Arizona State Laws
Updated for 2026
Arizona Divorce Laws
Your complete guide to divorce in Arizona. As a community property state,Arizona generally divides marital assets 50/50. Understand your rights and options.
Understanding Arizona Divorce Law
Arizona is one of nine community property states in the U.S.
Community Property
Arizona is a community property state. This means all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be owned equally by both spouses and will typically be divided 50/50.
Separate property (owned before marriage or received as gift/inheritance) remains with the original owner.
50/50 Default DivisionGrounds for Divorce
No-Fault: Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state.
Covenant Marriage: Couples in a covenant marriage have additional requirements including counseling and may need fault grounds.
No-Fault StateLegal Decision-Making
Arizona uses the term legal decision-making instead of custody. Courts favor joint legal decision-making unless it would harm the child.
Parenting time (physical custody) is determined separately based on the childs best interests.
Best Interests StandardChild Support
Arizona uses the Income Shares Model with specific guidelines. The Arizona Child Support Calculator considers both parents incomes, parenting time, and child-related expenses.
Income Shares ModelLegal Decision-Making Factors in Arizona
1
The past, present, and potential future relationship between parent and child
2
The interaction between the child and each parent
3
The childs adjustment to home, school, and community
4
Mental and physical health of all individuals involved
5
Which parent is more likely to allow frequent contact with the other
6
Whether either parent intentionally misled the court
7
Whether there has been domestic violence or child abuse
8
Whether either parent was convicted of false child abuse reporting
Spousal Maintenance in Arizona
Temporary Maintenance
Support during divorce proceedings
Rehabilitative Maintenance
Support while spouse gains employment skills
Permanent Maintenance
Long-term support for lengthy marriages or inability to work
Key Arizona Divorce Statutes
A.R.S. 25-312
Dissolution of Marriage
Grounds for dissolution based on irretrievable breakdown
A.R.S. 25-211
Community Property
Defines community property and separate property
A.R.S. 25-403
Legal Decision-Making
Factors for determining custody (legal decision-making)
A.R.S. 25-320
Spousal Maintenance
Criteria for awarding spousal maintenance
Recent Changes to Arizona Divorce Law
2024
Parenting Time Updates
Arizona updated guidelines for parenting time calculations, emphasizing maximizing time with both parents when in the best interest of the child.
2023
Child Support Calculator Revisions
Updated income adjustments in the child support calculator to reflect current economic conditions and cost of living adjustments.
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