Arizona Dissolution Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)
Use this checklist to track every stage. Arizona's 60-day waiting period starts from service — work to serve early.
Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation
- Confirm 90-day residency requirement is met
- Confirm this is NOT a covenant marriage
- Gather all financial documents:
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Mortgage statement (or lease if renting)
- Vehicle loan statements
- Credit card statements
- Pay stubs or other income documentation
- Last 2 years of tax returns
- List all community property (acquired during marriage)
- List all separate property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritances)
- List all community debts
Phase 2 — Generate Forms
- Go to selfservecenter.azcourts.gov
- Complete the guided interview (Dissolution with or without children)
- Download and print the generated form packet
- Review each form for accuracy
- Sign and notarize where required
Phase 3 — File at Superior Court
- Identify the correct Superior Court (county where you reside)
- Make 3 copies of the complete packet
- File at the Clerk of Court
- Pay filing fee ($338–$364)
- Receive case number and filed-stamped copies
Phase 4 — Serve the Respondent
- Choose service method (Acceptance of Service, process server, sheriff, mail)
- Complete service
- Note the service date — 60-day clock starts here
- File Proof of Service (or Acceptance of Service) with the court
Phase 5 — 60-Day Waiting Period
- Track the response deadline (20 days in-state, 30 days out-of-state)
- Negotiate final terms of Consent Decree during this period
- If children: complete Parenting Plan and Child Support calculation
- Prepare Consent Decree of Dissolution (use Self-Service Center)
- Both spouses review and sign
Phase 6 — File the Consent Decree (Agreed Case)
- Confirm 60 days have passed from service date
- File the complete packet:
- Consent Decree of Dissolution
- Affidavit of Compliance (confirming 60-day period passed)
- If children: Parenting Plan, Child Support Order, Parent's Worksheet
- Court reviews and judge signs (no hearing for agreed cases)
Phase 7 — Post-Dissolution
- Request 3–5 certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution
- Name restoration: SSA → Arizona MVD → bank accounts
- Real estate deed: Record new deed at county Recorder's office
- Vehicle titles: Arizona MVD
- Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer for IRAs
- Beneficiary designations: Update all accounts immediately
- Health insurance: Arrange new coverage within 60 days of dissolution
Arizona Quick Reference
| Item | Arizona Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency requirement | 90 days in Arizona before filing |
| Waiting period | 60 days from service (cannot be waived) |
| Covenant marriage | Different rules — check marriage certificate |
| "Custody" term | "Legal decision-making authority" (since 2013) |
| "Alimony" term | "Spousal maintenance" |
| Forms | selfservecenter.azcourts.gov (generates completed forms) |
| Deed recording | County Recorder's office |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Arizona Self-Service Center generates all forms free
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.