The whole process typically wraps up in 90 to 120 days.

The Contested Process

1. Petition and Response. One spouse files, the other files a Response indicating disagreement.
2. Temporary Orders. Either party can request temporary arrangements for housing, custody, or finances while the case plays out.
3. Discovery. Both sides formally request documents, answer written questions (interrogatories), and may give depositions (sworn testimony outside of court). This phase alone can take 2 to 4 months.
4. Mediation. Arizona courts often require mediation before allowing a trial. A neutral mediator helps you try to reach agreement.
5. Trial. If mediation fails, a judge hears both sides and makes binding decisions on every unresolved issue.

Contested cases typically take 6 to 18 months. High-conflict divorces can stretch past two years.

The Cost Gap

The financial difference is significant:

Attorney rates in the Phoenix metro area run $350 to $550 per hour, with retainers starting at $5,000 to $15,000. Every disagreement that requires back-and-forth between lawyers adds to the total. For a full breakdown of all costs, see our 2026 Arizona divorce cost guide.

What If You Start Uncontested but Hit a Roadblock?

It happens more often than you might expect. You and your spouse begin on the same page, then disagree about something during the process. Maybe it is a piece of property you both want, or a parenting schedule that does not work for one of you.

When this happens, the case transitions to the contested track. Any work you have done on a Consent Decree gets set aside. You will likely need attorneys from that point forward, and the timeline resets.

The best way to prevent this: have honest conversations about every major issue before you start filing. If you can resolve potential sticking points upfront, you are much more likely to stay on the uncontested path.

Mediation: Turning Contested into Uncontested

If you are headed toward a contested divorce, mediation is worth trying before committing to full litigation. A professional mediator (neutral, not representing either side) helps you work through disagreements and find compromises.

Arizona courts actively encourage mediation. Many judges require it before scheduling a trial. Sessions typically cost $200 to $400 per hour, split between both spouses. Most cases resolve in 3 to 5 sessions, bringing the total to $2,500 to $7,000. That is a fraction of what trial preparation and litigation would cost.

If mediation succeeds and you resolve every remaining issue, your case converts back to uncontested. You submit a Consent Decree and move forward without a trial.

How Clarity Divorce Helps with Uncontested Cases

If you and your spouse agree on terms, you do not need to spend thousands on attorneys to handle the paperwork. Clarity Divorce generates all your Arizona court forms based on your answers to a guided questionnaire. The platform covers everything from the initial Petition to the final Consent Decree, including the AFI.

The cost is a flat $299, plus your county's filing fee. Your documents are ready in minutes, formatted for your specific county, and prepared to file. For couples who want to handle their divorce without a lawyer, it is the most affordable and efficient path available.

Educational guidance only. This is not legal advice.