When you're ready for your marriage to be over, you want to know how long it's going to take. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your circumstances. But here are realistic timelines for every type of Arizona divorce.
Arizona Divorce Timeline at a Glance
| Type of Divorce | Typical Timeline | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | 60–90 days | Both spouses agree on everything; minimal paperwork |
| Uncontested, with children | 90–150 days | Requires parenting plan; court reviews child-related terms |
| Contested, moderate complexity | 6–12 months | Disagreements on some issues; mediation may resolve them |
| Contested, high conflict | 12–18+ months | Custody battles, business valuations, hidden assets |
| Default divorce (spouse doesn't respond) | 90–120 days | Spouse was served but didn't file a response within 20 days |
The 60-Day Waiting Period
Arizona requires a minimum 60-day waiting period between the date your spouse is served with the divorce petition and the date the court can issue a final decree. This is non-negotiable — even if you and your spouse agree on everything, you cannot finalize your divorce in fewer than 60 days. The purpose is to give both parties time to consider reconciliation and ensure decisions aren't made in the heat of the moment.
Timeline for an Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on all terms — is the fastest route. Here's what the process looks like:
File the Petition (Day 1)
One spouse files the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Superior Court.
Serve Your Spouse (Days 1–14)
The other spouse must be formally served. If they're cooperative, they can sign an Acceptance of Service immediately, starting the clock sooner.
Spouse Files Response (Days 14–34)
The served spouse has 20 days to respond (30 if served out of state). In an uncontested divorce, this is often just a formality confirming agreement.
Submit Consent Decree (Days 30–60)
Both spouses sign a consent decree laying out the agreed terms. This is submitted to the court along with the required financial disclosures and, if applicable, a parenting plan.
Court Approves Decree (Day 60+)
After the 60-day waiting period, the judge reviews and signs the decree. If everything is in order, this can happen within days. Your divorce is final when the judge signs.
What Slows a Divorce Down
Custody Disputes
Disagreements over legal decision-making and parenting time are the number one reason divorces drag on. If parents can't agree, the court may order mediation, a custody evaluation (which can take 2–4 months), or a trial. In Maricopa County, it can take 6–9 months just to get a trial date after the case is designated for trial.
Complex Financial Situations
Businesses that need to be valued, stock options, multiple properties, pension divisions requiring QDROs, or allegations of hidden assets all add time. Each of these may require expert involvement — appraisers, forensic accountants, actuaries — and their schedules add weeks or months to the timeline.
An Uncooperative Spouse
If your spouse avoids being served, refuses to participate, or deliberately delays proceedings, the timeline stretches. Arizona courts do have tools to address this — including default judgments and sanctions — but exercising them takes time.
Court Backlogs
Maricopa County is one of the busiest court systems in the country. After the pandemic-era backlogs, wait times for hearings and trials have improved but can still add weeks to your timeline, particularly if your case requires multiple court appearances.
How to Speed Up Your Arizona Divorce
You can't eliminate the 60-day waiting period, but you can minimize delays everywhere else.
Agree on as much as possible before filing. If you and your spouse can come to terms on property division, parenting, and support before involving attorneys, you save months. Consider using a mediator to help facilitate these conversations.
Have your financial documents ready. Both spouses must disclose their financial information. Gathering pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement account balances, and debt statements in advance prevents delays.
Use Acceptance of Service. Instead of hiring a process server, have your spouse sign an Acceptance of Service form. This starts the 60-day clock immediately.
File a consent decree early. If everything is agreed upon, your attorney can prepare and submit the consent decree well before the 60-day mark so the judge can sign it as soon as the waiting period expires.
Hire an experienced attorney. An attorney who regularly practices in Maricopa County (or whichever county you're in) knows the local judges, the procedures, and how to avoid common pitfalls that cause delays. The investment in an attorney often pays for itself in time saved.
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Search Divorce AttorneysFrequently Asked Questions
Can I date during the divorce process?
Legally, yes — Arizona is a no-fault state, so dating during a pending divorce isn't grounds for anything. However, it can complicate custody proceedings if the other parent argues the new relationship affects the children, and it can inflame negotiations. Most attorneys advise discretion.
Does legal separation take as long as divorce?
The process is nearly identical, with the same 60-day waiting period and the same issues to resolve (property, custody, support). The only difference is the end result: a legal separation doesn't end the marriage, so neither spouse can remarry.
What happens if my spouse doesn't respond?
If your spouse is properly served and doesn't file a response within 20 days (30 if out of state), you can apply for a default judgment. The court may grant you what you asked for in your petition since the other side didn't contest it. A default divorce typically takes 90–120 days total.
Is there a way to get an emergency or expedited divorce in Arizona?
No. The 60-day waiting period cannot be waived, even in emergencies. However, the court can issue temporary orders (for custody, support, or protection) very quickly while the divorce is pending. If you're in danger, an Order of Protection can be obtained the same day you apply.