In Arizona, the dissolution of a marriage can proceed along one of two primary paths, distinguished by the level of agreement between the parties involved. One path involves disputes over key issues like property division, spousal maintenance (alimony), child custody, or child support, necessitating court intervention to resolve these disagreements. The alternative path occurs when both spouses are in complete accord on all aspects of the divorce settlement, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient legal process. A case with disagreements requires significant court involvement; a completely agreed case can be resolved quickly and privately.
The selection of the appropriate divorce process carries significant implications for both parties. The degree of conflict significantly influences the time required to finalize the divorce, the associated legal expenses, and the emotional strain experienced by the individuals involved and their children. Understanding the distinctions between these two paths empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their legal strategy, potentially minimizing stress and financial burden. Historically, the adversarial nature of divorce proceedings often exacerbated tensions between spouses; the availability of a collaborative, agreed-upon process offers a more amicable alternative.
