Arizona Divorce Checklist

A divorce in Arizona is not one task — it is a sequence of deadlines, documents, and court requirements that must happen in the right order. Miss one step and the court sends everything back. This checklist covers the full process from eligibility check to signed decree.

Before You File

• [ ] Confirm at least one spouse has lived in Arizona for 90 continuous days (A.R.S. Section 25-312)
• [ ] If you have minor children, confirm they have resided in Arizona for at least 6 months (UCCJEA custody jurisdiction)
• [ ] Determine which county to file in (where either spouse currently resides)
• [ ] Decide your filing path: Summary Consent Decree (both file jointly), traditional uncontested (one files, other agrees), or anticipate a contested case
• [ ] Look up your county's filing fee and determine if you need a fee deferral or waiver
• [ ] Gather financial records: 3 years of tax returns, bank statements (6 months back), retirement account statements, mortgage/deed documents, credit card statements (11 months back)

Filing Your Case

• [ ] Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Non-Covenant Marriage (use the "with minor children" packet if applicable)
• [ ] Complete the Summons
• [ ] Complete the Sensitive Data Cover Sheet (this stays sealed — not served on your spouse)
• [ ] Review the Preliminary Injunction (takes effect automatically upon filing)
• [ ] Complete the Notice of Health Insurance Coverage and Notice to Creditors
• [ ] If children are involved: complete the Affidavit Regarding Minor Children (UCCJEA disclosure)
• [ ] File all documents with the Clerk of the Superior Court (electronic via AZTurboCourt or at the counter)
• [ ] Pay the filing fee or submit your deferral/waiver application

Serving Your Spouse (Skip if Summary Consent)

• [ ] Choose your service method: Acceptance of Service, certified mail, process server, or sheriff
• [ ] Complete service within 120 days of filing (court dismisses the case if you miss this deadline)
• [ ] File the Affidavit of Service or signed Acceptance of Service with the court
• [ ] Note the date of service — this starts both the 20-day response window and the 60-day cooling-off period

After Service

• [ ] Track the 20-day response deadline (30 days if served out of state)
• [ ] If children are involved: both parents register for and complete the Parent Information Program within 45 days (cost: $40–$50 per parent)
• [ ] If the respondent files a response: prepare for Rule 49 mandatory financial disclosures (must be exchanged within 40 days of the response)
• [ ] If the respondent does not respond: file the Application and Affidavit for Default after day 21, then wait 10 court days

Finalizing the Divorce

• [ ] Wait for the 60-day cooling-off period to expire (A.R.S. Section 25-329)
• [ ] Prepare the final decree (Consent Decree, Default Decree, or prepare for trial)
• [ ] If uncontested: both parties sign the Consent Decree before a notary, attach the Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet if applicable
• [ ] In Maricopa County: file the Resolution Statement confirming disclosures were exchanged
• [ ] Submit the decree to the judge for review and signature
• [ ] If default decree: mail a copy to your spouse within 3 days of receiving the signed decree and file a Certificate of Mailing

After the Decree Is Signed

• [ ] Update your driver's license and legal name (if changing names)
• [ ] Notify your bank, employer, insurance company, and creditors of the change in marital status
• [ ] If you received a fee deferral: pay the remaining balance or submit a Supplemental Application within 30 days to avoid automatic collection
• [ ] Execute any required QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) for retirement account division
• [ ] Update your will, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney

The Arizona Divorce Filing Process Guide turns this checklist into a structured workbook with deadline trackers and fillable worksheets for every step.

See more Arizona guides →