Divorce with Minor Children Checklist

Verify Arizona Residency Requirement*

Obtain Your Marriage Certificate*

Gather Birth Certificates for All Minor Children*

Collect Government-Issued IDs for All Parties*

Determine Grounds for Dissolution*

Check for Active Protective Orders or Prior Court Orders

List All Community Property Assets*

Document All Community & Separate Debts*

Gather Recent Tax Returns (Last 3 Years)*

Compile Proof of Income for Both Spouses*

Gather Retirement & Investment Account Statements*

Document Children's Ongoing Expenses*

Assess Whether Spousal Maintenance May Apply

Understand Legal Decision-Making vs. Parenting Time*

Review the Best Interest Factors Under A.R.S. § 25-403*

Draft a Comprehensive Parenting Plan*

Establish a Holiday & School Break Schedule*

Consider Relocation Restrictions

Plan for Children's Emotional Wellbeing During the Transition

Complete the Arizona Child Support Worksheet*

Determine Each Parent's Parenting Time Percentage*

Account for Health Insurance & Childcare Costs*

Address How Uncovered Medical Expenses Will Be Shared*

Enroll in the Arizona Required Parenting Class*

Complete Parenting Class & Obtain Certificate of Completion*

Encourage (and Verify) the Other Parent's Completion*

Prepare & File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage*

Pay the Court Filing Fee*

Serve Divorce Papers on Your Spouse*

File (or Request) Preliminary Injunction*

Prepare Sensitive Information Sheet*

File a Petition for Temporary Orders (If Needed)

Review & Sign the Consent Decree (Uncontested Cases)*

Attend the Default or Final Hearing (If Required)

Update Child Beneficiary Designations & Estate Documents*

Enroll in Child Support Payment Through the State Disbursement Unit*

Update Your Name (If Applicable) and Key Records

Create a Co-Parenting Communication Plan

Know How to Modify Child Support or Parenting Time in the Future