How long does it take to get a divorce?

This depends but is first governed by A.R.S. § 25-329, which at the time of this article, states:

The court shall not consider a submission of a motion supported by affidavit or hold a trial or hearing on an application for a decree of dissolution of marriage or legal separation until sixty days after the date of service of process or the date of acceptance of process.

This is typically referred to as the “cooling off” period.  The public policy behind this statute is to give married couples an opportunity to reflect on the decision to legally separate or divorce.

The fastest or quickest way to get a divorce is by Default.  This happens when the Respondent fails to lodge a Response with the Court. This can be explored with mediation as well as without.

Generally, I tell clients that a typical divorce will take anywhere from 6 to 9 months.  It can be longer, but it is not generally shorter.  Factors that effect the process include but are not limited to the following:

• The assigned judicial officer’s calendar
• Opposing party and their positions
• Opposing counsel and their style of representation
• The property involved and positions of the parties
• Whether or not children are involved

Mediation is generally quicker than litigation but, again, it does depend on the number of contested issues and the positions of both parties.

For more information please call Enholm Law at 602-889-6273 to schedule an initial consultation.