Arizona divorce laws outline the various requirements for legally ending a marriage in the state. Understanding these qualifications will ensure your divorce filing does not encounter issues during the legal process and that all legal aspects of your marriage can be resolved as quickly and effectively as possible. Below, three Arizona divorce requirements are discussed in detail

3 Divorce Law Requirements for Ending a Marriage in Arizona

1. One Spouse Must Be an Arizona Resident

Either spouse has to be a resident of the state for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. The other spouse may live out of state, but so long as one part of the couple has maintained consistent Arizona residency, the divorce can be legally filed. You may be asked to provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license or rental or mortgage paperwork.

2. An Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage

In Arizona, divorce law recognizes just one reason for a dissolution of marriage: The union is irretrievably broken. This makes Arizona one of many no-fault divorce states, meaning that one spouse does not have to prove or explain why the union is ending. The term "irretrievable breakdown" is intended as a catchall phrase that encompasses virtually any reason a marriage could come to an end.

3. A Waiting Period if One Spouse Denies the Breakdown of the Union

If one spouse denies that the marriage is broken, a mandatory waiting period is instated. The courts may elect to initiate a conciliation conference, wherein both spouses meet with a court official to discuss the marriage and its prospects for survival. After 60 days, the matter is reviewed by the courts, and if the marriage still appears to be irretrievably broken, a divorce will likely be the next step.

Divorce and family law attorney Paul Lenkowsky of the Law Offices of Paul Lenkowsky has been serving the Bullhead City, AZ, area since 1985. Call (928) 758-4815 or visit his firm online to discuss your divorce case, and be sure to follow him on Facebook and Google+ to stay updated on important tips and information. From your initial divorce filing to arranging child support and parenting time, let an experienced attorney be your legal advocate at every step.