How to file for divorce in Arizona — without a lawyer
Arizona lets you handle your own divorce, and for uncontested cases it's very doable: file in the Superior Court, use the state's no-fault ground — marriage is irretrievably broken — follow the steps below, and use the official Arizona forms. This page gives you the real requirements, with links to the official sources to verify each one.
Arizona divorce: the key facts
Residency note: If minor children are involved they must have lived in Arizona ~6 months.
Verify with the official source: Arizona court self-help ↗Find your court ↗
The 6 steps, start to finish
- 1
Confirm you can file in Arizona
At least one spouse generally must have lived in Arizona for 90 days (about 3 months) before filing. If you qualify, you'll file in the Superior Court — usually in the county where you or your spouse lives.
- 2
Get the official forms
Arizona's own forms are free. You'll typically need the petition (Petition for Dissolution (Self-Service Center packet)), a financial disclosure (Affidavit of Financial Information), and with children, the support worksheet (Child Support Worksheet / online calculator). CaseForward's guided interview fills in the decisions those forms ask you to make.
- 3
Complete your paperwork carefully
Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is the #1 reason self-filed divorces get bounced. Work through each form slowly; if you and your spouse agree on everything, prepare a settlement agreement and a parenting plan to attach.
- 4
File with the court (~$261)
The typical court filing fee is about $261 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Many Arizona courts accept electronic filing through eFileAZ.
- 5
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must formally receive the papers — usually by sheriff, private process server, or (in agreed cases) a signed waiver/acceptance of service. Keep the proof of service; the court needs it.
- 6
Wait, then finalize
Arizona has a 60-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. In an uncontested case the judge reviews your paperwork (sometimes with a short hearing) and signs the final decree.
Do the paperwork with a guide, not from scratch
CaseForward walks you through every decision, generates your court-ready Arizona documents, and shows you full previews free. One price — $99 for the complete DIY packet, or $29 for a single document. No subscription.
Child support in Arizona: Income Shares
Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41).
Arizona divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Arizona?
No. Every state, including Arizona, lets you represent yourself in a divorce (called appearing "pro se"). Self-representation works best for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms. If your case involves abuse, hidden assets, or a real dispute over the children, talk to a licensed Arizona attorney — many offer free consultations, and you may qualify for legal aid.
How long do I have to live in Arizona before I can file for divorce?
At least one spouse generally must have lived in Arizona for 90 days (about 3 months) before filing. Always verify the current rule with the court's own self-help resources before filing.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Arizona?
Arizona has a 60-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. Uncontested cases with complete, correctly-filled paperwork are consistently the fastest.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Arizona?
The typical court filing fee is about $261 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Beyond the court fee, doing the paperwork yourself is the biggest saver: preparing your own documents (free preview, $99 for the complete court-ready packet on CaseForward) instead of paying a few thousand dollars in attorney fees.
What are the grounds for divorce in Arizona?
Arizona accepts a no-fault ground — marriage is irretrievably broken. It is a pure no-fault state, so you don't need to prove any misconduct.
How is child support calculated in Arizona?
Arizona uses the Income Shares model. Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41). You can run your numbers with CaseForward's free Arizona child-support estimator, then confirm with the state's official worksheet.
Helpful Arizona links & guides
Court self-help center ↗E-filing (eFileAZ) ↗Find your court ↗
Free: The Uncontested Divorce Filing Checklist
The whole path on two printable pages — what to gather, decide, prepare, and file. We'll email it to you, plus a short series of practical tips (unsubscribe anytime).
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