Arizona Divorce Checklist
If you are leaving an abusive marriage in Arizona, you are not alone — and you do not have to navigate this process without support. A domestic violence divorce (legally called a Dissolution of Marriage in Arizona) involves unique legal protections, safety considerations, and court procedures designed specifically to protect survivors like you. Arizona law provides powerful tools including Orders of Protection, a rebuttable legal presumption against awarding custody to an abusive parent (A.R.S. § 25-403.03), and access to resources through organizations like the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. This checklist walks you through every critical step — from immediate safety planning to post-decree life — so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and protection. Please reach out to a domestic violence advocate or an Arizona family law attorney before taking any steps that could alert your abuser.
Create a personal safety plan*
Prepare an emergency go-bag*
Identify a safe device and communication plan*
Locate a domestic violence shelter or safe housing
Tell a trusted person about your situation*
File for an Order of Protection (OOP)*
Understand the difference between an Order of Protection and an Injunction Against Harassment*
Serve the Order of Protection on your abuser*
Request a weapons surrender provision in your OOP
Know how to report OOP violations*
Consider requesting address confidentiality
Collect personal identification documents*
Secure marriage certificate and any prenuptial agreements*
Document evidence of domestic violence*
Gather financial records and account statements*
Record evidence of economic abuse*
Obtain copies of children's records
Confirm Arizona residency requirement*
File as a confidential address if safety is a concern*
Complete and file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage*
Request a Preliminary Injunction at filing*
Consider requesting temporary orders at filing*
Be aware of the 60-day waiting period*
Seek a fee waiver if you cannot afford filing costs
Understand the legal presumption against custody for abusers*
Document the impact of domestic violence on your children*
Develop a proposed parenting plan*
Request a Guardian ad Litem or child advocate
Understand relocation rules if you need to move with your children
Enroll children in counseling or trauma-informed support
Open independent bank and credit accounts*
Obtain a copy of your credit report*
Identify and inventory all community property and debts*
Evaluate eligibility for spousal maintenance
Protect your retirement and benefits
Consult with an attorney about hidden assets
Update all legal and financial documents after the divorce*
Renew or modify your Order of Protection as needed*
Enforce court orders for child support and parenting time*
Continue accessing domestic violence support services
Build a long-term financial independence plan
Create a long-term co-parenting safety strategy
Clarity Divorce guides you through the paperwork with official Arizona court forms, step-by-step instructions, and county-specific filing details. $299 flat fee.