The attorneys at GillespieShields practice family, employment, civil, criminal, probate, appellate, and immigration law.

If you are considering a divorce and are worried about how you will support yourself after the split, you should know about alimony in Arizona. Alimony is financial support that one spouse pays to the other spouse after a divorce. It is not always awarded in a divorce, but the amount and duration of alimony payments can vary depending on a variety of factors. Here are five quick tips about alimony in Arizona:

1. Alimony is not always awarded in a divorce. Alimony is financial support that one spouse pays to the other spouse after a divorce. The decision to award alimony typically depends on a variety of factors, including the couple’s income and assets, the length of the marriage, and the needs of each spouse.
   
2. The amount and duration of alimony payments depend on a variety of factors. The amount and duration of alimony payments can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the couple’s income and assets, the length of the marriage, and the needs of each spouse. Generally, alimony payments continue until either the receiving spouse remarries or the paying spouse dies.
3. Spouses can agree to alimony payments outside of court. If the spouses are able to agree on the amount and duration of alimony payments, they can sign a written agreement called a “stipulation.” This agreement will be presented to the court for approval.
4. Alimony can be modified or terminated under certain circumstances. If there is a significant change in either spouse’s financial situation, alimony may be modified or terminated. For example, if the receiving spouse becomes permanently disabled or the paying spouse loses his or her job, alimony payments may need to be adjusted.
5. There are several types of alimony available in Arizona. In Arizona, there are four types of alimony: temporary, rehabilitative, lump sum, and permanent. Temporary alimony is financial support that is paid during the divorce proceedings. Rehabilitative alimony helps the receiving spouse get back on his or her feet after a divorce. Lump-sum alimony is a one-time payment, and permanent alimony is monthly payments that continue until either the receiving spouse remarries or the paying spouse dies.

If you have any questions about alimony in Arizona, you should speak with an experienced family law attorney. Alimony can be a complicated issue, and it is important to understand your rights and obligations under the law.

Is Divorce the Best Option for Me?

Marriages in Arizona “dissolve” after the conclusion of a “Dissolution Proceeding.” This was previously referred to as a “divorce.” The only grounds for divorce recognized in Arizona are “irretrievably broken/irreconcilable differences.”

It is not necessary to determine who is “at fault” for the “Dissolution.” All that is required is that one of the parties wishes to divorce. When a marriage cannot be saved for whatever reason, divorce is used to end the relationship. Divorce can cause emotional and mental turmoil in many cases, especially when there are children or serious financial concerns.

In Arizona, there are two types of legal divorce motions: contested and uncontested. An “Uncontested Divorce” is one in which your spouse does not file a “Response” to the “Petition for Dissolution.” This can result in a “Default Judgment,” or they may have contacted you and simply entered into a “Consent Decree/Marital Settlement Agreement” without any official fight or “contest” taking place in Court.

A “Contested Divorce” is one in which your spouse “contests” your Petition for Dissolution. They will have actually filed a Response with the Court by “contesting” the Petition. The filing of the Response will not prevent a future Consent Decree/Marital Settlement Agreement from being reached. In fact, the most likely scenario is that they will respond and then work out an agreement between your attorney and theirs. This usually occurs after “Discovery” has been concluded. If a Marital Settlement Agreement is still not reached, it is at this time that a Trial will occur.

Petition For Dissolution Begins the Divorce Process

A “Petition for Dissolution” is the first piece of paperwork filed to start a “Divorce” action. A “Preliminary Injunction” will be filed in addition to the Petition for Dissolution. In addition, some women apply for “Maiden Name Restoration.” Along with the Petition, an “Order and Notice to Attend Parent Information Program Classes” will be filed. This is an official court order, and disobeying it may result in contempt of court. This means that both you and your spouse must finish these classes within 45 days of the Petition being served. Furthermore, these classes must be completed before the Judge issues your “Decree of Dissolution.”

Paralegals will give you the “Parent Information Program Notice,” which will include all necessary information on where to go, costs, how to sign up, and how to get final completion notices sent to the Court.

Once all of these documents have been filed with the Court, the Court will verify that the Petitioner has “Residency” in order for the Court to have “Jurisdiction.” Before filing a “Petition for Dissolution,” one of the two spouses must have lived in Arizona for at least 90 days. After filing the Petition, there is a 60-day waiting period after “Service of Process” on the other spouse before any “Divorce” can become final.

Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?

The attorneys at GillespieShields are well-versed in a variety of different legal fields, ranging from family law to civil suits, employment disputes, and probate cases. Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. We believe in giving families peace of mind no matter their situation, and we fight hard to maintain that peace. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.  During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer and all of our questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. Contact us today for your consultation!

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