333he New Year brings a fresh start, but if you are in an unhappy or unhealthy marriage, moving on from the struggles of the prior year can prove difficult. As a result, studies show that many spouses use the New Year as an impetus to file for divorce. If you are thinking about getting divorced in 2023, now is the time to get started, and we encourage you to use the resources in this 2023 Arizona Divorce Guide to help guide your preparations:
Knowing What To Expect When You File for Divorce
Getting divorced is a process, and knowing what to expect (and what not to expect) can make the process go much more smoothly. These resources cover everything from how to set reasonable expectations to how to make sure you don’t overlook any important issues:
- 10 Tips for Making Informed Decisions During Your Divorce in Arizona – Successfully navigating the divorce process requires the ability to make informed decisions. Follow these ten tips to help you approach your divorce from the right frame of mind.
- Considering a Divorce in Arizona? Don’t Overlook These 10 Important Issues – It is common for spouses to overlook various issues during the divorce process. Make a note of these issues now, so you do not encounter them unexpectedly later.
- How to Set Reasonable Expectations for Your Arizona Divorce – A divorce should produce a fair outcome for both spouses. Both spouses will need to compromise, and this means that both spouses must approach the process with an open mind.
Understanding Arizona’s Divorce Laws
When getting divorced, you don’t need to have an intimate understanding of the nuances of Arizona’s divorce laws—that is your lawyer’s job. But, you do need to familiarize yourself with the basics. Use this resource to learn about the laws that will govern the outcome of your divorce:
- What are Arizona’s Divorce Laws? – If you are like most people, you are entirely unfamiliar with Arizona’s divorce laws. These frequently asked questions (FAQs) introduce what you need to know.
Understanding Your Options for Staying Out of Court
While getting divorced necessarily involves going to court in Arizona, it is possible to handle most of the process informally. In most cases, it will be in both spouses’ best interests to agree on the terms of their divorce rather than asking a judge to make decisions for them. While some couples will be able to come to terms on their own, many will benefit from the mediation and collaborative law processes:
- Here’s What You Need to Know About Divorce Mediation in Arizona – Learn about the mediation process, when it can be useful, and what you can expect if you pursue divorce mediation in Arizona.
- What is a Collaborative Law Divorce in Arizona? – Learn what it means to pursue a “collaborative law” divorce, and learn about factors to consider when deciding if this method is right for you.
The 3 Key Aspects of the Divorce Process
When it comes to resolving divorce, there are three key aspects of the process: (i) property division, (ii) financial support, and (iii) child custody and parenting time. You can use this 2023 Arizona Divorce Guide to learn the basics about each of these three key aspects:
1. Property Division
Without a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, divorcing spouses in Arizona must divide their property according to the state’s “community property” laws. Most couples will need to divide their assets 50-50.
But, there are many ways to effectuate a 50-50 split, and divorcing spouses have a significant amount of flexibility to arrive at a mutually-agreeable solution. It is also important to note that some assets may not be subject to division. The following articles cover these considerations in greater detail:
2. Financial Support
In Arizona, a divorce can result in one former spouse having an obligation to provide two types of financial support: alimony and child support. While alimony is on the table in all divorces, not all divorces lead to an alimony award. Conversely, when divorcing spouses have minor children, they must address child support as part of the divorce process.
Calculating alimony and calculating child support are very different. For an overview of the key factors involved in both calculations, you can read:
- When is Alimony Awarded in an Arizona Divorce?
- What to Expect Regarding Child Support
3. Child Custody and Parenting Time
Divorcing parents who have minor children must also necessarily address the matter of child custody and parenting time. In Arizona – as in other states – all child custody determinations must reflect the best interests of the children involved.
Like property division, divorcing parents have various options for formulating a post-divorce parenting time plan. However, there are some limitations, and parents must work closely with their attorneys to ensure they make sound decisions that comply with Arizona law. These resources cover the basics of child custody in Arizona, the primary options that are available, and some important considerations for dealing with special circumstances post-divorce:
- What Are Arizona’s “Best Interests” Factors for Determining Child Custody?
- Is It Possible to Obtain Sole Custody in Arizona?
- Is Coparenting a Good Option for Divorcing Parents in Arizona?
- Vacations, Holidays, Birthdays, Activities & Emergencies: Important Parenting Time Considerations During an Arizona Divorce
We hope you find the resources in this 2023 Arizona Divorce Guide useful. However, these resources are not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Schedule a free initial consultation at Weingart Family Law today to get your divorce started on the right track.
Schedule a Free Initial Divorce Consultation in Phoenix, AZ
We provide experienced, personalized, and compassionate legal representation for divorcing spouses in Arizona. If you want to discuss your circumstances with an experienced Phoenix divorce lawyer confidently, please call 480-542-0099 or request a free consultation online.