Arizona’s dissolution of marriage statutes address the division of assets and debts accumulated during the marital period. This legal framework ensures a fair and equitable distribution of jointly acquired possessions and obligations when a marriage concludes. For instance, any real estate purchased during the marriage, retirement accounts accrued, and debts incurred are generally subject to division.
The equitable distribution principle aims to provide each spouse with a just share of the marital estate, recognizing contributions made throughout the marriage, both financially and otherwise. This promotes fairness and stability by addressing economic consequences that often arise from the termination of a marriage. The historical context reveals an evolution from common law systems, where property rights were primarily vested in the husband, towards a more balanced approach reflecting modern marital partnerships.
