Credit Card and Debt Statements
- Mortgage Statements and Home Equity Documentation
- Health Insurance Premium Documentation
- Childcare Expense Documentation(if applicable)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Arizona Residency Requirements
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Determine Whether Minor Children Are Involved
- Consider Conciliation Services or Mediation
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Required Forms
- File the Petition with the Superior Court Clerk
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
3. After Filing
- Wait for Respondent's Answer Within 20 Days
- Complete Mandatory Financial Disclosure Under Rule 49
- Complete the Parent Information Program (If Children Involved)
- Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial
- Attend the Final Hearing and Obtain the Decree
- Complete Post-Decree Administrative Tasks
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must have been domiciled in the state for 90 days (A.R.S. § 25-312). File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — form DRDA1f (no children) or DRDC1f (with children) — with the Superior Court Clerk in your county, along with the Sensitive Data Cover Sheet, Summons, Preliminary Injunction, and health insurance notice. The filing fee is $330.00; fee waivers are available at 150% of the federal poverty level. After filing, serve your spouse within 120 days. The respondent has 20 days (30 if out-of-state) to file a Response. Arizona imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of service before the court can finalize the divorce (A.R.S. § 25-329). Both parties must exchange financial disclosures within 40 days of the Response under Rule 49, ARFLP. If minor children are involved, both parents must complete a Parent Information Program class within 45 days (A.R.S. § 25-352). Uncontested divorces with a consent decree typically conclude in 90-120 days; contested cases may take 6 months to 3 years.