Divorce in Arizona: Laws, Process, and What You Need to Know (2026)

Q: 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 by either spouse during the marriage are considered jointly owned and are generally divided equally 50/50 in a divorce. Separate property, such as assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance, is not subject to division.

Q: How long does a divorce take in Arizona?

Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the respondent is served before a divorce can be finalized. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms typically takes 2 to 4 months. Contested divorces can take 6 months to over a year. Cases involving covenant marriages may take longer due to additional legal requirements.

Q: Can I get alimony in Arizona?

Yes, Arizona courts may award spousal maintenance alimony if the requesting spouse lacks sufficient property to provide for their own needs, cannot be self-sufficient through appropriate employment, has a long marriage duration, or contributed to the other spouse's earning ability. The court considers the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse's age and health, and earning capacity. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term.

Q: How much does a divorce cost in Arizona?

Filing fees in Arizona range from approximately $300 to $400, depending on the county. An uncontested divorce without attorneys can cost under $1,000. Attorney-represented uncontested divorces typically cost $2,000 to $5,000, while contested divorces can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more, particularly when complex community property or custody issues are involved.

Q: What is a covenant marriage in Arizona?

Arizona is one of only three states along with Arkansas and Louisiana that offers covenant marriage, a legally distinct form of marriage that requires premarital counseling and imposes stricter requirements for divorce. Couples in a covenant marriage cannot simply cite irreconcilable differences; they must prove specific fault grounds such as adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, domestic violence, substance abuse, or they must live separately for a defined period. If you are unsure whether you entered a covenant marriage, check your marriage license -- it will be clearly designated.

Introduction

As one of nine community property states, Arizona presumes that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. Arizona's divorce laws are relatively straightforward compared to many states, with a strong emphasis on equal division.

Arizona is a community property state for property division purposes. For an overview of how this system works, see our guide to property division. Understanding how Arizona handles divorce can help you prepare for what lies ahead and make informed decisions about your future.

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Arizona, you must meet the state's residency requirements: 90 days residency in the state. This means at least one spouse must have lived in Arizona for the required period before the court will accept a divorce filing. You will typically file in the county where either spouse resides.

Grounds for Divorce

Arizona is a strictly no-fault divorce state. The only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Covenant marriages have additional requirements. You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse to obtain a divorce.

Property Division

Arizona follows the community property approach to dividing property in a divorce. Under community property rules, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally between the spouses. Separate property, such as gifts, inheritances, and assets owned before the marriage, typically remains with the original owner.

Property that either spouse owned before the marriage, as well as gifts and inheritances received individually, is generally considered separate property and is not subject to division. However, if separate property has been commingled with marital assets, it may lose its separate character.

Alimony and Spousal Support

The court considers several factors when determining alimony in Arizona:

Length of marriage
Standard of living
Age and health
Earning capacity
Contributions to earning capacity of other spouse
Ability to meet own needs

In Arizona, alimony is referred to as "spousal maintenance." Courts consider whether the requesting spouse lacks sufficient property, cannot be self-sufficient, or has a long marriage duration.

For a comprehensive overview of alimony types and negotiation strategies, see our alimony and spousal support guide. The duration and amount of alimony depend heavily on the length of the marriage and the financial circumstances of both parties. Short-term marriages are less likely to result in long-term alimony awards.

Child Support

Arizona uses the Income Shares model for calculating child support, with guidelines based on combined adjusted gross income.

See our child support guide for a detailed explanation of calculation models and modification rules. Either parent can request a modification of child support if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, job loss, or a change in the child's needs.

Child Custody

Arizona courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child standard. The court evaluates a range of factors including each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to home and community, the mental and physical health of all parties, and the willingness of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent.

Most states, including Arizona, recognize both legal custody (decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare, and welfare) and physical custody (where the child lives). Both types can be awarded jointly or solely to one parent.

Mediation

Mediation is not required in Arizona, though it is often encouraged.

Filing Fees and Costs

Filing fees for divorce in Arizona typically range from $300-$400, though exact amounts vary by county. Additional costs may include:

Attorney fees (if you hire a lawyer)
Mediation or alternative dispute resolution fees
Process server or publication fees
Costs for financial experts or appraisers (in complex asset cases)
Court-mandated parenting class fees (if children are involved)

Uncontested divorces are generally significantly less expensive than contested cases.

Key Considerations

Waiting period: 60 days after service
Covenant marriage: Arizona is one of only three states that offers covenant marriage, which has stricter requirements for divorce.
Community property state: Assets acquired during the marriage are generally presumed to be owned equally by both spouses.

If you and your spouse can agree on the major issues, including property division, support, and custody, an uncontested divorce will save you significant time and money. Even in contested cases, exploring mediation or collaborative divorce may lead to a better outcome than a courtroom battle.

Frequently Asked Questions About 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 by either spouse during the marriage are considered jointly owned and are generally divided equally (50/50) in a divorce. Separate property, such as assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance, is not subject to division.

How is property divided in an Arizona divorce?

Under Arizona's community property laws, the court presumes that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong equally to both spouses. The default is an equal split, though the court may deviate in certain circumstances, such as when one spouse has wasted community assets. Separate property remains with the spouse who owns it, but proving an asset is separate can require documentation, especially if it has been commingled with community funds.

How long does a divorce take in Arizona?

Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the respondent is served before a divorce can be finalized. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms typically takes 2 to 4 months. Contested divorces can take 6 months to over a year. Cases involving covenant marriages may take longer due to additional legal requirements.

Can I get alimony in Arizona?

Yes, Arizona courts may award spousal maintenance (alimony) if the requesting spouse lacks sufficient property to provide for their own needs, cannot be self-sufficient through appropriate employment, has a long marriage duration, or contributed to the other spouse's earning ability. The court considers the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse's age and health, and earning capacity. Maintenance can be temporary or long-term.

What are the grounds for divorce in Arizona?

Arizona is a strictly no-fault divorce state. The only ground required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, meaning there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. However, if you entered into a covenant marriage, additional grounds such as adultery, felony conviction, domestic violence, or substance abuse may be required, or you must show a period of separation.

What are the residency requirements for divorce in Arizona?

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Arizona for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce. The case is filed in the superior court of the county where either spouse lives. Military members stationed in Arizona may also meet the residency requirement.

How much does a divorce cost in Arizona?

Filing fees in Arizona range from approximately $300 to $400, depending on the county. An uncontested divorce without attorneys can cost under $1,000. Attorney-represented uncontested divorces typically cost $2,000 to $5,000, while contested divorces can cost $10,000 to $50,000 or more, particularly when complex community property or custody issues are involved.

What is a covenant marriage in Arizona?

Arizona is one of only three states (along with Arkansas and Louisiana) that offers covenant marriage, a legally distinct form of marriage that requires premarital counseling and imposes stricter requirements for divorce. Couples in a covenant marriage cannot simply cite irreconcilable differences; they must prove specific fault grounds such as adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, domestic violence, substance abuse, or they must live separately for a defined period. If you are unsure whether you entered a covenant marriage, check your marriage license -- it will be clearly designated.

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