One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is: “How long will this take?”
The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested, how quickly paperwork is completed, and whether the parties can reach agreements on key issues.
Arizona law sets a minimum waiting period, but the overall timeline can vary significantly from case to case. Understanding the process can help you set realistic expectations and move your case forward efficiently.
At Arsenal Law, we help clients throughout Arizona navigate the divorce process while minimizing unnecessary delays.
Under A.R.S. § 25-329, Arizona requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
This waiting period begins after the Respondent is served with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
Even if both spouses agree on every issue, the court generally cannot enter a final divorce decree until this waiting period has passed.
Because of this rule, the fastest possible divorce in Arizona typically takes a little over two months.
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including:
When both parties cooperate, the timeline often looks like this:
Step 1: Filing the Petition
The divorce process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
Step 2: Service of Process
The other spouse must be formally served with the divorce paperwork.
Step 3: Response Period
The responding spouse has:
Step 4: Settlement Agreement or Consent Decree
If the parties agree, they can submit a Consent Decree of Dissolution to the court.
Step 5: Final Court Approval
Once the 60-day waiting period has passed, the judge can sign the final decree.
In many uncontested cases, the entire process takes 60 to 90 days.
A contested divorce occurs when the spouses disagree about one or more important issues.
These disputes may involve:
Contested cases require additional court involvement and may include:
Because of these additional steps, contested divorces often take 6 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.
While a divorce is pending, either party can request temporary orders to address immediate issues such as:
Temporary orders help stabilize the situation while the case moves forward, but they do not determine the final outcome of the divorce.
Several factors can extend the timeline of a divorce case, including:
Disputes Over Children
Parenting time and legal decision making disagreements often require additional hearings or evaluations.
Complex Financial Issues
Cases involving businesses, multiple properties, or hidden assets may require financial experts or extensive discovery.
Lack of Cooperation
If one spouse refuses to respond, fails to provide financial disclosures, or repeatedly requests continuances, the case may take longer.
Court Scheduling
Family court calendars can be busy, which sometimes delays hearings or trial dates.
If a spouse fails to respond after being served with divorce papers, the filing spouse may request a default judgment.
The process generally involves:
Default divorces can still proceed without the other spouse’s participation, but they must still comply with the 60-day waiting period.
While some delays are unavoidable, several steps can help move a divorce forward more efficiently:
Early legal guidance can often prevent mistakes that lead to delays later in the case.
Every divorce case is different. Even small disputes about finances or parenting can significantly affect the timeline.
At Arsenal Law, we help clients:
Our goal is to move cases forward while minimizing unnecessary conflict and delay.
Although Arizona law requires at least a 60-day waiting period, the total time needed to finalize a divorce depends largely on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between the parties.
Uncontested divorces can often be completed in two to three months, while contested cases may take significantly longer.
If you are considering divorce or have already started the process, experienced legal guidance can help ensure your case proceeds as smoothly as possible.
To learn more about your options, contact Arsenal Law today.
Call: 480-459-6080
Schedule an initial consultation:
https://arsenallawaz.com/schedule-an-initial-consultation/
Arsenal Law — Protecting Your Family, Your Finances, and Your Future.
