A step-by-step overview of the uncontested divorce process with children in Maricopa County, from beginning to end.
Many families are surprised to learn that they may be charged $300,
$500, $1,000 or more just to have someone help prepare divorce paperwork.
In some situations, couples who already agree on important issues
involving their children may be able to file an uncontested divorce
using the required Arizona court forms.
Understanding the steps involved can help individuals better organize
their paperwork and move through the process with greater confidence.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce in
Arizona?
An uncontested divorce generally means both spouses agree on important
matters such as:
• Legal decision-making for the children
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Division of property and debts
When both parties cooperate, the divorce process can often move more
smoothly through the court system.
Forms Commonly Used for Divorce with
Children
When filing for divorce with children in Maricopa County, the
process usually begins with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with
Minor Children.
A typical filing may include forms such as:
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Minor Children
• Summons
• Parenting Plan
• Child Support Worksheet
• Sensitive Data Sheet
• Preliminary Injunction
Additional documents may be required depending on the situation.
All current forms and requirements should always be verified directly
with the Maricopa County Superior Court.
Official court forms are available here:
👉 https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/fc_group_4/
Filing the Divorce Case
Divorce cases in Maricopa County are filed with the Superior Court of
Arizona in Maricopa County.
After the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with the
divorce papers according to Arizona court rules.
Once service is completed, the responding party has a limited time to
file a response with the court
What Happens If Your Spouse Does
Not Respond?
In Arizona divorce cases:
• A spouse usually has 20 days to respond if served within Arizona
• 30 days if served outside Arizona
If the responding party does not file a response within the required
time, the petitioner may be able to move forward using a process known as default.
Application and Affidavit of
Default
If no response is filed, the petitioner may file a document called:
Application and Affidavit of Default
This notifies the court that the responding party did not file an answer.
Arizona law then requires a 10-day waiting period after the
default application is filed.
During this time, the responding party still has the opportunity to file
a response.
If no response is filed, the court may allow the case to proceed toward a
Default Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
Step-by-Step Divorce Preparation
Guide
For individuals who want a structured checklist explaining how to
organize the required forms and filing steps, the Arizona Divorce With
Children Preparation Kit – Maricopa County Guide is available as an
educational resource.
This guide explains how individuals can organize the required court forms
and understand the filing steps commonly used in Maricopa County.
Printed Version Available
For individuals who prefer printed materials instead of a digital
download, a printed version of the divorce preparation guide is also
available and can be mailed directly to you.
📦 Order the printed version here:
Prepared by
Servicios Privados Legales de AZ
Servicios Privados Legales de AZ provides educational document
preparation guides and is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
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