Consent Dissolutions Legal Paraprofessional in Tucson, Arizona
When a marriage comes to an end, not every divorce has to be a long, expensive, or hostile process. A consent dissolution, often called an uncontested divorce, is a streamlined and cooperative way for spouses to legally end their marriage when they can agree on all key terms.
In Arizona, divorce can be a complex and emotional process. Choosing to dissolve your marriage through consent divorce offers a more dignified and efficient alternative. This option is suitable for couples who value mutual respect, co-parenting, and financial stability over conflict. Thanks to recent changes in Arizona law, licensed legal professionals, like myself, can provide affordable and direct legal support to assist you through this process with confidence and accuracy.
Need Help Now?
Read More Testimonials from our Clients!
What Is a Consent Dissolution?
A consent dissolution is a type of divorce where both spouses agree on all legal matters related to ending their marriage. This is in contrast to contested divorces, which involve court proceedings, discovery, and court decisions. In a consent dissolution, only one spouse needs to file the necessary paperwork, and the other spouse simply needs to sign the settlement agreement. After submitting the paperwork, the court usually reviews and approves the agreement without the need for either party to attend a hearing in person (in most cases in Pima County).
This process is governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-316 and is available to couples who meet the following criteria:
- Both parties agree that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
- They have resolved all issues related to property, debt, children, and financial support.
- At least one spouse has been living in Arizona for at least 90 days.
Importantly, there is no need to assign blame or prove wrongdoing. Arizona is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means that the court only needs to determine that the relationship can’t be saved.
How I Can Help
As a licensed Legal Paraprofessional, I help individuals and couples navigate consent dissolutions with clarity, efficiency, and respect. My goal is to guide you through this process with as little stress as possible, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and your agreement is properly documented.
What a Consent Dissolution Covers
A consent dissolution can include agreements on:
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal maintenance (if applicable)
- Legal decision-making and parenting time (for cases with children)
- Child support
Let’s break these down further:
Division of Assets and Debts
Arizona is a community property state, which means that most assets and debts acquired during marriage are considered jointly owned and should be divided fairly (though not necessarily equally). Your agreement should clearly specify what is community property vs. separate property, and who will receive the house, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement funds, and any liabilities, such as credit cards or loans.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
If one spouse earns significantly less than the other or is unemployed, spousal support may be appropriate. You can decide on the amount, duration, and payment method in a mutual agreement – or waive it altogether. The court will consider this provision for fairness, but usually respects mutual agreements.
Parenting Plans and Child Support
For couples with children, a consent dissolution process should include a parenting plan that outlines:
- Legal decision-making authority (either joint or sole)
- A detailed schedule for parenting time, including holidays and vacations
- Communication protocols and transportation arrangements
Child support is determined based on Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines, which take into account both parents’ income, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. If you choose to deviate from this amount, you will need to provide written justification for your decision, and the court will review it to ensure that it is in the best interests of the child.
Why Choose a Consent Dissolution?
- Save Time: Most divorces in Arizona are finalized within 60-90 days, which is the minimum waiting period required by law. However, contested divorces can take longer, ranging from 6 months to 18 months or more.
- Reduce Costs: Lower legal expenses compared to contested divorces.
- Minimize Conflict: By focusing on cooperation instead of confrontation, we can preserve our relationships, especially when it comes to co-parenting. This is especially important for children, as they benefit greatly from seeing their parents model respectful communication, even during times of separation.
- Maintain Control: When you leave decisions about your divorce to a judge, the outcome can be unpredictable. With a consensual divorce, you and your partner retain full control over your future, creating solutions that suit your unique family values and financial situation.
Common Misconceptions About Uncontested Divorce
Myth №1: “We have to agree on everything perfectly.”
Not true. You simply need to agree on major legal issues. Minor differences can often be resolved through simple negotiation or using neutral language in the agreement.
Myth №2: “We don’t need a lawyer if we agree.”
While you can complete the process of filing without assistance, a legal paraprofessional can ensure that your agreement is in compliance with Arizona law and is enforceable. Otherwise, there is a risk of future disputes or rejection by the court.
Myth №3: “Consent dissolution means no court involvement.”
Actually, the court will still need to review and approve your divorce, but with proper documentation, this process is usually just a formality and no court appearance is required in most Pima County cases.
Ready to Move Forward?
If you and your spouse are ready to move forward cooperatively, I’m here to help you complete your consent dissolution with confidence and peace of mind. Contact me today to get started and ensure your divorce process is handled smoothly and respectfully.
Common Consent Dissolutions FAQs
A consent dissolution, commonly called an uncontested divorce, is a streamlined legal process where both spouses agree on all major issues to end their marriage. To qualify in Arizona, you and your spouse must have reached a complete agreement on: the division of all assets and debts, spousal maintenance (alimony), and if applicable, legal decision-making (custody), parenting time, and child support. This process is designed for couples who can cooperate to finalize their divorce without a trial.
I am licensed by the Arizona Supreme Court to provide defined family legal services. For a consent dissolution, I handle the entire document preparation and filing process. This includes drafting the formal Petition for Dissolution, the detailed Settlement Agreement that outlines all your terms, and all other required court forms (like the Preliminary Injunction and Affidavit of Consent). I ensure the paperwork is accurate, compliant with Arizona law, and properly filed with the correct court, guiding you step-by-step to finalization.
I offer a valuable middle ground. Unlike generic online forms, I provide personalized guidance tailored to Arizona law and your specific situation, ensuring your agreement is legally sound. Compared to a traditional attorney, my services are typically more affordable for uncontested cases, as the process is administrative and document-focused rather than adversarial. I am your legal guide and document preparer, but I cannot represent only one spouse in a dispute or provide litigation advocacy if the case becomes contested.
To begin drafting your agreement efficiently, you should gather:
– Basic personal information for both parties (full names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers).
– Your marriage certificate.
– A list of all separate and community assets (real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts) and debts (loans, credit cards, mortgages).
– If you have children: birth certificates, details on agreed parenting time schedules, and financial information for calculating child support.
In an uncontested divorce with no minor children, Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served until the divorce can be finalized. With minor children, the waiting period is waived, but court scheduling can add time. Assuming all paperwork is correctly prepared and filed promptly, most consent dissolutions are finalized within 3 to 4 months. This is significantly faster than a contested divorce, which can take a year or more.
If a disagreement arises, the process pauses. As a Legal Paraprofessional, I cannot represent one spouse against the other. At that point, you have several options: you can both seek independent legal advice from separate attorneys to help you negotiate a resolution, attempt mediation with a neutral third party, or, if no agreement is possible, the case may transition into a contested divorce requiring litigation. My role is to help you complete the process efficiently if you remain in agreement.
Related Articles
-
How Legal Paraprofessionals Help Resolve Lease Disputes Efficiently
Lease disputes can be very frustrating, whether you are the landlord or the tenant. Rent problems, damaged homes, or disagreements about lease terms can lead to conflict. The right legal guidance, however, can often resolve issues with the need to go to court. Legal paraprofessionals can help you resolve specific civil matters related to your…
-
Debt Collection Lawsuits After the Holidays: Your Rights in Arizona for 2026
Getting a debt collection letter is very stressful. These often hit after the holidays, and maybe because of them. Purchases of gifts, traveling, and the end-of-year bills can all create financial pressure. A debt collector may file a lawsuit to collect on debts you allegedly owe. However, they have to follow strict rules about filing…
-
Served With a Lawsuit in Arizona? What to Do Before the End of the Year
Getting served with a lawsuit can seem quite frightening. You may be wondering how this works under Arizona law and what it means for your life. And, it’s all hitting here at the end of the year, which is already a very busy time. There are time deadlines that you have to deal with, and…
