[[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Answer Question","text":"Even though Arizona does not require a separation period before a couple can divorce, the state still has a waiting period. A couple must wait at least 60 days after filing the divorce petition before the court can finalize the divorce by issuing a divorce decree. Some people call this 60-day waiting period a \"cooling off\" period since heated emotions may lead to one spouse filing for divorce, only to decide later to continue the marriage. The 60-day waiting period also allows either spouse to seek free marriage counseling offered by the court. Spouses may use the time to negotiate a marital settlement resolving outstanding issues in their divorce.","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Answer Question1","text":"Before filing for divorce in Arizona, you or your spouse must have resided in the state or have established your primary residence in Arizona for at least 90 days.","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer1"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Answer Question2","text":"Arizona law allows couples to seek a \"no-fault\" divorce. A no-fault divorce occurs when one or both spouses no longer wish to continue the marriage for any reason. However, most no-fault divorces occur when spouses have irreconcilable differences that lead to an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.  In most marriages, either spouse may file for a no-fault divorce \u2013 even if the other spouse objects to getting divorced. However, Arizona covenant marriages require both spouses to agree to a no-fault divorce. If one spouse in a covenant marriage objects to divorce, the spouse seeking divorce must prove one of the statutory grounds to terminate a covenant marriage.","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer2"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Answer Question3","text":"Arizona law does not prohibit spouses from dating other people while separated pending a potential divorce. However, dating while separated can have negative consequences if you get divorced. The court may look unfavorably on someone who cannot wait until they've finalized their divorce to begin dating new people. This may be particularly true when a couple has young children, as moving on by dating may suggest a failure to prioritize the children. Dating so soon after separation could also make the other spouse suspicious that the dating began before the couple\u2019s separation. You should talk to a lawyer about the effects dating other people during separation may have on a later divorce.","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer3"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Answer Question4","text":"Abandonment of a marriage occurs when a spouse physically leaves the marital home and begins living elsewhere. Under domestic relations law, a court may find that a spouse has abandoned their marriage when they have stopped cohabitating with their spouse, without cause, without the spouse's consent, and with no intention of reuniting or resuming the marital relationship.","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer4"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Answer","name":"Answer Question5","text":"Most divorce cases avoid trial because spouses resolve outstanding issues in their divorce through a settlement agreement. The court only needs to hold a trial if a couple cannot agree on an issue in their divorce, such as child custody, support payments, or dividing community property.","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer5"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Why Do You Have to Wait 60 Days If You Do Not Have to Be Separated?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer"},"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Question"},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Are the Residency Requirements for Divorce in Arizona?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer1"},"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Question1"},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is Arizona a No-Fault Divorce State?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer2"},"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Question2"},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can You Date While Separated in Arizona?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer3"},"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Question3"},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Is Abandonment in a Marriage in Arizona?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer4"},"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Question4"},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do All Arizona Divorces Go to Trial?","acceptedAnswer":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Answer5"},"@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#Question5"}],"name":"How long do you need to be separated before divorce in Arizona","@id":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#FAQPage"}],{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How long do you need to be separated before divorce in Arizona","item":"https:\/\/www.phoenixlawteam.com\/blog\/how-long-separated-before-divorce\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]