Arizona Divorce Checklist
A marriage lasting less than two years can feel uniquely disorienting — you may be wondering whether you even need a divorce, questioning the difference between annulment and dissolution, or feeling the social pressure of ending a recent union. The good news: short marriages in Arizona are typically among the most straightforward to dissolve. Because little time has passed, community property is usually limited, spousal maintenance is rarely awarded, and paperwork is simpler. This checklist walks you through every step of Arizona's dissolution of marriage process — from gathering your first documents to life after your decree — so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Determine whether annulment or dissolution is right for you*
Confirm you meet Arizona's 90-day residency requirement*
Identify the correct Superior Court in which to file*
Decide between a contested and uncontested dissolution*
Check whether you were married in a Covenant Marriage*
Locate your original or certified marriage certificate*
Collect government-issued ID and proof of Arizona residency*
Gather financial statements from the period of your marriage*
Document any pre-marital assets or separate property
Compile a list of all shared debts and liabilities*
Locate vehicle titles, lease agreements, and property deeds
Close or separate all joint bank accounts*
Address all joint credit cards and lines of credit*
Divide shared personal property and wedding-related items*
Assess whether spousal maintenance (alimony) is applicable
Update or remove spouse from insurance policies*
Update beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance*
Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage*
Prepare a Summons and Preliminary Injunction*
Draft and attach a Property Settlement Agreement
Serve divorce papers on your spouse according to Arizona rules*
Pay the Superior Court filing fee*
Observe the mandatory 60-day waiting period*
Determine whether minor children are involved*
Create a Parenting Plan if minor children are involved
Establish child support obligations per Arizona guidelines
Understand relocation rules before planning any moves
Submit your Consent Decree or attend your default/trial hearing*
Review the signed Decree of Dissolution carefully before leaving court*
Obtain certified copies of your Decree of Dissolution*
Restore your former name (if desired)
Update your estate planning documents*
Remove your former spouse from financial accounts and titles*
Address any shared subscriptions, memberships, or digital accounts
Monitor your credit report for post-divorce accuracy*
Seek emotional support and address social stigma proactively
Clarity Divorce guides you through the paperwork with official Arizona court forms, step-by-step instructions, and county-specific filing details. $299 flat fee.