Arizona Dissolution Forms — Complete Guide (2026)

Arizona makes form preparation as simple as any state in the country through the Self-Service Center at selfservecenter.azcourts.gov. Rather than downloading blank PDFs and guessing, you complete a guided interview and the system generates your complete, customized, court-ready packet.


The Arizona Self-Service Center

selfservecenter.azcourts.gov

This free, state-operated guided interview:

  • Asks questions about your specific situation
  • Generates all required forms automatically
  • Creates a complete, customized packet
  • Works for dissolution with children, without children, and with property

Start here. Do not try to download and fill out individual blank forms unless the Self-Service Center doesn't cover your specific situation.


What the System Generates

For Dissolution Without Children

FormPurpose
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Without ChildrenInitiating document
Summons — Dissolution Without ChildrenNotifies Respondent
Acceptance of ServiceRespondent signs to accept service voluntarily
Consent Decree of Dissolution Without ChildrenFinal agreed-upon order
Decree of DissolutionThe actual court order signed by the judge
Affidavit of ComplianceConfirms 60-day period has passed

For Dissolution With Children (Added Forms)

FormPurpose
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage With ChildrenInitiating document
Parenting PlanLegal decision-making authority and parenting time schedule
Child Support OrderCourt order for child support amount
Parent's Worksheet for Child Support AmountCalculation worksheet
Notice Regarding Parenting ClassesInformation about required class

Key Form Concepts

"Legal Decision-Making Authority" (Not Custody)

Arizona eliminated the word "custody" in 2013. The Parenting Plan uses:

  • Legal decision-making authority: Who decides on education, non-emergency medical care, religious upbringing, and personal care (sole = one parent; joint = both parents)
  • Parenting time: The schedule for each parent's physical time with the child

Joint legal decision-making is the default preference if both parents are capable. Courts can award sole legal decision-making if joint is not in the child's best interests.

"Spousal Maintenance" (Not Alimony)

Arizona forms use "spousal maintenance" throughout. Specify:

  • Monthly amount
  • Duration (specific end date or termination event)
  • Whether it modifiable or non-modifiable
  • Or a specific written waiver

Consent Decree of Dissolution

The Consent Decree is a complete, signed agreement incorporating:

  • Property division (all community assets and debts)
  • Spousal maintenance terms (or waiver)
  • If children: legal decision-making, parenting time, child support

Both spouses sign before a notary. Filed with the court after the 60-day period. Judge signs without a hearing in most agreed cases.


The Parenting Plan

The Parenting Plan must address:

  1. Legal decision-making: Joint or sole; which parent decides which category
  2. Parenting time schedule: Day-by-day, school year vs. summer
  3. Holiday schedule: Each named holiday for each year
  4. Transportation: Who drives exchanges and where exchanges occur
  5. Communication: Phone/video contact with the non-primary parent

After the Decree: Deed Recording

Arizona counties use the county Recorder's office for deed recording. After the Decree:

  1. Prepare a new deed (Quitclaim Deed for dissolution transfers)
  2. The transferring spouse signs and notarizes
  3. Record at the county Recorder's office
  4. Fees: approximately $15–$30 per document

Last reviewed: March 2026 | All forms generated free at selfservecenter.azcourts.gov | Arizona uses "legal decision-making authority" (not custody)

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.