Q: Can I get a divorce in Arizona without waiting 60 days? A: No. Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date your spouse is served or accepts service. This cannot be waived. The earliest your divorce can be final is 60 days after service, even with complete agreement. Covenant marriages may require additional time for counseling. | Q: When does the 60-day waiting period start? A: The 60-day waiting period starts when your spouse is served with the divorce papers or accepts service, not when you file the petition. This is why you should serve your spouse as soon as possible after filing to start the mandatory waiting period clock. | Q: Do I have to go to court in Arizona for uncontested divorce? A: Usually no. Most uncontested divorces in Arizona can be finalized without a court appearance if both parties submit a signed consent decree and all required documents. The judge reviews and signs the decree. Some judges may require a brief hearing but many do not for simple uncontested cases. | Q: What is a Covenant marriage and how does it affect divorce timeline? A: A Covenant marriage is a special type of marriage in Arizona with stricter requirements for divorce. You must complete marriage counseling before divorce and can only divorce for specific fault grounds or after 1-2 years separation. This adds 60-120+ days to the timeline. Most Arizona marriages are not Covenant marriages unless you specifically chose that option when you married. | Q: Do both parents have to take the parent information class in Arizona? A: Yes. Both parents must complete an Arizona Supreme Court approved Parent Information Program (4 hours) before the divorce decree can be entered. This applies to all divorces with minor children. Cost is $50 per person and programs are available online and in-person statewide. | Q: How long does an uncontested divorce take if we have children? A: 4-9 months typically. The mandatory 60-day waiting period applies, plus both parents must complete the 4-hour parent information class before the decree can be entered. Additional time is needed for court review of parenting plans and child support calculations. | Q: Is Arizona a community property state and what does that mean for timeline? A: Yes, Arizona is one of nine community property states. All property and debts acquired during marriage are presumed to be owned 50/50. This can actually speed up divorces because there's a clear rule (50/50 split) rather than lengthy equitable distribution analysis. However, disputes over what is separate vs community property can significantly extend contested cases. | Q: Can my spouse delay the divorce by not responding? A: Your spouse cannot prevent the divorce. If they don't respond within 20 days after service, you can file for default after 60-day waiting period. However, this adds time. If spouse is actively avoiding service, you may need to use alternative service methods which can add weeks to the process.