Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Although the process of legal separation and divorce are nearly the same, they are completely separate actions. A divorce terminates the marriage, whereas a legal separation does not. In both cases, the court enters orders regarding division of property/debts, child-related issues (legal decision making, parenting time and child support), and spousal support. A legal separation is NOT a step on the way toward a divorce - it is a completely separate legal action. When the parties are in full agreements regarding the legal issues, a divorce or legal separation can be completed as soon as about 90 days; however, this can stretch to many months if there are disagreements on the issues, especially if the court's intervention is needed. I recommend you consult with an attorney to address your questions in greater detail.