Common Questions about Divorce
Do I have to have a reason to file for divorce?
No, you simply need to state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The only exception is if you have a Covenant Marriage, which is rare.
What if my spouse made more money during the marriage, do they get more assets?
No, Arizona is a community property state, for every dollar earned by your spouse, you are considered to have earned fifty cents. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage will be split 50/50 in the divorce, with a few exceptions for things like gifts and inheritances.
How fast can I get this done?
Minimum: 64 days after service of the initial divorce documents. A 64 day divorce generally occurs only in cases without children and with little to no assets or debts.
Maximum: Complex cases such as those where custody/parenting time is contested, involving substantial assets, valuation and division of businesses, disputes over whether all or some of the property is sole and separate, and contested Spousal Maintenance (alimony) cases can sometimes take a year or more.
What if I don't know where my spouse is living - how do I get the papers to them?
We can arrange to have your spouse served at work, the gym or anywhere else they might be. If you have no idea where they are or how to find them, then we can ask the court for permission to serve in other ways.
What if they live out of state?
We can arrange to serve the divorce or custody papers if living out of state or when they are in Arizona.
Do we have to go to court?
Not Always. If both parties sign the final documents your divorce or other family law matter can be finalized without ever having to go to court.
If parties do not agree on everything, then a Trial will be set so the Judge can decide any unresolved issues.