There are lots of considerations involved in preparing to go through a divorce. Whether you are thinking about filing for divorce, you think your spouse might be considering a divorce, or you have mutually decided that it’s time to bring your marriage to an end, you will need to ensure that you are making informed decisions as you move forward.
Each year, we publish numerous articles for spouses who are contemplating a divorce in Arizona. This year was no exception. If you are preparing to go through a divorce in 2026, these articles cover some key insights you’ll want to keep in mind:
5 Key Questions for Spouses Contemplating a Divorce
We encourage you to start here. In this article, we discussed five key questions for spouses who are in the early stages of considering a divorce. Thinking critically about these questions will help you frame your thoughts, and it will help guide your decision-making as you move forward. If you are just beginning to think about going through a divorce, you should read: 5 Key Questions for Spouses Contemplating a Divorce in Arizona.
Understanding the Meaning of an “Uncontested” Divorce
For many spouses (and many couples), a key goal is to successfully navigate the divorce process as efficiently and amicably as possible. In many cases, this involves pursuing an uncontested divorce.
But, it’s important to understand what exactly “uncontested” means in this context. Even when going through an uncontested divorce, spouses can disagree on what they want out of the process. It’s important to stand up for what you want, and the outcome of an uncontested divorce should equally reflect both spouses’ wants and needs. Learn more: Pursuing an Uncontested Divorce: Finding Ways to Come to Terms with Your Spouse.
Resolving Disagreements During the Divorce Process
When going through a divorce, it’s natural for disagreements to arise regardless of the circumstances involved. The decisions you make now will impact your life (and perhaps your children’s lives) for years to come, so it is important to take a stand when necessary.
But, it’s also important to be willing to compromise when warranted. Resolving a divorce amicably requires compromise on both sides. To learn more about the role compromise plays in the divorce process, you can read: 4 Ways to Resolve Disagreements During the Divorce Process.
Why It’s Not Advisable to Try a “DIY” Divorce
Many spouses understandably want to save money during the divorce process. This leads many to consider a “do-it-yourself,” or “DIY” divorce. But, while it’s understandable to want to reduce your costs, it’s important to know how to save money when going through a divorce. To learn why a DIY divorce isn’t the best option, you can read: Understanding the Risks of Pursuing a DIY Divorce in Arizona.
Understanding the Key Terms of Your Marital Settlement Agreement
If you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce, you will put the terms of your divorce in writing in a Marital Settlement Agreement. While this is a legal document, it is important that you understand the terms to which you are agreeing. For an introduction to some of the key terms that you’ll need to carefully review before you sign, you can read: What Are the Key Terms in a Marital Settlement Agreement (Consent Decree) in Arizona?
Making Informed Decisions About Property Division
As part of the divorce process, you and your spouse will need to divide your marital property. This is a process on its own; and, along with the legal requirements that apply in Arizona, divorcing spouses need to take various practical considerations into account as well. To learn which assets are (and aren’t) on the table and start thinking about how you want to prioritize, you can read: Guide to Understanding the Property-Related Aspects of Your Divorce in Arizona.
Making Informed Decisions About Post-Divorce Parenting Time
If you have minor children from your marriage, you and your spouse will also need to address parenting time during your divorce. Here too, there are both legal requirements and practical considerations to keep in mind. In Arizona, divorcing spouses must make parenting time-related decisions based on their children’s “best interests,” and all post-divorce parenting time schedules should adequately reflect the needs of all parties involved. For an introduction to some of the key child-related aspects of the divorce process, you can read:
What You Need to Know if You Are On (or Your Spouse is On) Social Media
If you are on social media (or if your spouse is on social media), this could potentially impact your divorce in various ways. You’ll need to think carefully about what you post, and you’ll want to avoid posting anything that could make your divorce more complicated or more contentious than necessary. For an overview of some key social media-related considerations for divorcing spouses, you can read: Social Media “Dos and Don’ts” for Divorcing Spouses in Arizona.
What You Need to Know About Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
Finally, if you are preparing to go through a divorce in Arizona, you will need to make an informed decision about hiring a divorce lawyer. As we said above, trying a “DIY” divorce isn’t worth it—there are simply too many risks involved. Whether you and your spouse should each hire your own divorce lawyer or you should hire a single lawyer to mediate your divorce will depend on your individual circumstances. For more information on hiring a divorce lawyer, you can read: Do You Need a Lawyer to File for Divorce in Arizona?
Schedule a Free Initial Divorce Consultation with Attorney Adam Weingart in Phoenix, AZ
If you are contemplating a divorce in 2026, we invite you to get in touch. Phoenix divorce attorney Adam Weingart will be more than happy to provide the information you need to make sound decisions about your next steps. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at 480-550-8946 or tell us how we can reach you online today.