What Steps Should You Take for an Uncontested Divorce From Start to Decree?

If you and your spouse agree on everything in your divorce, then an uncontested divorce is the simplest way to end your marriage and move on. A Casa Grande, AZ divorce lawyer can help you get your divorce decree as quickly and smoothly as possible. 

Getting an Uncontested Divorce in Casa Grande, AZ

Make Sure You Agree

It’s important to be sure you’re in full agreement on every major issue before anyone files any paperwork with the court. A lawyer will make sure this is the case by bringing up every issue (including some you might have overlooked). 

You’ll need to agree on how you’ll split your community property and debts, whether either spouse needs spousal maintenance, and, if you have minor children, who will have legal decision-making power in their lives, what your parenting time schedules will look like, and how child support will be calculated. 

Make Sure You’re Eligible

To be eligible to file for divorce here in Arizona, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least ninety days. If there are any minor children involved, they must have lived in Arizona for at least six months before you can start the case. 

Gather All Your Financial and Personal Information

In this step, you’ll need detailed information on all your bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, debts, income, and monthly expenses. If children are part of the picture, you will also prepare a detailed parenting plan that spells out the schedules you’ll follow, how you’ll deal with holidays, and who has decision-making authority in their lives. Your lawyer will ensure you don’t miss anything. 

Drafting Your Settlement Documents

With the help of your lawyer, you’ll prepare all your documents for the court file. For property and debt division, you’ll prepare an agreement that states who gets what and who takes responsibility for each obligation. When children are involved, you attach a parenting plan and child support worksheet. These documents must use specific language the judge will accept, and even though you and your spouse see eye to eye, the court must still see your plan as fair to both parties and in the best interests of any children involved.  

Waiting Period

There’s a mandatory sixty-day period that begins the day your spouse is served. Arizona law requires this cooling-off time before the court can enter a decree, even when everyone agrees on what they want to do. The wait gives you time to double-check that every detail in your consent decree matches what you discussed.

Submit Your Packet and Get Your Decree

Once the 60 days are up, you’ll submit the signed consent decree package and file the originals with the court. A judge will review the documents and, if everything is in order, sign the decree. You’ll receive certified copies that prove your marriage is legally dissolved.

Talk With an Experienced Divorce Lawyer

Once your decree is signed, you can begin your next chapter with confidence. We can help you get through this smoothly. Call the Law Office of Vincent Mattioli in Casa Grande or Gilbert, AZ today at 480-485-7948 to request a consultation. We also serve Phoenix and all of central Arizona.

Tags: divorce, family law, uncontested divorce
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