Filing for divorce in Arizona without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Arizona calls divorce a Dissolution of Marriage and has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing. The filing fee is approximately $349. This guide explains every step of the DIY divorce process in Arizona.
Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Arizona?
You may be able to file for divorce without a lawyer in Arizona if both spouses agree on all major issues. Arizona also offers a Consent Decree of Dissolution for couples who agree on everything — this is the fastest and simplest option for uncontested cases.
- Both spouses agree on property division, debts, and support
- There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
- Neither spouse has highly complex assets such as a business or pension
- Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents
Arizona residency requirement
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Arizona for a minimum of 90 days before filing for dissolution of marriage. You must file in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse lives.
Arizona divorce waiting period
Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the other spouse is served before the dissolution can be finalized. This waiting period cannot be waived even if both spouses agree on all terms. Most uncontested divorces in Arizona are finalized within 2–4 months.
Step-by-step divorce process in Arizona
Step 1 — Download Arizona dissolution forms
Arizona provides free divorce forms through the Arizona Judicial Branch website at azcourts.gov. Arizona has excellent self-help resources including guided form completion tools and instructions for every type of dissolution.
Step 2 — File at your county Superior Court
File your completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Superior Court in your county. The filing fee is approximately $349 in most Arizona counties. Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson) may have slightly different fees.
Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Summons. If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign an Acceptance of Service. Otherwise, use a process server or the county sheriff. The 60-day waiting period begins when your spouse is served.
Step 4 — Your spouse responds or waives
Your spouse has 20 days to file a Response after being served. For an uncontested divorce, your spouse may sign the Consent Decree instead of filing a formal Response, which is the fastest path to finalization.
Step 5 — Wait 60 days and submit final documents
After the 60-day waiting period, submit your signed Consent Decree of Dissolution or Decree of Dissolution to the court. For uncontested cases in Arizona, you typically do not need to appear in court — the judge reviews the paperwork and signs the decree.
Required forms for divorce in Arizona
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without children)
- Summons
- Acceptance of Service (if spouse agrees) or Proof of Service
- Consent Decree of Dissolution (if uncontested) or Decree of Dissolution
- Affidavit of Financial Information (both spouses)
- If children are involved: Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet
All forms are available free at azcourts.gov.
How much does a divorce cost in Arizona?
The court filing fee in Arizona is approximately $349 in most counties. For a DIY uncontested dissolution, your total cost is typically $349–$500. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Arizona typically range from $1,000 to $3,500. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $10,000–$25,000 or more.
How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
The minimum time for any divorce in Arizona is 60 days due to the mandatory waiting period. Most uncontested DIY divorces in Arizona are finalized in 2–4 months. Contested divorces typically take 12–18 months or longer depending on the complexity of disputes over property or custody.
Frequently asked questions — Arizona divorce
Is Arizona a community property state?
Yes. Arizona is one of nine community property states in the United States. This means that most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses and are typically divided 50/50 in a divorce, unless both spouses agree to a different arrangement in a Consent Decree.
Is Arizona a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Arizona is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for dissolution of marriage in Arizona is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse, and fault is not considered when dividing community property.
Do I need to appear in court for a divorce in Arizona?
For an uncontested dissolution in Arizona where both spouses have signed a Consent Decree, you typically do not need to appear in court. The judge reviews the paperwork and signs the decree without requiring a hearing in most cases.
Can I file for divorce in Arizona without my spouse’s cooperation?
Yes. You can file a contested dissolution in Arizona without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 20 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default divorce after the 60-day waiting period.
What if I cannot afford the Arizona divorce filing fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee deferral or waiver by filing an Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs with the court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive or defer the filing fee.
Divorce guides in other states
Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Washington
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire