What Is the Quickest Way to Get a Divorce in Arizona?

If you are considering divorce, you may be wondering:

What is the fastest way to get divorced in Arizona?

While every case is different, the quickest path to divorce in Arizona is typically through an uncontested divorce resolved by agreement, often with the help of mediation.

Arizona’s Mandatory Waiting Period

Arizona law requires a sixty day waiting period after the divorce petition is served before a divorce can be finalized.

This means:

• The fastest a divorce can be completed is just over sixty days

• The waiting period cannot be waived

  
  

Uncontested Divorce Is the Fastest Option

The quickest way to get divorced in Arizona is when:

• Both spouses agree that the marriage is over

• There are no major disputes about property or parenting

• Both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith

In an uncontested divorce, spouses work out:

• Division of assets and debts

• Spousal maintenance (alimony), if applicable

• Parenting time and legal decision making, if minor children are involved

Once agreements are reached and the paperwork is properly filed, the court can finalize the divorce after the sixty day waiting period.

How Mediation Speeds Up the Process

Litigated divorces can take many months and sometimes more than a year (average - 7 months to over a year) due to court schedules, contested hearings, and ongoing disputes.

Mediation allows couples to:

• Schedule sessions promptly rather than waiting for court dates

• Resolve disagreements privately

• Maintain control over decisions

• Avoid lengthy and expensive litigation

Most divorces at Couples Solutions Center are resolved in 2-3 two-hour sessions.

Summary Dissolution

In some situations, couples may qualify for a Summary Dissolution, which is a simplified divorce process in Arizona. This option is available when both spouses are in full agreement on all terms of their divorce and meet certain eligibility requirements.

While Summary Dissolution is often associated with shorter marriages or simpler financial circumstances, it may still be available in cases involving children if:

• Both parents agree on legal decision making and parenting time 

• Child support is agreed upon 

• All property and debts are fully resolved 

• Neither party is requesting contested litigation

Because eligibility depends on specific statutory criteria, it is important to review your situation carefully.

At Couples Solutions Center, we provide you with your options , including whether a Summary Dissolution is appropriate and guide couples through the process when it is a good fit.

Cooperation Is the Key to Speed

The biggest factor in how quickly a divorce moves forward is the level of cooperation between spouses.

When both individuals communicate respectfully, disclose financial information promptly, and prioritize resolution over conflict, the process can move efficiently and with significantly less stress.

At Couples Solutions Center, we help clients navigate divorce in a structured, respectful, and solution focused way. If you are looking for clarity, efficiency, and a smoother path forward, mediation may be the right option for you.