If you are considering divorce, timing matters more than many people realize. While it may be tempting to wait until the end of the year, starting the process sooner can make a meaningful difference in how and when your case is resolved.
Understanding the divorce timeline in Arizona, including mandatory waiting periods and procedural steps, can help you plan and avoid unnecessary delays.
At McMurdie Law & Mediation, we often advise clients that if their goal is to finalize a divorce by year end, the time to begin is now.
Understanding the 60 Day Rule in Arizona
Arizona law requires a minimum 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. This waiting period begins once the Petition for Dissolution is served on the other party.
Even in the most cooperative cases, the court cannot issue a final decree until this time has passed.
What this means in your case:
- Filing in late fall may push finalization into the following year (a new tax year)
- Delays in service or response can extend the timeline further
- Complex cases can take several months beyond the minimum
Starting earlier gives you more flexibility and control over timing.
Typical Divorce Timeline Arizona Overview
While every case is different, most divorces follow a general sequence:
Filing and Service
One party files the petition, and the other is formally served.
Response Period
The responding party typically has 20 days (in Arizona) to file a response.
Disclosures and Negotiation
Then, both parties exchange financial information and begin working toward resolution that takes several weeks or months.
Mediation or Settlement Discussions
Many couples resolve issues through mediation or negotiation rather than litigation.
Final Decree
Once agreements are reached and the 60-day requirement is met, the court can finalize the divorce.
Even in straightforward cases, this process often takes several months from start to finish. Most cases in which each party has their own lawyer takes about a year.
Why Start Planning Now for Year End Goals
If you are hoping to complete your divorce before the end of the year, waiting too long may create challenges.
Starting now allows time to:
- Complete financial disclosures
- Address property division and support issues
- Resolve parenting arrangements and start the plan before filing
- Participate in mediation if needed
- Avoid last-minute pressure or rushed decisions
- Close joint bank accounts by agreement
- Refinance property by agreement
- Pay off debt by agreement
- Replace old vehicles by agreement
It also helps ensure that your agreement is carefully considered rather than hurried.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Timing your divorce may have financial and practical implications, including:
- Tax filing status for the year
- Division of year-end bonuses or income
- Health insurance and benefits planning
- Closing or separating joint accounts
- Designating a joint account for family and children expenses
- Review your prenuptial agreement and your Estate Planning documents such as your family trust
Planning ahead allows you to address these issues proactively rather than reacting under time pressure.
The Role of Mediation in Staying on Track
Mediation is often an effective way to solidify details and keep your case moving efficiently.
By working through issues cooperatively, couples may:
- Avoid delays associated with court scheduling
- Reach agreements more quickly
- Maintain greater control over outcomes
- Complete your case sooner
- Save attorney fees
With more than 30 years of experience, McMurdie Law & Mediation helps clients stay focused on resolution and avoid unnecessary delays.
Avoiding Common Timeline Mistakes
Some of the most common issues that delay divorce include:
- Waiting too long to file
- Delays in serving the other party
- Incomplete financial disclosures
- High-conflict negotiations
- Scheduling delays for court hearings
Understanding the divorce timeline Arizona helps you avoid these pitfalls and stay on track.
Plan Now for a Smoother Process
Divorce is a process that takes time, even in the best circumstances. If your goal is to finalize your case before year end, starting now provides the best opportunity to do so.
With proper planning, clear communication, and the right legal guidance, you can move through the process more efficiently and with less stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Timeline Arizona
- What is the fastest a divorce can be finalized in Arizona?
The minimum is 60 days after service, but most cases take longer depending on complexity and cooperation. In 30 years, McMurdie Law & Mediation has seen this only twice. Most cases take a bare minimum 4 months but most take up to a year and some even longer.
- Can we speed up the divorce process?
You cannot shorten the 60-day requirement, but cooperation and mediation can help avoid additional delays after the required 60 day cooling period.
- What happens if we do not finish before year end?
Your case will continue into the next year, which may affect tax and financial planning considerations. If you are married the next tax year, it is usually advantageous to file together and is in fact required to file either married jointly or married filing separately.
- Do all divorces require court hearings?
Not always. Many cases are resolved through agreement and finalized without a contested hearing. At McMurdie Law & Mediation we work very hard to move your case through the court process and utilize excellent negotiation and problem solving skills to reach agreement and keep you out of court.