How do I start my divorce and what are the requirements to get a divorce in Arizona?

 

Divorce is not something that I think anyone starts out ever thinking they’re going to have to go through but when that time comes, for most people it’s a mystery. So I wanted to talk a little bit about where you get started. In Arizona, in order to initiate a divorce, the person who wants to start the divorce has the file with the court a document called a petition for dissolution of marriage. It’s a divorce petition. This is the official court document that we filed with the court to let them know that you have an intention of getting divorced. What has to go into that particular document? Well, for one thing you have to be able to meet all the requirements necessary to get a divorce in Arizona. Those requirements include the following: You have to have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days before you file your petition. I’ve had a lot of people who may be moving to the state from a bad marriage out of state, and want to initiate a divorce but unfortunately they haven’t lived here long enough. So we tell them that we have to wait until they hit that 90 day threshold. You also have to be able to verify to the court in the petition that you believe that your marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be saved through counseling. Arizona has a public policy that if marriages can be saved we want to do anything that we can to save them. In fact, Arizona even provides a free service to help people try to save their marriage if is it possible. But, if you don’t think that your marriage can be saved, we simply indicate in the petition that you believe your marriage is broken and cannot be saved. We also have to let the court know whether or not you’re currently pregnant.

Now, the petition itself will also cover a number of other issues that we have to cover in any divorce. For example, we’re going to let the court know exactly what your position is on things such as child custody (which would include legal decision making and parenting time) child support, spousal maintenance (if that is something you’re asking for) and of course the division of property and debt. That’s the initial document that we have to file with the court to get the case started. Once that’s done, then we go onto the next step which is serving the other party. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve decided to go forward with the divorce, please call us at the law office of Kevin Jensen. We’ve handled divorces for over a decade, and we understand how to help people through this very difficult process.

For more videos answering common divorce with kids questions click here.

For more videos answering common divorce without kids questions click here.

Our team of family law attorneys and divorce attorneys look forward to helping you when you need it most. With over two decades of aggressive divorce, child custody, child support, and divorce mediation representation we will not allow you to be taken advantage of. We believe in making a difference in the lives of our clients and their children.


Mesa, AZ – Office

Located in Mesa Arizona, on Val Vista and Southern Avenue. Our Family Law Attorneys and Divorce Lawyers in Mesa AZ have been helping our clients achieve the legal results they are searching for. Our Mesa Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Mesa AZ
2915 E Baseline Rd Suite 115
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 999-2321
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Chandler, AZ – Office

Located On Dobson Road, just North of W. Chandler Blvd, near the 101 Freeway. We have a team of the Best Divorce Lawyers and Family Law Attorneys in Chandler Arizona. Our Chandler Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

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333 N. Dobson Rd #5
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 632-2083
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Gilbert, AZ – Office

Located in South East Gilbert, Near Higley High School on Pecos Road, West of Power Road in the Power Ranch Neighborhood. Our Gilbert Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

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4365 E. Pecos Rd Suite 138
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Florence, AZ – Office

Located in the Community of Anthem in Florence Arizona, off of Hunt Hwy. Our Florence Law Firm is staffed with family law attorneys that offer Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Florence AZ
3281 N. Hunt Hwy Suite 111
Florence, AZ 85132
(480) 632-1120
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Glendale, AZ – Office

Located in Glendale. Our Glendale Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Glendale AZ
7075 West Bell Road Suite 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
(602) 834-8585
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