Arizona Divorce Checklist
Divorcing a self-employed spouse in Arizona adds a significant layer of complexity to an already challenging process. Unlike a W-2 employee whose income is straightforward to verify, a self-employed spouse may control what they pay themselves, what they expense through the business, and how profits are reported — all of which directly affects spousal maintenance, child support, and the division of community property. Arizona's community property laws (A.R.S. § 25-211) presume that any business built or grown during the marriage is jointly owned, meaning its value must be carefully determined and fairly divided. This checklist will walk you through every critical step — from gathering financial documents and commissioning a business valuation to filing in the correct Arizona Superior Court — so you can protect your rights and move forward with clarity.
Verify Arizona Residency Requirement*
Identify the Correct Superior Court Filing Location*
Understand the 60-Day Waiting Period*
Determine if You Have a Covenant Marriage*
Note the Grounds for Dissolution*
Collect 3–5 Years of Personal Tax Returns (Form 1040)*
Obtain Business Tax Returns (Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065)*
Gather 24+ Months of Business Bank Account Statements*
Collect Personal Bank & Credit Card Statements (24+ Months)*
Request Profit & Loss Statements and Balance Sheets*
Obtain Accounts Receivable and Payable Records
Gather Payroll Records and Officer Compensation Documentation*
Determine Whether the Business Is Community or Separate Property*
Hire a Certified Business Valuator (CBV) or CPA*
Identify and Separately Value Business Goodwill*
Document All Community Contributions to the Business*
Review Any Existing Buy-Sell Agreements or Operating Agreements
Consider a Deferred Distribution or Buyout Settlement
Hire a Forensic Accountant if Income Hiding Is Suspected
Understand How Arizona Courts Calculate Self-Employment Income*
Use Income Averaging for Irregular Earnings*
Request Imputed Income If Spouse Is Voluntarily Underemployed
Subpoena Third-Party Financial Records If Necessary
Compare Lifestyle to Reported Income (Lifestyle Analysis)
Create a Complete Inventory of All Community Assets and Debts*
Identify and Document Separate Property Claims*
Obtain Retirement Account Valuations and Understand QDRO Requirements*
Address Business Equipment, Vehicles, and Inventory*
Review All Business and Personal Debt Obligations*
Evaluate Eligibility for Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
Calculate Child Support Using the Arizona Child Support Guidelines
Develop a Comprehensive Parenting Plan
Address Relocation Provisions in Your Parenting Plan
Document the Self-Employed Spouse's Work Schedule and Availability
Complete and File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage*
Serve the Respondent Spouse Properly*
File a Preliminary Injunction to Protect Assets*
Update Beneficiary Designations and Estate Documents Post-Decree*
Close or Separate Joint Business Accounts and Obligations*
Obtain Certified Copies of Your Divorce Decree*
Clarity Divorce guides you through the paperwork with official Arizona court forms, step-by-step instructions, and county-specific filing details. $299 flat fee.