Dissolution of marriage is a legal term that many often use instead of the word divorce. Although a dissolution of marriage may sound more dignified or complex than a divorce, the two terms refer to the same type of legal action designed to end your marriage permanently. Therefore, there is no decision to make when deciding between divorce vs. dissolution of marriage.
Navigating through the Arizona divorce process is rarely easy. Having an experienced Arizona Christian divorce attorney on your side will make the process more bearable. Together, we can work to resolve outstanding legal issues concerning minor children, spousal maintenance, property, and debts. A dissolution of marriage attorney in Arizona at Provident Law® can advise you of your legal rights and responsibilities under all applicable laws as you operate your business.
Ending Your Marriage
There are three ways to end your marriage under Arizona law – divorce or dissolution of marriage, legal separation, and annulment.
Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage
Under A.R.S. 25-312, a court can grant a divorce or dissolution of marriage if one spouse has lived in or been stationed on a military installation in Arizona for at least 90 days. The spouse also must believe that there has been an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,” which is the language that signifies a “no-fault” divorce. However, if you have a covenant marriage, you must prove one of the legal grounds outlined in A.R.S. 25-903 to get divorced, which include adultery, commission of a felony with subsequent incarceration, and abandonment for at least one year.
Arizona divorce law requires you to address the division of debts and property, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, and items of personal property. Sometimes, your divorce may also involve orders to pay spousal maintenance. If you and your spouse share minor children, you must address issues related to your children, such as custody, parenting time, and child support.
Legal Separation
A.R.S. 25-313 governs legal separation in Arizona. You can file for legal separation if at least one spouse is a resident of Arizona and both spouses agree to the separation. If one spouse objects to the separation, the only option is to file a divorce petition.
A legal separation decree addresses most of the same issues as a divorce decree, including division of property and debts, spousal maintenance, and issues related to any minor children the parties share. However, following a legal separation decree, you remain legally married and may not marry anyone else. You can either convert the legal separation to a divorce, or you may terminate the legal separation and resume life as a married couple.
Legal separation can be a good option if spouses wish to separate but object to divorce on religious or moral grounds. It also may be advantageous if spouses wish to remain legally married to continue taking advantage of some aspect of the marriage, such as health insurance coverage, but still wish to separate.
Annulment
Finally, A.R.S. 25-301 and 25-302 govern annulments. An annulment is an order issued by a court stating that a marriage is null and void, just as if the parties never had been married. The spouse seeking the annulment must show the court that the marriage was initially invalid. Grounds for annulment can include bigamy, insanity, and marriage under duress.
We Are Here to Help You with Your Arizona Dissolution of Marriage
We will give you the crucial advice you need concerning your Arizona divorce, including matters related to minor children, real estate, personal property, debts, and spousal maintenance. Contact the offices of Provident Law today at (480) 388-3343 or online and schedule an appointment to speak with a Christian divorce attorney in Arizona about your legal matter.