How Long Does a Divorce Take in Arizona?

    MESA, AZ, September 20, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Going through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally and legally challenging experiences in a person's life. One of the most common questions we hear from our clients at the Bryson Law Firm is, "How long will my divorce take?" While every divorce is unique and can be influenced by various factors, it's essential to have a general understanding of the divorce timeline in Arizona.

In this blog post, Arizona Divorce Attorney Brent Bryson will guide you through the typical duration of divorce proceedings in Arizona.

Navigating the Divorce Process in Arizona

In Arizona, the divorce process can be broadly divided into three main stages:

Filing the Petition: The divorce process begins when one spouse files a "Petition for Dissolution of Marriage" with the court. This marks the official start of the legal proceedings. The other spouse is then served with the divorce papers, and they have 20 days to respond.

Discovery and Negotiation: This stage involves gathering information about the marital assets, debts, and other relevant factors. It also includes negotiating the terms of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance (if applicable). This stage can vary in duration depending on the issues' complexity and both parties' willingness to cooperate.

Trial or Settlement: If the spouses cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, the case may proceed to trial. A trial can significantly extend the divorce timeline as the court schedules hearings and considers the evidence presented by both sides. However, many divorces are resolved through settlement agreements, which tend to be quicker and less adversarial.

Factors That Influence the Duration:

Several factors can influence how long a divorce takes in Arizona:

Complexity of Issues: Divorces involving complex financial assets, multiple properties, businesses, or contentious child custody disputes may take longer to resolve.

Cooperation: The willingness of both spouses to cooperate and compromise can significantly impact the timeline. An amicable divorce is often quicker than a contentious one.

Court Backlog: The caseload of the court in your jurisdiction can affect the scheduling of hearings and trials. Some courts may have longer wait times than others.

Legal Representation: Having experienced legal representation, such as a skilled divorce attorney like Brent Bryson, can streamline the process and help you navigate legal complexities more efficiently.

The Average Length of a Divorce in Arizona

On average, an uncontested divorce in Arizona, where both parties agree on all issues and cooperate fully, can take as little as three to four months from filing the petition to the final decree. However, contested divorces can take significantly longer, ranging from six months to over a year, depending on the abovementioned factors.

While there is no fixed timeline for how long a divorce typically takes in Arizona, understanding the stages of the process and the factors that influence its duration can help you manage your expectations.

Mesa, Arizona Family Law Attorney Brent Bryson is a self-proclaimed "trial junkie" and is a perpetual student of the science and art of the practice of law. In addition to attending several continuing legal education seminars each year, he regularly studies books on persuasion, trial advocacy, and negotiation. As a member of the State Bar of Arizona's Speaker's Bureau, Mr. Bryson also speaks at local Arizona schools and community organizations on various legal topics.

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