Arizona Divorce Checklist
Divorcing as a business owner in Arizona adds a significant layer of complexity to an already challenging process. Arizona is a community property state, meaning any increase in your business's value — or income generated from it — during your marriage may be considered community property subject to division. Whether you founded the company before or during your marriage, own it jointly with your spouse, or are the non-owner spouse trying to understand your rights, this checklist walks you through every critical step of a Business Owner Dissolution of Marriage in Arizona. From gathering financial records and hiring a qualified business valuator to structuring a buyout and protecting your employees, use this guide to stay organized, informed, and in control throughout the proceedings in Arizona Superior Court.
Verify Arizona residency requirement*
Identify the grounds for dissolution*
Determine whether yours is a Covenant Marriage*
Understand the 60-day waiting period*
Consult a family law attorney experienced in high-asset and business divorces*
Collect business formation and ownership documents*
Compile at least 3–5 years of business tax returns*
Gather personal tax returns for the same period*
Collect profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements*
Document all business bank and investment accounts*
Identify any business debts and liabilities*
Gather records of any pre-marital business assets or contributions*
Establish the date of business founding relative to marriage date*
Trace any separate property contributions to the business*
Evaluate whether your spouse contributed to the business's growth*
Identify any spousal compensation arrangements
Review any existing buy-sell or shareholder agreements for divorce provisions*
Hire a Certified Business Valuator (CBV) or Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA)*
Understand and apply the income approach to valuation*
Evaluate the market approach to valuation
Consider the asset approach to valuation
Address personal goodwill vs. enterprise goodwill*
Request a valuation date determination from your attorney*
File for or comply with Preliminary Injunctions (Automatic Temporary Orders)*
Establish a clear separation of business and personal finances*
Notify key business advisors (accountant, attorney, financial advisor) of the divorce*
Assess the impact on business partners or co-owners
Develop a plan to maintain employee stability and business continuity
Secure and back up all digital business records*
Decide between a buyout, co-ownership, or business sale*
Explore buyout funding options*
Structure an installment buyout agreement carefully
Address spousal maintenance (alimony) in the context of business income*
Consider mediation to resolve business valuation disputes
Draft a comprehensive Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) covering all business terms*
File all required forms with Arizona Superior Court*
Complete full financial disclosure via the Affidavit of Financial Information (AFI)*
Address parenting plan if minor children are involved
Obtain the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage*
Transfer business ownership interests per the Decree*
Update business accounts, licenses, and registrations*
Revise your estate plan and beneficiary designations*
Clarity Divorce guides you through the paperwork with official Arizona court forms, step-by-step instructions, and county-specific filing details. $299 flat fee.