Arizona Divorce Checklist
Life rarely stays the same after a divorce is finalized, and Arizona law recognizes that. Whether you've experienced a significant job change, a shift in your child's needs, a co-parent who has stopped following court orders, or a planned relocation, you may have the right to ask the court to modify your existing decree. Under Arizona law, most post-decree modifications require proof of a 'substantial and continuing change in circumstances' since the original order was entered. This checklist walks you through every critical step — from gathering evidence to filing with the Superior Court — so you can approach the process with clarity, confidence, and the documentation you need to succeed.
Obtain a certified copy of your original Decree of Dissolution*
Locate all post-decree orders, stipulations, and consent decrees*
Identify specifically which provisions you are seeking to modify*
Review the 'no modification' waiting periods that may apply*
Confirm the correct Superior Court county for filing*
Document the specific change in circumstances since the last order*
Gather financial records showing income changes (for support modifications)
Compile evidence of changed parenting circumstances (for custody/parenting time)
Prepare a written timeline of events leading to the modification request
Obtain supporting statements or documentation from third parties
Run a new Arizona Child Support calculation using the official guidelines
Prepare your financial disclosure affidavit (Sensitive Data Sheet)*
Gather documentation of childcare, medical, and education costs
Check for any child support arrears owed by either party
Determine if the one-year waiting period applies to your situation*
Draft or update a proposed Parenting Plan*
Consider requesting a Resolution Management Conference (RMC) or mediation
Assess whether the court should appoint a Best Interests Attorney or Parenting Coordinator
Address a child's preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity
Provide required 45-day written notice of intended relocation to the other parent*
File a Petition to Relocate with the Superior Court if the other parent objects
Prepare evidence supporting the reason and benefit of the relocation
Draft a proposed long-distance parenting plan to accompany the relocation petition
Document all instances where the other party has violated the decree*
File a Petition for Order to Show Cause (Contempt) with the Superior Court
Explore administrative enforcement tools for unpaid child support
Request makeup parenting time if parenting time was wrongfully denied
Consider requesting an expedited hearing for urgent enforcement matters
Complete the correct modification petition forms for your Arizona county*
Pay the filing fee or apply for a fee waiver (Application for Deferral or Waiver)*
Serve the other party with the petition using proper legal service*
Respond to or comply with any temporary orders issued during the process*
Attend all scheduled hearings, RMCs, and mediation sessions*
Consult a licensed Arizona family law attorney for contested modifications
Ensure the final modification order is filed and entered by the court*
Clarity Divorce guides you through the paperwork with official Arizona court forms, step-by-step instructions, and county-specific filing details. $299 flat fee.