Arizona Divorce Checklist
Divorcing while one or both spouses serve in the U.S. military adds a significant layer of complexity to Arizona's dissolution of marriage process. Beyond Arizona's community property laws and 90-day residency requirement, you must also navigate federal statutes like the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which can affect jurisdiction, timelines, pension division, healthcare coverage, and custody. Whether you're the service member or the military spouse, this checklist walks you through every critical step — from gathering documents to finalizing post-decree benefits — so nothing falls through the cracks.
Verify Arizona's 90-Day Residency Requirement Is Met*
Determine the Correct County for Filing*
Confirm Which State Has Jurisdiction Over the Military Member*
Understand SCRA Protections Before Serving Papers*
Identify Whether This Is a Covenant Marriage*
Collect Marriage Certificate & Government-Issued IDs*
Obtain DD Form 214 or Current Orders for the Service Member*
Gather Military Leave and Earnings Statements (LES)*
Locate All Military Retirement Account Statements (TSP, Pension)*
Compile Records of All Community Property Assets & Debts*
Obtain Children's Birth Certificates & School Records (If Applicable)
Calculate the Community Property Share of the Military Pension*
Determine if the 10/10 Rule Is Met for Direct DFAS Payment*
Address the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Division*
Evaluate Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) Eligibility
Account for SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) Election*
Identify and Divide Any VA Disability Compensation*
Prepare and File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage*
Properly Serve the Military Spouse or Service Member*
Prepare the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage*
Prepare a Military Division Order (MDO) or Acceptable USFSPA Court Order*
Submit All Orders to DFAS and TSP Within Required Deadlines*
Create a Comprehensive Military Parenting Plan
Include a Deployment Contingency Clause in Your Parenting Plan
Understand Arizona's Child Relocation Rules
Establish Paternity and Legal Decision-Making Authority Clearly
Obtain a Child Support Order Consistent with Arizona Guidelines
Determine TRICARE Eligibility Under the 20/20/20 or 20/20/15 Rule*
Remove or Update Military ID Card and Base Access*
Update Beneficiary Designations and SGLI*
Apply for SCRA Protections During Proceedings If Applicable
Notify the VA, DEERS, and Social Security Administration of the Divorce*
File the USFSPA Court Order with DFAS*
Submit SBP Former Spouse Coverage Election Within One Year*
Update Estate Planning Documents (Will, POA, Healthcare Directive)*
Change Name on Military and Civilian Records (If Applicable)
Consult with a Military Family Law Attorney for Final Review
Clarity Divorce guides you through the paperwork with official Arizona court forms, step-by-step instructions, and county-specific filing details. $299 flat fee.