Divorce in Arizona: Laws, Requirements, and Process
A complete guide to getting a divorce in Arizona. Covers grounds, residency requirements, property division, alimony, child custody, and what to expect from the process.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Property division: Community property.
- Residency requirement: 90 days in the state (or one spouse is a member of the armed forces stationed in AZ for 90 days).
- Waiting period: 60 days from service of petition.
- Filing fee: $300 - $400.
Grounds for Divorce
Arizona allows no-fault divorce. The no-fault ground is: Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Arizona is a pure no-fault state. No fault-based grounds are available.
Residency Requirements
90 days in the state (or one spouse is a member of the armed forces stationed in AZ for 90 days).
Property Division
Arizona is a community property state. Arizona is a community property state. All property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property and is divided substantially equally upon divorce. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance) remains with the owning spouse.
Alimony / Spousal Support
Arizona courts may award spousal maintenance when a spouse lacks sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs, is unable to be self-sufficient through employment, has a child whose condition requires them to stay home, or had a long-duration marriage and is of an age that limits employment prospects.
Child Custody
Arizona uses the term 'legal decision-making' instead of custody. Courts determine arrangements based on the best interest of the child, considering factors including the relationship between the child and each parent, the child's adjustment to home and community, and any history of domestic violence.
Child Support
Arizona uses the income shares model. Child support is calculated based on both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, parenting time, and additional costs such as health insurance and childcare.
Filing Fee
The filing fee for divorce in Arizona is $300 - $400. Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford to pay.
Arizona court divorce resources
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the grounds for divorce in Arizona?
Arizona is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for divorce is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither spouse needs to prove the other did anything wrong. For covenant marriages, additional grounds apply.
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How long do you have to live in Arizona to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Arizona for at least 90 days (or a member of the armed forces stationed in Arizona for at least 90 days) before filing for divorce.
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How is property divided in an Arizona divorce?
Arizona is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is divided substantially equally between the spouses. Separate property — assets owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance — is not divided.
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How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
Arizona requires a 60-day waiting period after the petition is served on the other spouse. The fastest an uncontested divorce can be finalized is approximately 60 to 90 days. Contested divorces can take 6 months to over a year.