Arizona Dissolution Timeline — How Long Does It Take? (2026)
Arizona's 60-day waiting period is one of the shorter mandatory waits of any state. For agreed dissolutions, the process from filing to Decree typically takes 3–5 months.
Key concept: The 60-day clock starts from the date the Respondent is served — not the filing date. Serve quickly to start the clock early.
Overview: Total Timeline
| Scenario | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, efficient | 3–4 months |
| Agreed, with children | 4–6 months |
| Partially contested (mediation) | 6–12 months |
| Fully contested through trial | 12–24+ months |
Stage-by-Stage Breakdown
Stage 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation
Duration: 1–3 weeks
- Complete the selfservecenter.azcourts.gov interview
- Generate form packet
- Gather all financial documents
- Discuss terms with your spouse
Stage 2 — Filing
Duration: 1 day
File at the Superior Court Clerk's office. Pay $338–$364 filing fee. Get case number.
Stage 3 — Service
Duration: 1–7 days
Fastest method: Acceptance of Service signed by Respondent (can be done same day). Private process server: 1–3 days.
The 60-day waiting period starts on the service date.
Stage 4 — Response Period + 60-Day Waiting Period
Duration: 60 days minimum
The Respondent has 20 days (in-state) or 30 days (out-of-state) to respond. The 60-day waiting period runs concurrently.
During this period:
- Finalize the Consent Decree
- Complete Parenting Plan and child support if applicable
- Both spouses sign the Consent Decree
Stage 5 — File the Consent Decree
Duration: After Day 60
Submit the signed Consent Decree and supporting documents. Court assigns to a judge for review.
Stage 6 — Judicial Review and Decree Signature
Duration: 2–6 weeks
The judge reviews all documents. For a complete, agreed-upon Consent Decree with proper forms, the judge typically signs without requiring a hearing.
Processing times vary by county and judge caseload.
Factors That Can Extend the Timeline
| Factor | Additional Time |
|---|---|
| Respondent served out of state (30-day response period) | +10 days |
| Respondent can't be located (service by publication) | +4–8 weeks |
| Unresolved community property disagreement | +4–12 weeks |
| Parenting time or legal decision-making dispute | +4–16 weeks |
| Court processing backlog | +2–6 weeks |
| Missing documents requiring resubmission | +2–4 weeks |
Tip: Start the Clock Early
File and serve as fast as possible. The 60-day minimum starts on service. Completing the Consent Decree during the 60-day period means you're ready to file immediately after Day 60.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Arizona 60-day wait: ARS 25-329 | Cannot be waived
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.