2025 Divorce Filing Checklist for Arizona

Filing for divorce in Arizona involves unique requirements that distinguish it from other states: a 90-day residency period, a mandatory 60-day waiting period after service, and an automatic Preliminary Injunction that restricts both parties from the moment you file. Understanding the divorce process and Arizona's specific filing procedures, required forms, and Superior Court system is essential for avoiding costly delays and protecting your rights from day one.

This comprehensive checklist walks you through every requirement for filing divorce in Arizona in 2025, from the 90-day residency rule to required forms like DRDC15F (Petition) and DR14F (Preliminary Injunction) to current filing fees. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for initiating your divorce in Arizona Superior Court and understanding exactly how the mandatory waiting period and automatic injunction affect your timeline.

Arizona's 90-Day Residency Requirement

Before filing for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must meet the 90-day residency requirement. You must be domiciled in Arizona (or stationed here on active military duty) for 90 consecutive days immediately before filing, according to A.R.S. § 25-312.

Who Qualifies:

• You have been domiciled (living with intent to remain) in Arizona for 90+ days
• You are a member of the armed forces stationed in Arizona for 90+ days

Practical Tip: Domicile means you live in Arizona with the intent to make it your permanent home, not just a temporary stay. Keep documentation like lease agreements, utility bills, voter registration, or Arizona driver's license to prove your 90-day residency if challenged. The 90 days must be complete before you file your petition.

The Mandatory 60-Day Waiting Period

Arizona law mandates a 60-day cooling-off period before any divorce decree can be entered. The court cannot hold a trial, hearing, or consider entering a decree until 60 days have passed after the date the respondent was served with or accepted the summons and petition, according to A.R.S. § 25-329.

This waiting period applies to all divorces in Arizona, even if both spouses completely agree on all terms. The earliest possible finalization is 60 days after service, though most divorces take longer depending on complexity and court scheduling. For a full breakdown of the timeline from filing to final decree, see our comprehensive Arizona divorce timeline guide.

Automatic Preliminary Injunction: What You Cannot Do

Arizona is unique in that an automatic Preliminary Injunction issues the moment you file your divorce petition. This court order restricts both parties' conduct during the divorce process, according to A.R.S. § 25-315.

The Preliminary Injunction prohibits both parties from:

• Transferring, hiding, selling, or disposing of community property (except in the usual course of business or necessities of life)
• Molesting, harassing, disturbing the peace of, or committing assault/battery upon the other party or minor children
• Removing minor children from Arizona without written consent or court permission
• Removing the other party or minor children from existing insurance coverage

The injunction binds the petitioner upon filing and the respondent upon service or actual notice. Violations can result in contempt of court, criminal charges for "interference with judicial proceedings," or both.

Where to File: Superior Court Venue Rules

All Arizona divorces are filed in the Superior Court in the county where the petitioner (person filing) resides at the time of filing, according to A.R.S. § 12-401.

If you file in the wrong county, the court can transfer your case to the proper venue, but you'll have to pay the transmittal fee and then the receiving court's filing fee upon transfer.

Required Forms for Arizona Divorce Filing

Arizona uses statewide pattern forms published by the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. Forms differ depending on whether you have minor children.

Core Forms for Cases WITH Minor Children:

• DRSDS10F-C: Sensitive Data Cover Sheet - Confidential information not shared publicly
• DR11F: Summons - Official notice to your spouse
• DR14F: Preliminary Injunction - Automatic restrictions (required to be served)
• DRDC15F: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - Core document starting your case
• DRD16F: Notice re Health Insurance - Insurance continuation rights
• DR12F: Parent Education Program Order/Notice - Mandatory class for parents
• DRCVG13F: Affidavit re Minor Children - Details about children and custody history

Core Forms for Cases WITHOUT Minor Children:

• DRSDS10F-A: Sensitive Data Cover Sheet
• DR11F: Summons
• DR14F: Preliminary Injunction
• DRDA10F: Petition for Dissolution (no children version)
• DRD16F: Notice re Health Insurance
• DR16F: Notice Regarding Creditors

Filing Fees and Costs

Arizona has statewide filing fees set by statute, though counties may add local surcharges. Effective December 28, 2024, the standard statewide filing fees are:

• Petition for Dissolution: $261 (includes base fee $176 + Document Storage $15 + Spousal Maintenance Enhancement $5 + Conciliation Court $65)
• Response (Answer): $172 (includes base fee $87 + Document Storage $15 + Spousal Maintenance Enhancement $5 + Conciliation Court $65)

Fee Waivers Available: If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can request a fee waiver or deferral by filing the appropriate application with financial documentation. Check your county Superior Court's website for specific fee waiver forms and eligibility requirements.

Step-by-Step: Filing for Divorce in Arizona

Arizona's divorce process follows a structured timeline governed by the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure:

1. Prepare Required Forms: Complete all forms listed above based on whether you have children. Use the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center packets or e-filing portal.
2. File with Superior Court: File your packet with the Superior Court clerk in your county of residence. Pay the $261 filing fee. The Preliminary Injunction binds you immediately upon filing.
3. Serve Your Spouse Within 120 Days: You must serve the Summons, Petition, and Preliminary Injunction on your spouse within 120 days of filing or your case may be dismissed. Use personal service, acceptance of service, or (as a last resort with court approval) service by publication.
4. Spouse Has 20-30 Days to Respond: After service, your spouse has 20 days to respond if served in Arizona, or 30 days if served outside Arizona.
5. Complete Initial Disclosures: Within 40 days after the first response is filed, both parties must exchange detailed financial disclosures (income, assets, debts, tax returns).
6. Wait the 60-Day Period: The decree cannot be entered until 60 days after service/acceptance, even if you agree on everything.
7. Submit Final Decree: After the 60-day period and resolution of all issues, submit your proposed Decree of Dissolution for the court's signature.

Calculate Your Arizona Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator below to get a personalized estimate of your total divorce costs based on your situation. The calculator is pre-configured with Arizona's current filing fees and typical legal costs.

Note: This estimate is for planning purposes. Actual costs vary based on case complexity, whether you reach settlement or go to trial, and attorney fees in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do you have to live in Arizona to file for divorce?
A: At least one spouse must be domiciled in Arizona (or stationed here on active military duty) for 90 consecutive days immediately before filing, according to A.R.S. § 25-312. The 90 days must be complete before you file.

Q: What is the Preliminary Injunction and when does it take effect?
A: The Preliminary Injunction is an automatic court order that restricts both parties from transferring assets, removing children from Arizona, canceling insurance, or harassing each other. It binds the petitioner immediately upon filing and the respondent upon service or actual notice. It remains in effect until the final decree or court modification.

Q: How long does an Arizona divorce take?
A: The absolute minimum is 60 days after service due to the mandatory waiting period. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree typically finalize in 70-120 days. Contested divorces involving child custody, complex property, or trial can take 9-15+ months depending on court schedules and case complexity.

Q: How much does it cost to file for divorce in Arizona?
A: The statewide filing fee is $261 for the petition and $172 for a response (effective December 28, 2024). Additional costs include service of process ($60-$150), Parent Education classes if you have children (varies by county), and attorney fees if you hire a lawyer. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford filing fees.

Conclusion

Understanding Arizona's divorce filing requirements is your first step toward a smoother legal process. While the 90-day residency requirement is shorter than many states, the mandatory 60-day waiting period and automatic Preliminary Injunction mean you must plan your timeline carefully and comply with strict conduct restrictions from the moment you file.

Ready to estimate your total divorce costs beyond just filing fees? Use our free Arizona Divorce Cost Calculator above to get a personalized breakdown. For comprehensive information about Arizona divorce laws covering property division, child support calculations, and parenting plans, explore our related guides below.

Remember: The Preliminary Injunction takes effect immediately when you file and has serious consequences for violations. Consult with an Arizona family law attorney to protect your rights and ensure compliance with all requirements throughout the process.