At Cohen Family Law, we understand that one of the first questions people in Phoenix have when thinking about divorce is, “How long will this take?” Whether you’re still weighing your options or you’re ready to start the process, knowing what to expect can help you plan for the future with more confidence. While every divorce is unique, there are some common timelines and steps that apply to most Arizona cases.
The Typical Divorce Timeline in Arizona
Arizona has a required waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. Even in the simplest cases, this means a divorce cannot be completed overnight. On average, the divorce process can take anywhere from a few months to more than a year, depending on factors like complexity, level of conflict, and court availability.
For many couples, the main steps include:
1. Filing the Petition
The divorce begins when one spouse files a petition with the court. This document formally requests the divorce and sets the process in motion. Once filed, the other spouse must be served with the paperwork, which can take days or weeks, depending on how easy it is to arrange service.
2. Response from the Other Spouse
The spouse receiving the petition has a set time to respond. If they agree with the terms, the process can move quickly. If they contest any issues, such as property division or parenting time, more time will be needed to resolve them.
3. Financial Disclosures
Both spouses must share information about their income, assets, debts, and expenses. Gathering and reviewing this information can take several weeks, especially if there are complex financial holdings or disagreements about value.
4. Negotiation and Settlement Efforts
Many couples try to reach agreements outside of court through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative divorce. How long this stage takes depends on how willing each side is to compromise. A fully uncontested divorce could be resolved soon after the mandatory waiting period ends, while contested negotiations may stretch for months.
5. Court Hearings or Trial
If you cannot agree on some or all issues, the court will need to decide. Preparing for hearings or trials often takes the most time. The court’s schedule, the need for witnesses, and the complexity of the disputes all factor into the length of this stage.
What Can Make a Divorce Take Longer
While some delays are unavoidable, certain factors are known to prolong the process:
- High conflict over property or parenting time
- Complex financial matters such as business ownership or significant investments
- Difficulty in serving divorce papers if one spouse cannot be located easily
- Backlogged court calendars that limit available hearing dates
- Failure to provide required information on time
When these issues arise, what might have been a few months can easily extend to a year or more.
Options for a Faster Divorce
If you and your spouse are both committed to resolving matters quickly, there are steps you can take to move things along:
- Uncontested Divorce: If you can agree on all terms before filing, the court process is much faster.
- Mediation: A neutral mediator can help you work through disagreements efficiently without waiting for court dates.
- Collaborative Divorce: In this approach, both spouses and their attorneys commit to settling without going to trial.
- Being Prepared: Gather your financial documents early and respond promptly to any requests for information.
- Choosing Practical Solutions: Sometimes, agreeing on a workable solution rather than holding out for a perfect one can shorten the process significantly.
Balancing Speed with Care
While many people want their divorce finalized as soon as possible, rushing can sometimes lead to overlooked details or unfavorable agreements. It’s important to balance speed with making informed decisions about property division, support, and parenting plans. At Cohen Family Law, we help you stay focused on your goals while keeping the process moving forward.
How We Can Help
We know that divorce is not just a legal process—it’s a personal transition that affects your family, finances, and future. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex disputes, we guide you through each stage and help you choose the strategies that best fit your situation and timeline.
Our team works to:
- Clarify the process so you know what to expect
- Keep your case moving with timely communication and follow-up
- Explore settlement options that save time and reduce stress
- Represent you effectively in court when needed
By combining practical advice with legal skill, we aim to resolve your divorce as efficiently as possible without compromising your interests.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Divorce Attorney
If you’re considering divorce or have already started the process, Cohen Family Law is here to help you move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you reach a resolution that works for you.
