An Overview Of The Divorce Process

The divorce lawyers at the Law Office of Daniel Hutto can help you understand and navigate the divorce process. From beginning to end, here is a breakdown of the 9 phases of a divorce.

1. Submitting a Dissolution Petition

The petition for dissolution is the initial step toward obtaining a divorce. People must file their dissolution applications with the court that has jurisdiction over the case, according to A.R.S. 25-311.

2. Process Service and the Reaction

The court will send you a notice and summons to answer after you've filed your petition and accompanying documents. You must serve your spouse with copies of the petition, summons, and any other legal documents you have filed in the case. Your spouse will be referred to as the respondent, and you will be referred to as the petitioner. To serve your spouse, you can hire a private process server or use the sheriff's department. h2>3. Temporary InjunctionsPeople may request temporary orders or preliminary injunctions when filing divorce petitions under A.R.S. 25-315. Temporary orders can be requested by either party, including responders. These orders spell out how various issues will be addressed while the divorce is proceeding.

4. The Investigation Process

The divorce case will enter the discovery phase when the petition and response have been submitted. You and your spouse are both entitled to information about your assets and other essential aspects of your case from each other.

5. Reaching an Agreement

Except in circumstances involving domestic violence, drug or alcohol misuse, child abuse, or those who may be hiding assets, it is frequently preferable to try to settle a divorce dispute through negotiation. People who are able to negotiate divorce settlements are often happier than those who rely on the judge's decision.

6. Divorce Case

If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, your divorce case will go to a divorce trial. Each of you will have the opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, give testimony, and submit exhibits at your trial. You and your spouse will almost certainly be called to testify and face cross-examination by the opposing counsel.

7. Custody Issues in Divorces with Children

You will need to file a petition for dissolution with minor children if your divorce may involve child custody concerns for the minor children you share with your husband. You and your husband must try to work out a parenting plan in this type of divorce. If you can't agree, you'll both have to submit a parenting plan to the court.

8. Child Support Determination

Child support is another factor to consider in a divorce in Arizona involving children. Both parents are required to financially contribute to their child's upbringing under A.R.S. 25-501. Child support guidelines exist in Arizona for judges to utilize when deciding how much money to order. This can make the amount of child support you owe or receive more predictable.

9. Keeping Your Children's Best Interests in Mind

If you and your spouse can't agree on child custody, the court will apply the elements described in A.R.S. 25-403's best interests of the child criterion to make a decision. Whether or not you go to trial on your child custody issues, you should act in a way that minimizes emotional injury to your children during and after your divorce.

Do you have any questions about the divorce process?

Most people find divorce difficult. If you wish to dissolve your marriage or have been issued with a divorce petition, contact the Law Office of Daniel Hutto for assistance and guidance. Call us today at (602) 536-7878 for a one-on-one consultation with one of our experience family law attorneys.

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