How much is the filing fee to get divorced in Arizona?

In Maricopa County, the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage costs approximately $349 to file. Fees vary by county — Pima County is approximately $274. Your spouse may also pay a response fee unless they sign an Acceptance of Service.

Can I get a divorce in Arizona without paying the filing fee?

Yes. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee deferral or waiver through the court. You'll need to complete a Fee Deferral Application and demonstrate financial hardship.

What is a flat-fee divorce service?

A flat-fee divorce service prepares your divorce forms for a fixed price — typically $150–$400. Unlike an attorney, a document prep service cannot give legal advice, but for straightforward uncontested divorces, it's often all you need.

How long does a divorce take in Arizona, and does that affect cost?

Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period. Uncontested divorces typically take 60–120 days total. Contested divorces can take 6 months to 2+ years, significantly increasing attorney fees.

Does Arizona have legal separation? Is it cheaper than divorce?

Yes. Arizona allows legal separation under ARS § 25-313, which has similar requirements and fees to divorce but does not legally end the marriage. It is not typically cheaper.

What if I can't afford an attorney but my divorce is complicated?

Consider limited scope representation where an attorney advises you on specific issues. Arizona legal aid organizations may also provide free or low-cost help. The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services (azlawhelp.org) can connect you with resources.

How Much Does Divorce Cost in Arizona? (2025 Complete Guide)

Last reviewed: March 2025 · Clarity Divorce Document Services

Quick answer: Divorce in Arizona costs a minimum of $349 in court filing fees (Maricopa County). Total costs range from $349–$500 for an uncontested DIY or flat-fee divorce to $25,000 or more for a contested divorce. Most uncontested divorces in Arizona cost between $500 and $2,000.

Arizona Divorce Filing Fees by County

County	Filing Fee (Approx.)	Court Website
Maricopa	$349	Visit site →
Pima	$274	Visit site →
Pinal	$261	Visit site →
Yavapai	$270	Visit site →
Mohave	$253	Visit site →
Coconino	$264	Visit site →
Yuma	$257	Visit site →

Fees are updated periodically. Check your county’s Superior Court website for the most current schedule. Some counties charge additional technology or surcharge fees at the time of filing.

Your spouse may also need to pay a Response fee (typically $200–$300) if they choose to file a formal response to the divorce petition.

What Does a Divorce in Arizona Actually Cost? Three Scenarios

Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce with Document Preparation Service

Estimated total: $500–$900

•Court filing fee: $253–$349 (varies by county)
•Document preparation service: $150–$400 flat fee
•Service of process: $0–$100 (acceptance of service is free; process server or sheriff costs extra)
•Notarization / certified copies: $10–$50

Typical total: $500–$900

Scenario 2: DIY Divorce Using Court Forms

Estimated total: $349–$600

•Court filing fee: $253–$349
•Document preparation: $0 (you fill out the forms yourself using the Arizona Self-Service Center)
•Service of process: $0–$100
•Notarization / certified copies: $10–$50
•Risk: errors can cause delays, rejected filings, or additional court appearances

Typical total: $349–$600

Scenario 3: Attorney-Assisted or Contested Divorce

Estimated total: $5,000–$25,000+

•Court filing fee: $253–$349
•Attorney retainer: $2,500–$10,000+
•Hourly attorney fees: $250–$500/hour (Arizona average)
•Expert witnesses, appraisals, custody evaluations: $1,000–$10,000+
•Mediation (if court-ordered): $500–$5,000

Typical total: $5,000–$25,000+ (can exceed $50,000 in highly contested cases)

What Affects the Cost of Your Divorce?

The single biggest cost driver: whether your divorce is contested. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized for a few hundred dollars. A contested divorce with disputes over custody, property, or support can easily run into tens of thousands.

Factors that increase cost

•Disagreements over child custody or parenting time
•Complex property division (real estate, retirement accounts, businesses)
•Spousal maintenance (alimony) disputes
•Hiring attorneys who bill by the hour
•Multiple court hearings, depositions, or discovery requests
•Need for expert witnesses (appraisers, custody evaluators, forensic accountants)

Factors that reduce cost

Both spouses agree on all major terms before filing
No minor children (simplifies paperwork significantly)
Using a flat-fee document preparation service instead of hourly attorneys
Spouse accepts service voluntarily (avoids process server fees)
Filing a fee deferral or waiver if you qualify financially
Settling outside of court through mediation

How to Get Divorced in Arizona for Under $500

Confirm you qualify for an uncontested divorce. You and your spouse must agree on property division, debt allocation, child custody (if applicable), and spousal maintenance. At least one spouse must have lived in Arizona for 90 or more days.
Use a flat-fee document preparation service or court self-help forms. Services like Clarity Divorce prepare all required forms for $299. Alternatively, download free forms from the Arizona Self-Service Center.
File your petition with the county Superior Court. Pay the filing fee (or apply for a fee deferral). For a complete walkthrough, see our step-by-step filing guide.
Serve your spouse. The cheapest method is Acceptance of Service, where your spouse signs a form acknowledging receipt. This costs nothing. A process server typically costs $40–$100.
Wait 60 days. Arizona’s mandatory waiting period begins from the date of service.
Submit your Consent Decree or Default Decree. If your spouse agrees to all terms, submit a Consent Decree. If they don’t respond within 20 days (plus 10 for mailed service), you may file for a Default Decree.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Divorce Costs

For more answers, visit our full Arizona divorce FAQ.

Ready to start your Arizona divorce?

Clarity Divorce prepares all required documents for a flat fee. $299 + court filing fees. No hidden costs.

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Sources: Arizona Judicial Branch (azcourts.gov), Maricopa County Superior Court fee schedule, ARS § 25-312, ARS § 25-329. Clarity Divorce is a licensed document preparation service in Arizona. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.