Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Re: Default hearing for divorce.

A default doesn't "look bad," but it might affect the rights of the Respondent (since she would not be involved in the default/hearing). If your intentions are to proceed by default, you should consider preparing a settlement agreement addressing all of the issues, have both of you sign it, and then attach it to your decree so the court knows that there have been agreements.

Another option is to apply for a deferral or waiver of the filing fee. The court has the discretion to allow a party to make payments toward his/her legal fees (or to waive the fee entirely) depending on the financial circumstances. The forms to request a waiver are available at the court house.