In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
How can I get a default decree signed by the court?
If no response to your annulment petition is filed, you (petitioner) may be able to get your marriage annulled by default. You may request a default hearing if the other person has not filed a written response within 60 calendar days of you serving the filed petition to your spouse (respondent). A default hearing is scheduled when you want a divorce, other judgment, or order when the opposing side does not respond in writing to your petition or motion. If you want to set a default hearing, you must complete the application and affidavit of default and file it with the court. You must be sure service of the petition was complete and that the other person did not file a written response or answer with the court.
At the time you file the application and affidavit of default with the clerk of the court, make sure you have 2 copies of the application and affidavit of default date-stamped by the clerk. You must mail or hand-deliver one copy to the other person the day that you filed the application and affidavit of default with the clerk of the court. After you have given the other person a copy of the application and affidavit of default you must wait 10 court days.
If the other person still does not file a written response or answer in 10 court days, you may be able request a default hearing date.
Resources:
Arizona divorce or legal separation flowchart
Arizona State Default Divorce with Children Forms
Arizona State Default Divorce without Children Forms