Divorce isn’t easy—it’s emotional, complicated, and often overwhelming. On top of all that, the legal process can feel like uncharted territory. If you’re thinking about ending your marriage, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what lies ahead.

At Blake & Pulsifer, PLC, we know you have questions and concerns. Our Tempe divorce lawyers want to help. That’s why we’ve created this guide. It walks you through the steps of divorce in Arizona, breaking everything down into simple, manageable parts. Knowing what to expect—and how to prepare—can help you feel more in control during a difficult time. Whether you’re just starting to think about divorce or you’re ready to take action, we hope that this guide will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Here’s what you need to know, step by step.

Step 1: Know the Basics of Divorce in Arizona

The first step is understanding the legal foundation for divorce in Arizona. Unlike some states, Arizona operates as a no-fault divorce state. This means you don’t have to prove that anyone did something wrong—like infidelity or abandonment. Instead, you simply need to state that your marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

Another key element to know is that Arizona is a community property state. This means that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between you and your spouse, though the court aims for fairness rather than an exact 50/50 split.

Finally, there’s a residency requirement: either you or your spouse must have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing for divorce.

Step 2: Filing for Divorce

Once you’re ready, the legal process begins. In Arizona, the divorce process starts when one spouse (the “Petitioner”) files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court. This document sets the wheels in motion by outlining what you’re seeking in terms of property division, child custody, spousal support, and more.

Step 3: Temporary Orders for Immediate Issues

Divorce takes time—sometimes months or even longer. In the meantime, you may need temporary arrangements to cover urgent matters, such as:

  • Who will live in the family home?
  • How will bills be paid while the divorce is pending?
  • What will the parenting schedule look like for your children?

You can request temporary orders from the court to address these issues. Temporary orders can help you and your children live day-to-day life while the divorce is in progress.

Step 4: Sharing Financial Information

Arizona law requires both spouses to disclose their financial situation. This includes income, expenses, assets, and debts. Why is this so important? Because the court can’t make fair decisions about dividing property, awarding spousal support, or setting child support without a clear picture of each spouse’s financial situation.

Honesty is critical here. Failing to disclose assets or debts could lead to legal penalties—and it may even impact the outcome of your case.

Step 5: Resolving Disputes

At this stage, you’ll start working through the key issues of your divorce. This typically includes:

  • Dividing Property and Debts: Arizona’s community property laws mean marital property is divided equitably. Separate property—things you owned before marriage or received as gifts—usually stays with you.
  • Determining Custody and Parenting Time: If you have children, the court will prioritize their best interests, focusing on factors like their relationship with each parent, their stability, and their emotional well-being.
  • Spousal Support: You might hear some people call this alimony. Spousal support may be awarded to help a lower-earning spouse transition financially after the divorce.

If you and your spouse agree on these issues, you can draft a Settlement Agreement and submit it to the court for approval. If not, mediation can help. Mediation allows both parties to work with a neutral third party to find common ground without going to trial.

Step 6: Trial (If Necessary)

In some cases, no amount of negotiation or mediation can resolve the disputes. When that happens, your case goes to trial, and a judge makes the final decisions.

Trials can be stressful and expensive, but they’re sometimes unavoidable. If you’re heading to trial, preparation is key. You’ll work with your Tempe divorce attorney to gather evidence, prepare witnesses, and build a compelling case.

While trials put the decision-making in the hands of the court, most divorces in Arizona are resolved before this step becomes necessary.

Step 7: Finalizing Your Divorce

Once all the issues are resolved—whether through agreement or trial—the court will issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. This decree is the official document that finalizes your divorce. It includes all the terms of your divorce, such as:

  • Custody and visitation schedules
  • Property and debt division
  • Spousal and child support obligations

At this point, your divorce is complete, and you can begin moving forward with your life.

Ready To Take The First Step?

Divorce isn’t just about ending a marriage—it’s about creating a new future. While the legal process can feel daunting, having the right guidance makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to an Arizona divorce attorney at our law firm, who can help you understand your options and advocate for your best interests. You don’t have to do this alone.

Contact Blake & Pulsifer, PLC., at 1-480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form. We’ll help you create a plan to get through your divorce with ease.