How to File for Divorce in Arizona Without a Lawyer (2026)
Arizona has arguably the best free DIY divorce resource of any state: the Arizona Self-Service Center at selfservecenter.azcourts.gov. Answer a guided interview and the system generates all your completed, court-ready forms — free. No guessing which forms you need, no filling out blank PDFs from scratch.
Key Arizona terminology:
- "Dissolution of Marriage" — not "divorce" (official term)
- "Legal decision-making authority" — not "custody" (since 2013 reform)
- "Spousal maintenance" — not "alimony"
- "Consent Decree of Dissolution" — when both parties agree, this replaces a default hearing
Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Arizona attorney for your specific situation.
Arizona Dissolution at a Glance
| Factor | Arizona Rule |
|---|---|
| Official term | Dissolution of Marriage (Decree of Dissolution) |
| Residency requirement | One spouse must have lived in AZ for at least 90 days |
| No-fault ground | Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage |
| 60-day waiting period | Starts from service on Respondent (cannot be waived) |
| Property system | Community property — equal division starting point |
| Filing fee | $338–$364 (varies by county) |
| Best free form tool | selfservecenter.azcourts.gov |
| Agreed dissolution | Consent Decree of Dissolution (no hearing required) |
Step-by-Step: Arizona Dissolution
Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility
Residency: One spouse must have been physically present in Arizona for at least 90 days immediately before filing.
Covenant marriage check: Arizona recognizes covenant marriages. If you entered a covenant marriage (you would know — it requires specific pre-marital counseling and special declaration), different rules apply. Most Arizona residents did not enter a covenant marriage. Standard dissolution rules apply.
Step 2 — Use the Arizona Self-Service Center
Go to selfservecenter.azcourts.gov → "Divorce" → complete the guided interview.
The system asks about:
- Whether you have children (under 18 or still in high school)
- Community property
- Whether both parties agree
- Spousal maintenance requests
- Debts
When you finish, it generates a customized, court-ready packet of all required forms. Print them, sign where indicated (some require notarization), and you're ready to file.
Step 3 — File at Superior Court
File your completed packet at the Superior Court in the county where you live (or your spouse lives, if you don't live in Arizona but your spouse does and meets the residency requirement).
Pay the filing fee ($338–$364 depending on county). Get your case number.
Step 4 — Serve Your Spouse (Respondent)
The Respondent must be formally served with the Petition and Summons.
Service options:
- Acceptance of Service: Respondent signs the Acceptance of Service form — fastest, free
- Certified mail: Court-approved method if Respondent consents
- Private process server: $50–$100
- Sheriff's deputy: $30–$60
- Service by publication (if Respondent can't be located after diligent search): 4 weeks in a newspaper
Response deadline:
- Respondent served in Arizona: 20 days to file a Response
- Respondent served outside Arizona: 30 days to file a Response
The 60-day waiting period starts from the date the Respondent is served (not the filing date).
Step 5 — Respondent's Options
After service:
Option A — Respondent files a Response and agrees: Both parties proceed to negotiate and file a Consent Decree of Dissolution — a complete signed agreement incorporating property division, debt allocation, legal decision-making, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance (if applicable). No hearing required; a judge reviews and signs.
Option B — Respondent files a Response and contests: The case becomes contested. Both parties exchange disclosures, potentially mediate, and schedule a trial if unresolved.
Option C — Respondent does not respond: After the response deadline passes, Petitioner can move for default and submit a proposed Decree for the judge's signature.
Step 6 — File the Consent Decree (Agreed Cases)
When both parties agree, file:
- Consent Decree of Dissolution — the complete signed agreement
- Property Settlement Agreement (may be incorporated into or attached to Consent Decree)
- Decree of Dissolution — the final court order
- Affidavit of Compliance (confirming 60-day period has passed)
- If children: Parenting Plan, Child Support Order
A judge reviews and signs. No court appearance is typically required for an agreed dissolution in Arizona.
Step 7 — After the Decree of Dissolution
- Name restoration: Social Security Administration → Arizona MVD (driver's license) → bank accounts
- Real estate: Record a new deed at the county Recorder's office (Arizona counties use Recorders)
- Vehicle title: Arizona MVD
- Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer letter for IRAs
- Beneficiary designations: Update immediately — 401k, life insurance, annuities
Cost Summary
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $338–$364 |
| Self-Service Center forms | Free |
| Service (Acceptance) | Free |
| Process server | $50–$100 |
| Certified copies of Decree | $10–$30 |
| QDRO | $400–$1,500 |
| Deed recording at county Recorder | $15–$30 per document |
| Simple agreed case, no real estate or retirement | $350–$500 |
Free Arizona Resources
- Arizona Self-Service Center: selfservecenter.azcourts.gov
- Arizona Courts Forms: azcourts.gov/selfservicecenter
- Community Legal Services: clsaz.org
- Southern Arizona Legal Aid: sazlegalaid.org
- Arizona State Bar referral: azbar.org
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Arizona uses "Dissolution of Marriage" | "Legal decision-making authority" (not custody) | "Spousal maintenance" (not alimony)
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.