How Long Will It Take to Finalize My Divorce in Arizona?

Is There a Way To Know If We’re Ready to Proceed With a Divorce?

Although this is a highly personal question, experienced and empathetic divorce lawyers know some signs distinctly point to you considering and getting proper legal information about divorce.

Sometimes, divorce is a straightforward, clear choice for you and your spouse. However, this is always one of the most personal and heart-wrenching decisions you may ever make.

Almost always, the questions surrounding divorce have negative and positive sides, and only by deep personal reflection and possibly getting the advice of a skilled professional will you even come close to ensuring it’s the “right” thing to do.

However, some of the more common reasons that you may enter a divorce include:

• There is an ongoing need for more communication, support, and consideration from your spouse.
• Infidelity, by either you or your spouse.
• Substance, or illegal (or legal) drug or alcohol abuse.
• Extreme recklessness with your family’s finances and assets.
• Domestic violence towards a spouse, or anyone in your immediate family, and more.

However, when you suspect or realize your relationship is no longer healthy or working, you must mentally and emotionally prepare to enter the Arizona divorce process.

Even if the decision is unclear, a lot must be done to prepare, such as getting your finances in order, beginning to consider custody, and much more. This is when a consultation with a qualified, skilled, and empathetic Arizona divorce lawyer and their advice and guidance will prove invaluable.

There is some good news, however; transitioning from a two-income to a one-income household could be more straightforward than you believe.

Also, your lawyer will explain that Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, and only if one spouse feels that their marriage is irretrievably broken may a divorce be granted. So, simply put, only one of you (you or your spouse) needs to file for the court to grant a divorce.

What Is the Common Timeline To Finalize My Arizona Divorce?

Many divorces may be done rapidly; however, specific rules apply, and the length of your divorce will always vary from couple to couple. The Judicial Branch of Arizona outlines a general overview of divorce proceedings.

An “uncontested divorce” (where both parties generally agree on pertinent matters) can take 90 to 120 days to complete. However, the shortest time that an Arizona divorce can take is 60 days. But, if your divorce is contested, and critical matters cannot be agreed upon, then some “contested” divorces can take several years to finalize.

Since every divorce and the specifics involved differ, how long your Arizona divorce takes to finalize will almost always come down to whether it is contested or uncontested.

What Is an “Uncontested Divorce?”

According to recent statistics in Arizona, Almost 90% of all the state’s divorces are uncontested, and usually, these divorces are finalized within 90-120 days.

Essentially, an uncontested divorce is when you and your spouse (and your lawyer) generally agree on all the critical issues of your divorce and do so without the intervention of the Arizona courts.

It’s vital to note that even if you disagree with one item in the dissolution of your marriage, then your divorce is no longer uncontested. Therefore, even one singular matter, such as childcare, child support, alimony, and more, must be resolved and usually will by the Arizona courts. Of course, if this occurs, everything can become more complicated, costly, and stressful.

If you or your spouse contests any matters, your divorce can take 6-9 months to finalize.

Below are some of the most common issues that complicate things and push you into a contested divorce and court.

They are:

• Division of family property, such as the family home, etc.
• Division of family assets and debt.
• Child custody and child support.
• Alimony, and more.

So, to divorce more rapidly and with less cost and stress, you must discuss all your concerns, plans, and ideas for your future with your skilled Arizona divorce lawyer. Your lawyer will then work with your spouse (and their lawyer) to resolve these matters upfront and avoid the Arizona court doing it for you.

What Are the Common Benefits of an “Uncontested Divorce” in Arizona?

Any divorce inflicts financial and emotional stress on your family, including your children.

Being able to file for an uncontested divorce takes far less time to finalize, costs less, and is significantly less stressful than any contested divorce.

You and your spouse won’t have to go through “dispute resolution” or the exhausting process of divorce litigation. You commonly won’t have to wait for the court hearing dates or possibly appear multiple times before a judge. Also, fees will be far less as you don’t have to go to trial.

If children are involved and must witness antagonistic courtroom battles between you and your spouse, they also will be spared from this emotional nightmare.

Additionally, you and your spouse will always maintain control of your future parenting arrangements after your divorce. If this and other critical issues aren’t resolved, the judge has the power and will decide them for you.

So, to successfully go through your divorce quickly and uncontested, you must have the professional guidance and advice of a well-known, experienced divorce lawyer in Arizona.

You can thoroughly discuss all your plans and wishes for your post-divorce life. Your lawyer will effectively draft these goals into a document (or documents) that can be presented to your spouse (or their lawyer) for negotiation.

Also, often, your lawyer will bring up issues that you may not have even considered but could directly impact you and your children’s future. Do not attempt to take on this daunting legal task alone; if you make a mistake or omission and your divorce is finalized, a whole new set of problems may arise.

I Need To Divorce and Want It Done Rapidly; How Should I Proceed?

First, you must note that attempting this process on your own is never a good idea. Even if your divorce seems “simple,” life is long, and you want to be as prepared as possible for future contingencies. Your professional, inciteful, and empathetic Arizona divorce lawyer is skilled at this process and will be by your side from beginning to end.

Also, selecting the right divorce attorney is a personal but critical decision. You want someone knowledgeable, trustworthy, and who cares about you and your unique situation.

The divorce lawyers at the Sampair Law Group have a winning and successful history of helping Maricopa County families move forward confidently into their new lives. Call them today at (602) 975-3361, and they will tirelessly fight for your rights and future.