Cost of Divorce in Arizona
The biggest cost driver is not who files; it is how many issues you disagree on and how efficiently you resolve them. With a plan, you can control both.
Typical Costs
Courts charge a three-figure fee to open a case and a modest fee for service, depending on the method. Attorney retainers for contested matters commonly start in the low thousands and rise with discovery, motions, and hearings. Mediation is billed hourly and usually split between spouses. Using a form-preparation service and limited-scope legal help can cost far less than full representation, especially for uncontested cases.
What Drives Cost Up or Down
Agreement shortens everything. Disputes over parenting schedules, child support adjustments, spousal maintenance expectations, or who keeps the home or retirement accounts tend to require more filings, more time, and more professional help. Responsiveness matters too: exchanging pay stubs, tax returns, and account statements early prevents rework.
Ways to Save
Define your outcomes. Decide what you must have, what you can trade, and what you can let go. Use mediation to test solutions before positions harden. Hire an attorney for targeted tasks instead of the entire case. Use technology to prepare clean forms and a single working draft of your settlement.
Hello Divorce can prepare all your Arizona divorce forms for you with our divorce plans, helping you reduce errors and move from decision to decree with fewer detours.
FAQs
What is the cheapest path to divorce in Arizona?
An uncontested case with a signed settlement and accurate paperwork.
Does filing first affect cost?
No. Costs track with conflict and complexity, not who files.
Who pays attorney fees?
Each spouse typically pays their own. In limited circumstances, a judge may shift fees.
How much does a contested divorce cost?
There is no cap. Costs increase with experts, complex assets, and the number of hearings.
Can filing fees be waived?
If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a waiver or deferral application.
