Can I sign forms electronically?

Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA law, but family law decrees and court filings often require original signatures or in-person filings; check Maricopa County clerk rules before relying on e-signatures.

Does the court accept e-filed packets?

Many Arizona courts offer e-filing portals, but acceptance of e-signed documents varies by document type; confirm Maricopa County Superior Court's e-filing and original signature policy for family law matters before submission.

What happens if service is defective?

If proof of service is incomplete or service is improper the court may continue the case, vacate orders, or require re-service; timely and correct proof of service is critical to avoid default or delays.

Which common documents require notarization?

Affidavits, certain financial declarations, and some acknowledgements commonly require notarization; when in doubt, review the form instructions or consult the clerk to confirm whether a notary or original signature is required.

How do I correct a clerical error after filing?

Minor clerical errors can often be corrected by filing an amended document or a notice of correction; more substantive errors may require a motion; consult local rules or limited-scope counsel if unsure.

When should I consult an attorney?

Seek legal advice for contested custody, complex financial assets, allegations of domestic violence, or when you cannot agree on material terms; limited-scope representation can target high-risk issues while using the flow chart for other steps.

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Maricopa County Self Help Divorce Flow Chart

Maricopa County Self Help Divorce Flow Chart

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

HOW TO FILL OUT PAPERS FOR DISSOLUTION OF A NON-COVENANT MARRIAGE (DIVORCE) WITH MINOR CHILDREN

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Domestic violence can be part of any marriage. Domestic violence includes physical violence such as hitting, slapping, pushing or kicking or threats of physical violence directed against you and/or your children and/or verbal abuse used to control you and/or your children.

Court documents request your address and phone number. If you are a victim of domestic violence, and you do not want your address to be known to protect yourself or your children from further violence, you must file a “Request for Protected Address” and ask that your address not be disclosed on court papers. With that Order, you do not need to put your address and phone number on your divorce papers. Just write "protected" in the space on the form where you are asked for this information. You must tell the Clerk of the Court your address and phone number as soon as possible so the court can get in touch with you. The court will keep your address protected.

(All Forms: TYPE OR PRINT IN BLACK INK)

FORM: FAMILY DEPARTMENT / SENSITIVE DATA COVER SHEET

Petitioner (Party A) Name:

Respondent (Party B) Name:

Child(ren) Under 18:

Case Type: Dissolution (Divorce)

Interpreter Needed: Yes No

Interpreter Language(s):

FORM: SUMMONS AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

Your Name:

Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Telephone Number:

ATLAS Number:

Attorney Bar Number:

Representation Status: Self-represented Represented by attorney

FORM: PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF A NON-COVENANT MARRIAGE (DIVORCE) WITH MINOR CHILDREN

1. INFORMATION ABOUT ME

Name:

Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Length of Time in Arizona:

2. INFORMATION ABOUT MY SPOUSE

Name:

Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Length of Time in Arizona:

3. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE

Date Married:

City Married In:

State Married In:

Checkbox Statements

I do not have a covenant marriage

My marriage is irretrievably broken

We attended a free conference with trained staff or it would not help

This Court has the power to decide legal decision-making and parenting time issues

90-day requirement is satisfied

5. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

No domestic violence

Domestic violence occurred

Despite domestic violence, joint legal decision-making is in the child(ren)'s best interest

Explanation:

6. CHILDREN COMMON TO THE PARTIES WHO ARE LESS THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE

Child Information:

7. PREGNANCY

Neither Party A nor Party B is pregnant

Party A or Party B is pregnant

Due Date:

Unborn Child Parent Information:

There are minor children born before the marriage

Names of Minor Children Born Before Marriage:

8.a PROPERTY ACQUIRED DURING THE MARRIAGE (COMMUNITY PROPERTY)

No community property

There is community property to divide

Property to Award to Party A:

Property to Award to Party B:

8.b PROPERTY ACQUIRED BEFORE MARRIAGE (SEPARATE PROPERTY)

Party A did not bring property into the marriage

Party B did not bring property into the marriage

Separate Property Details:

8.c DEBTS INCURRED DURING THE MARRIAGE (COMMUNITY DEBT)

No community debt

There is community debt to divide

Community Debt Details:

8.d SEPARATE DEBTS (DEBTS INCURRED PRIOR TO MARRIAGE)

No separate debt before marriage

Separate Debt Details:

9. TAX RETURNS

Tax refund should be divided

Party A should receive tax refund

Party B should receive tax refund

10. SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE / SUPPORT

Neither party should pay spousal maintenance/support

Request spousal maintenance/support

Monthly Amount:

Duration:

11. WRITTEN LEGAL DECISION-MAKING (CUSTODY) AGREEMENT

Written agreement signed before filing exists

12. PARENT INFORMATION PROGRAM

Parent Information Program completed

Parent Information Program not yet completed

13. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

No domestic violence affecting legal decision-making

Domestic violence occurred and explanation provided

14. DRUG / ALCOHOL CONVICTIONS

No drug/alcohol convictions in last 12 months

Party A has convictions in last 12 months

Party B has convictions in last 12 months

15. CHILD SUPPORT

Party A should pay child support

Party B should pay child support

Past child support is owed

16. OTHER EXPENSES

Divide uninsured medical/dental/health expenses proportionally

REQUESTS TO THE COURT

A. DISSOLUTION

Request to end the non-covenant marriage by divorce

Former/Maiden Name to Restore:

B. PATERNITY and Minor Children’s Names

Party A is legal parent

Party B is legal parent

Child Name Changes:

C. PRIMARY RESIDENCE, PARENTING TIME, AND LEGAL DECISION-MAKING

Primary Residence:

Reasonable parenting time

Supervised parenting time

No parenting time

Supervisor Name:

Who Pays Supervisor:

Sole legal decision-making Joint legal decision-making

Award authority to Party A Award authority to Party B

D. CHILD SUPPORT

Party A should pay child support

Party B should pay child support

Attach child support order to Decree of Dissolution

E. INSURANCE AND HEALTH CARE EXPENSES FOR MINOR CHILDREN

Party A responsible for medical/dental/vision care

Party B responsible for medical/dental/vision care

F. TAX EXEMPTION

Tax Exemption Arrangement:

G. SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE/SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

Neither party should pay spousal maintenance

Request spousal support order

Paying Party:

Monthly Amount:

Duration:

H. COMMUNITY PROPERTY

Court should fairly divide marital property

I. COMMUNITY DEBT

Court should divide marital debt as instructed

Separation Date:

J. SEPARATE PROPERTY

Each party keeps separate property owned before marriage

K. SEPARATE DEBT

Each party pays separate debts

L. OTHER ORDERS

Other Orders Requested:

OATH OR AFFIRMATION AND VERIFICATION OF PARTY A

Sign this form in front of a Clerk of the Superior Court or a notary public. By doing so, you are telling the Court that everything contained in the Petition is true, under penalty of perjury.

Signature:

Date:

OTHER IMPORTANT PAPERS IN THIS PACKET

NOTICE OF RIGHTS ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

AFFIDAVIT REGARDING MINOR CHILDREN

ORDER AND NOTICE REGARDING THE PARENT INFORMATION PROGRAM

NOTICE REGARDING CREDITORS

PARENTING PLAN

CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEET

To complete the child support worksheet you will need to know:

Your monthly gross income and that of the other parent.
The monthly cost of medical insurance for the minor children who are the subject of this action.
Monthly childcare amounts paid to others.
The number of days the minor child(ren) spend with the non-primary residential (custodial) parent.
Monthly obligations of yourself and the other parent for child support or court-ordered spousal maintenance/support.

After completing the child support worksheet, print out the child support worksheet and file it with your Petition.

Additional Information

If you need assistance drafting the Child Support Worksheet, you may call the Clerk of the Court at 602-506-3762 for assistance (in English or Spanish). Ask for the “Child Support Calculations Department”. There is a fee for this service.

NEXT STEP: After you fill out all of the forms in this packet, read the form called Procedures: How to File Papers with the Court for Dissolution of a Non-Covenant Marriage (Divorce) – With Minor Children.

What the Maricopa County Self Help Divorce Flow Chart Is

The Maricopa County Self Help Divorce Flow Chart is a step-by-step visual guide designed to help people without an attorney prepare and process uncontested divorce paperwork in Maricopa County, Arizona. It maps eligibility checks, required forms, signing and notary considerations, service of process, filing options, and typical court milestones so pro se filers can follow the sequence of tasks and avoid common errors. The flow chart clarifies which items are documents versus court filings and flags points where court clerk rules or in-person actions may be required.

Why this Flow Chart Matters for Pro Se Filers

The Maricopa County Self Help Divorce Flow Chart reduces procedural uncertainty by organizing tasks, required forms, and timing into a single reference. For pro se filers it helps avoid filing errors, missed deadlines, and extra court appearances while clarifying when original signatures or notarization may be needed.

Who Typically Uses the Flow Chart

Individuals proceeding without an attorney and court self-help personnel use this guide to navigate forms, service, and filing steps.

Pro se filers who need a clear sequence for paperwork, signatures, and deadlines.
Court clerks and self-help center staff who explain local filing and service requirements to parties.
Mediators, legal aid volunteers, and paralegals assisting with form completion and document review.

Typical User Profiles

Self-Represented Petitioner

A petitioner acting without counsel who prepares their own forms, serves the respondent, and appears at hearings. The flow chart's checklist and timeline reduce the chance of missing notarization or required attachments that can cause returns or delays.

Self-Help Advisor

A self-help center staff member or volunteer who assists filers by explaining procedure and reviewing forms for completeness. The flow chart offers a consistent script and points where the clerk or attorney review may be recommended.

Core Components of the Flow Chart

A professional flow chart groups tasks into discrete lanes and decision points so filers can see what to complete next, what to sign, and when to contact the clerk or serve the other party.

Eligibility Check

A short decision node that confirms residency, grounds for divorce, and whether the case is uncontested so the filer knows which simplified forms and procedures apply in Maricopa County.

Forms Index

A consolidated list of required documents such as the Petition, Summons, Notice, Certificate of Mailing, and any required financial disclosures with notes on attachments and local cover sheets.

Signing Guidance

Clear instructions when original signatures, initials, or notarization are required and which county filings may accept scanned copies versus originals for court processing.

Service Steps

A sequence showing certified mail, personal service, or acceptance of service options, plus timing triggers that start the respondent's deadline to answer or appear.

Filing Checklist

A pre-filing checklist that groups required copies, filing fees, and the clerk intake steps so documents are less likely to be rejected or returned to the filer.

Court Milestones

Visual markers for key events such as temporary orders, status conferences, and final decree steps so filers can track what to expect through case disposition.

Step-by-Step Filing Sequence

Follow these core steps in order to prepare and submit self-help divorce paperwork in Maricopa County.

01

Gather Documents: Collect IDs, financial records, and previous court orders.
02

Complete Forms: Fill required petition and disclosure forms completely.
03

File with Clerk: Submit documents and pay filing fee at clerk's office.
04

Serve Respondent: Effect service and file proof of service with clerk.

Customizing an Online Workflow from the Flow Chart

When you convert the flow chart to an online packet, configure fields and routing to mirror each decision point and required signature.

Field	Configuration
Document Library	Organize templates by petition type and attachments.
Conditional Fields	Show financial sections only when applicable to the filer.
Signature Order	Set petitioner signature before notarization or filing.
Audit Trail	Record IP, timestamps, and signer actions automatically.

Technical Options for Completing and Sharing the Flow Chart

The flow chart can be used with printable packets or paired with digital tools for fillable forms, signatures, and secure distribution.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
Authenticity: Audit trail and signer attribution
Integrations: Court e-filing portals and cloud storage

How the Flow Chart Maps to Court Filing Actions

This simplified process map shows how chart steps translate into filing and post-filing actions at the clerk's office.

Prepare Packet: Assemble petition, attachments, and fee.
Sign and Notarize: Complete required signature and notary steps.
File with Clerk: Submit originals or electronic copies as permitted.
Serve and File Proof: Effect service and submit proof of service.

Common Timelines and Notice Periods to Consider

Timelines vary by case and local rule; these entries are typical checkpoints filers should confirm with Maricopa County Superior Court.

Filing Date:

The date the clerk stamps documents filed.

Service Response Period:

Many jurisdictions provide a 20–30 day response window; verify local rule.

Temporary Orders Hearing:

May be scheduled within weeks after filing in contested matters.

Status Conference:

Court may set a date to review case progress.

Final Decree Timeline:

Time to final decree varies widely depending on issues and local schedule.

Security and Compliance Considerations for Digital Documents

Encryption in transit: TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3

Encryption at rest: AES-256 encryption of stored data

Audit trail: Detailed IP, timestamps, action log

HIPAA compliance: BAA required for PHI workflows

ESIGN / UETA: Legally equivalent under federal and state law

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001

Penalties and Practical Risks from Incorrect Filings

Missed Service: Default judgment risk

Incorrect Filing: Rejection or return to filer

Unsigned Documents: Court may refuse filing

Perjury Risk: False statements carry criminal penalties

Delayed Hearings: Scheduling setbacks and cost increases

Loss of Relief: Court may deny requested orders

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to complete financial disclosures or supporting attachments, which often prompts clerk return and can delay hearings and settlements.
Using the wrong local form or failing to include required county cover sheets, leading to rejected filings and extra trips to the clerk's office.
Incorrect or incomplete service of process; proof of service errors commonly lead to vacated orders or delays in scheduling status conferences.
Relying on an unsigned or improperly notarized document when the court requires an original, which can cause denial of filing or require re-execution.

Illustrative Examples from Typical Self-Help Filings

Two short illustrations show how filers can follow the flow chart for a straightforward case and a case needing additional review.

Example: Uncontested Divorce

A petitioner with a straightforward uncontested case followed the flow chart to confirm eligibility, assemble petition and attachments, and prepare proof of service.

All forms prepared and filed without counsel.
The checklist reduced errors and extra court visits; the filer confirmed notarization points and filed proof of service before the status conference to avoid continuances.

Example: Complex Financial Matter

A filer with business interests used the chart to identify required disclosures and exhibits and flagged items needing attorney review before filing.

Financial exhibits prepared for submission.
Early identification of contested financial issues allowed timely attorney involvement and prevented last-minute discovery disputes that could prolong final decree entry.

Key Milestones from Filing to Final Resolution

A compact milestone view shows filing, service, response, hearings, and final decree steps to help filers anticipate the case lifecycle.

01

Filing

Clerk accepts petition and assigns case number.

02

Service

Proof of service must be filed after serving respondent.

03

Response

Respondent's period to answer or default triggers next steps.

04

Finalization

Court enters final decree after compliance with orders.

Differences Between Flow Chart Use and Attorney-Assisted Process

Compare what the flow chart supports versus actions typically handled by counsel to help decide whether limited-scope representation is advisable.

Criteria	Self-Help	Attorney-Assisted
Legal Advice
Form Preparation	guided	drafted by counsel
Court Representation	self	counsel available
Complex Financial Issues	limited support	full analysis

Representative eSignature Platform Pricing and Features

Platforms vary by price model, bulk send availability, audit trail features, and HIPAA support. signNow is listed first for comparison across common vendor attributes.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial, no credit card	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions filers raise when using a self-help divorce flow chart and preparing documents for Maricopa County Superior Court.

Need help? Contact support

Can I sign forms electronically?
Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA law, but family law decrees and court filings often require original signatures or in-person filings; check Maricopa County clerk rules before relying on e-signatures.
Does the court accept e-filed packets?
Many Arizona courts offer e-filing portals, but acceptance of e-signed documents varies by document type; confirm Maricopa County Superior Court's e-filing and original signature policy for family law matters before submission.
What happens if service is defective?
If proof of service is incomplete or service is improper the court may continue the case, vacate orders, or require re-service; timely and correct proof of service is critical to avoid default or delays.
Which common documents require notarization?
Affidavits, certain financial declarations, and some acknowledgements commonly require notarization; when in doubt, review the form instructions or consult the clerk to confirm whether a notary or original signature is required.
How do I correct a clerical error after filing?
Minor clerical errors can often be corrected by filing an amended document or a notice of correction; more substantive errors may require a motion; consult local rules or limited-scope counsel if unsure.
When should I consult an attorney?
Seek legal advice for contested custody, complex financial assets, allegations of domestic violence, or when you cannot agree on material terms; limited-scope representation can target high-risk issues while using the flow chart for other steps.

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