Six Things You Must Know About A Divorce In Arizona

So, you're thinking about taking the plunge, huh? No, not that kind. I mean, you're considering a divorce in Arizona. Well, grab a latte, 'cause we're diving in. Let's keep it real, like we're old pals shooting the breeze at our favorite coffee shop.

First things first, how long have you been together?

I mean, not in that 'til-death-do-us-part kinda way. Arizona has a residency requirement. You gotta have lived there for at least 90 days before you can file. So, no, you can't just pop in for a Grand Canyon visit and call it a day. Sorry to disappoint.

Next up, who's gonna be the one to pull the trigger?

I'm talking about filing the petition, not... you know. Arizona's a 'no-fault' state. That means you don't need a reason, just a desire to part ways. But if you're the one filing, you'll need to serve the papers. Don't worry, it's not as dramatic as it sounds. You can hire a process server or even a friendly neighbor to do it.

Now, let's talk property. Who gets what?

Arizona's a 'community property' state. That means anything you acquired during your marriage is considered joint property, no matter who paid for it. It's like sharing a giant candy jar, but less sweet. The court will divide it all up, but you can also come to an agreement yourselves. Just remember, it's not like splitting a pizza - it's a bit more complicated.

Kids in the picture? Here's what you need to know.

If you've got little ones, you'll need to figure out custody and child support. Arizona uses the 'best interests of the child' standard. That means the court will decide based on what's best for your kids, not who's the 'better' parent. It's all about keeping it civil and focusing on what's best for your kiddos.

Alimony, anyone?

Also known as 'spousal maintenance' in Arizona. The court might order it if there's a big income gap between you two. It's not about punishing the higher earner, it's about making sure both of you can maintain a similar standard of living. But don't count on it - it's not guaranteed.

Lastly, how long will this whole thing take?

It's like waiting for your coffee order on a busy morning - it depends. If you and your soon-to-be-ex can agree on everything, it could be done in as little as 60 days. But if you're fighting over every little thing, it could take months, even years. Patience, my friend, is a virtue in these situations.

So there you have it, the lowdown on divorce in Arizona. It's not pretty, but at least now you know what you're getting into. Remember, it's okay to ask for help - lawyers, therapists, even your barista. We're all in this together, one cup of coffee at a time.