Walking into a courthouse for the first time is intimidating. You may not know where to go, what to say, or what the judge expects. This guide is designed to demystify the process — giving you the practical, logistical details that most legal guides skip over.
Where Family Court Happens in Maricopa County
Most family law cases in Maricopa County are heard at the Central Court Building (also called the Family Court building).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 |
| Phone | (602) 506-1561 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Parking | Public parking garages on Jefferson and Madison. Expect $8–$12 for a half day. Street meters are available but time-limited. |
| Security | Metal detectors at all entrances. Leave weapons, knives, and large scissors in your car. Phones are allowed but must be silenced in the courtroom. |
| Self-Service Center | Located in the same building. Provides free forms, instructions, and basic procedural guidance for people without attorneys. |
Types of Hearings You May Attend
Resolution Management Conference (RMC)
This is usually your first court appearance in a contested family law case. A judge or commissioner meets briefly with both parties (and their attorneys, if they have them) to identify the issues in dispute, set a timeline for the case, determine whether mediation or a custody evaluation is needed, and schedule future hearings. RMCs typically last 15–30 minutes. Don't expect any final decisions here — it's a procedural check-in.
Temporary Orders Hearing
If either party needs immediate decisions about custody, support, or exclusive use of the family home while the divorce is pending, they can request a temporary orders hearing. These hearings are more substantive — the judge will hear arguments and may take testimony. They typically last 30–60 minutes.
Mediation
Maricopa County requires mediation for most contested custody cases before they can go to trial. Mediation is held in a private room (not a courtroom) with a trained mediator. It's less formal, and the goal is to reach agreement. If mediation fails, the case proceeds toward trial.
Evidentiary Hearing / Trial
If you can't resolve your issues through negotiation or mediation, you'll have a trial. Both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The judge makes the final decisions. Trials can last anywhere from a half day (simple issues) to multiple days (complex custody or asset cases).
Return Hearing / Status Conference
These are follow-up hearings to check on compliance with court orders, review progress on outstanding issues, or address new motions.
How to Prepare for Your Hearing
What to Bring
Your court paperwork (the petition, response, and any motions that have been filed), any documents the court has requested or that support your position (financial disclosures, pay stubs, text messages, photographs), a notepad and pen (you may want to write things down during the hearing), and a copy of any existing court orders related to your case. If you have an attorney, they'll tell you exactly what to bring. If you're representing yourself, bring everything that might be relevant — it's better to have it and not need it.
What to Wear
Dress as if you're going to a job interview. Business casual is the minimum — slacks and a collared shirt or blouse. Avoid shorts, flip-flops, graphic tees, hats, and anything revealing. Judges notice how you present yourself, and while clothing shouldn't affect the outcome, first impressions matter.
Arriving at Court
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. You'll need time to pass through security, find your courtroom, and check in with the clerk or court staff. Courtrooms are identified by judge name and room number — check the screens in the lobby or ask at the information desk. Once inside the courtroom, sit quietly and wait for your case to be called. Turn off your phone or set it to silent. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in the courtroom.
Courtroom Behavior: What Judges Expect
Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Speak only when the judge or your attorney indicates it's your turn. Answer questions directly and honestly — do not volunteer information that wasn't asked for. Never interrupt the judge, the other party, or the other party's attorney. Keep your emotions in check. Judges understand these cases are emotional, but outbursts, eye-rolling, or visible anger will hurt your credibility. If you disagree with something the other party says, write it down and address it when it's your turn to speak.
The Self-Service Center
If you're representing yourself (called "pro se" or "self-represented"), the Maricopa County Self-Service Center is an essential resource. It's located inside the Central Court Building and offers free forms and packets for divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders; assistance from staff who can help you understand procedures (they cannot give legal advice); computer terminals for filling out forms; and classes on family law procedures. The Self-Service Center is not a substitute for a lawyer — the staff cannot tell you what to do or what's best for your situation. But for procedural questions, it's invaluable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't skip your hearing. If you fail to appear, the judge can make decisions without your input — and issue a bench warrant in some cases. Don't badmouth the other parent in court. Judges are watching for which parent can put the children's needs above their own conflict. Don't lie or exaggerate. Judges are experienced at detecting dishonesty, and getting caught in a lie destroys your credibility on every other issue. Don't bring your children to court unless specifically instructed to. Family court hearings involve discussions that children shouldn't hear. Don't negotiate in the hallway without thinking it through. The pressure of being at the courthouse can push you into agreements you'll regret. If you're unsure, ask for time to consider.
What If You Can't Afford a Lawyer?
If you can't afford full representation, you still have options. Limited scope representation means you hire an attorney to help with specific parts of your case (document preparation, a single hearing) rather than the entire matter. This can cost $500–$2,000 instead of $5,000+. The Maricopa County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service offers 30-minute consultations for $50. Community Legal Services provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents. The Volunteer Lawyers Program offers free representation for some family law matters. Even a single consultation with a family law attorney before your first hearing can make a significant difference in how prepared you are.
Find a Family Law Attorney in Maricopa County
Connect with experienced attorneys who practice regularly in Maricopa County Family Court.
Search Maricopa County AttorneysFrequently Asked Questions
Can I attend hearings by phone or video?
Since the pandemic, Maricopa County Family Court has expanded remote hearing options. Many RMCs and status conferences can be attended by phone or video (typically through a Zoom-like platform). However, evidentiary hearings and trials usually require in-person attendance. Your court notice will specify whether remote attendance is available for your hearing.
How long will my case take?
An uncontested divorce in Maricopa County can be finalized in 60–90 days. Contested cases with custody disputes typically take 6–12 months. Complex cases involving business valuations or high-conflict custody can take 12–18+ months. Court backlogs can add time, especially for trial dates.
What's the difference between a judge and a commissioner?
Commissioners are judicial officers appointed by the Presiding Judge. They handle many family law matters, including temporary orders, child support, and some trials. Their authority is essentially the same as a judge's in practice, though their orders technically take effect as "minute entries" that become orders if no objection is filed within a set period.
Can I request a different judge?
Arizona allows each party one "Notice of Change of Judge" (also called a peremptory strike) under Rule 10.2 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure. You must file it within 10 days of learning which judge is assigned. You don't need to give a reason, but you can only do it once, and it can't be used against a commissioner.