Divorce Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona 

Going through a divorce is never easy. Even if you and your spouse are on amicable terms, the process of legally dissolving your marriage can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting. If children are involved, things can become even more complicated. To help make the experience go as smoothly as possible, be sure to hire an experienced divorce attorney. 

At Faussette & Faussette PLLC, each of us has spent more than 10 years representing clients in cases of divorce. We can show you how to skillfully navigate matters like property division and spousal support, and we’re prepared to advocate for your best interests should your case reach the courtroom. 

We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Arizona 

There are two types of divorce recognized under Arizona law: uncontested divorce and contested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all matters related to the divorce, including the division of their marital property and debts, child custody, parenting plans, child support, and spousal support (also known as "spousal maintenance" or “alimony”). 

When two spouses disagree on even one component of their divorce, the divorce is considered “contested.” Any issue being contested will be presented before a judge who will then make a decision for the two parties involved. 

As you can imagine, contested divorces tend to take much longer to resolve than uncontested ones. They are also often more costly, as each spouse would need to hire an attorney, whereas, in an uncontested divorce, they may jointly hire one. 

If there are topics on which you and your spouse cannot agree, but you want to avoid the stresses of a contested divorce, consider seeking outside help. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation and arbitration allow couples to meet with a professional, unbiased third party in order to settle conflicts prior to trial. 

Eligibility to File for Divorce 

In order to file for divorce in Arizona, either you or your spouse must have resided in the state for at least the previous 90 days. Similarly, any military service member who has been stationed in Arizona for 90 consecutive days is also eligible to file for divorce. 

Grounds for Divorce 

If you’ve filed a divorce petition in Arizona, a court will need to see that there are grounds — or valid legal reasons — before granting your request. Typically, you will only need to state that your marriage is "irretrievably broken," meaning you believe there is no reasonable chance of salvaging it. Most uncontested divorces are considered “no-fault” divorces because, typically, neither spouse blames the other for the failure of the marriage. 

Let Us Help You Start Moving Forward 

Divorce is a deeply personal matter that affects not only you but the people you love most as well. For matters as delicate as this, be sure to secure honest and intelligent representation. Reach out to us at Faussette & Faussette PLLC to learn more about what to expect during the Arizona divorce process. We’ll listen as you describe your situation and your goals and use that information to craft a solution tailored uniquely to you.