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FAQ - Divorce

  2. FAQ
  3. Divorce
  4. I just got served with divorce papers. What do I do?

Arizona Civil Legal Needs Community Survey

Civil legal organizations in Arizona are seeking your input to increase their ability to meet the civil legal needs of Arizona's lower income residents. Please complete this survey to assist in improving civil legal services in Arizona.
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Encuesta de Necesidades Legales Civiles de Arizona

Las organizaciones legales civiles en Arizona buscan su opinión para aumentar su capacidad de satisfacer las necesidades legales civiles de los residentes de bajos ingresos de Arizona. Por favor complete esta encuesta para ayudar a mejorar los servicios legales civiles en Arizona.
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I just got served with divorce papers. What do I do?

You (the respondent) may want to file a Response whether or not you agree with what is written in the divorce (dissolution of marriage) papers. Your deadline to file the response is 20 days after you were served (30 days if you were served outside of Arizona).

Whether you agree on everything in the petition or not, you will want to state your side in your response. If you and your spouse do not come to a full agreement, the court may set the matter for a hearing or require that you attend a program, such as counseling, or require additional steps, such as mediation. 

If you choose not to respond, your spouse may file for a default judgment and the judge may award the person filing what was asked for in the divorce paperwork. Default judgments may be filed 60 calendar days after you were served divorce paperwork.


Resources:
Arizona divorce or legal separation flowchart

Arizona Divorce forms with Children

Arizona Divorce Forms without Children

Find My Court - Arizona Superior Courts location information


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