Divorce process starts with filing a petition with the court

You look forward to the moment when your divorce is final and you can finally feel free to live your own life. Of course, before you can finalize a divorce, you actually have to start the divorce process.

If you are ready to move forward with divorce, you must first file your petition for divorce in court. Let's take an in-depth look at what this process involves in Arizona.

The divorce petition's purpose

This document lets the divorce court know that you would like your marriage to come to an end. Once the court receives your petition, it will serve this document on -- or deliver it to -- your spouse. Through this process, your spouse will find out that you have commended the process of dissolving your marriage.

What should go in your divorce petition?

The following items can go in your petition:

• Your and your spouse's names
• Your home address
• Your marriage date
• Your marriage location
• The names of the children you share
• Why you are seeking a divorce

Furthermore, you will need to confirm that either your spouse or you have resided in Arizona for three months, or half a year if you have children. You can also include in your petition how you wish to handle divorce matters such as the distribution of your marital assets, your finances, and even child custody.

What about requesting a temporary court order? Is it possible?

Yes, you can also request temporary court orders when filing for divorce. The purpose of these types of orders is to establish certain requirements that must be met regarding family or money-related issues while you and your future ex-spouse are going through your divorce proceeding. Some of the issues that these orders may address include the following:

• Which parent will have the children live with him or her (receive physical custody)?
• Child visitation arrangements for the noncustodial parent
• Child support arrangements
• Spousal maintenance arrangements
• Who will get to stay in the marital home?
• Who will pay certain bills and address other monetary matters?

If the divorce court grants you temporary orders, they will cover the period leading up to the time of your divorce finalization. During all stages of your divorce proceeding, ranging from the moment you file for divorce to the final stages, it is within your rights to seek the most personally beneficial outcome possible in Arizona.