Phoenix Divorce Lawyer FAQ

If you’re thinking about divorce or already in the middle of one, you probably have a lot of questions—and that’s completely normal. At Hirsch Talcott, we’ve helped hundreds of Phoenix residents navigate divorce with confidence, clarity, and compassion. We know this process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make big life decisions in uncertain times. That’s why our divorce lawyers put together this list of frequently asked questions to help you feel more prepared. Fill out the form now for a free case evaluation.

This Phoenix divorce lawyer FAQ covers the most common questions we receive about Arizona divorce laws, custody, property division, alimony, and more. These answers are meant to give you a solid starting point—but nothing replaces personalized advice from an experienced attorney. When you’re ready, we’re here.

General Divorce Questions

How do I start the divorce process in Phoenix?

You begin by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Maricopa County Superior Court. Our firm handles the paperwork for you.

Do I have to prove fault to get a divorce?

No. Arizona is a no-fault divorce state. You don’t need to prove wrongdoing—just that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

How long does a divorce take in Arizona?

There’s a 60-day waiting period after your spouse is served, but most cases take several months depending on complexity.

Do I need a lawyer if we agree on everything?

It’s still a good idea. We’ll review your agreement, file it properly, and ensure your rights are protected.

Child Custody & Support Questions

How does Arizona decide custody?

Courts consider the best interests of the child, including each parent’s relationship with the child, stability, and ability to co-parent.

What is legal decision-making?

It refers to the right to make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and well-being. It can be joint or sole.

Can custody be changed after divorce?

Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there’s a significant change in circumstances.

How is child support calculated?

Arizona uses an income-based formula that includes both parents’ incomes, parenting time, health insurance, and childcare expenses.

Property, Alimony & Financial Questions

What’s community property?

Anything earned or acquired during the marriage—like income, real estate, or retirement accounts—is considered jointly owned and split equally.

Am I entitled to alimony?

It depends on several factors: the length of the marriage, income differences, age, health, and your ability to be self-sufficient.

Can I keep what I owned before marriage?

Usually yes. Separate property (pre-marriage assets or inheritances) generally remain yours unless commingled with marital property.

Helpful Legal Resources

• What to Expect in a Divorce
• Filing Process in Phoenix
• Speak with a Lawyer

Client Testimonial

Tanmay Vhora 5 days ago I used H&T legal counsel in February 2026. Legal advice provided by H&T was really helpful. Overall experience was good experience. Chelsea & Susana were really kind, attentive and knowledgeable. Response from the owner:Tanmay, thank you for sharing your experience with our team. We’re so glad the legal guidance we provided was helpful and that you had a positive experience with us. We are dedicated to making every client feel supported, informed, and well cared for throughout the process. We truly appreciate your trust and your recommendation. Thank you for choosing Hirsch Talcott Law Firm. Chelsie Talcott Phoenix’s Trusted Law Firm for Personal Injury and Family Law Possum Smashburger 3 weeks ago After my accident, I wasn't sure what to expect or how the entire legal process worked. From the very beginning, the team made everything easy to understand and guided me through every step with professionalism, patience, and clear communication. I always received timely updates by phone and email as new information became available, and they explained the process in a way that was easy to follow. They were always responsive whenever I had questions, so I never felt forgotten or left wondering what was happening with my case. What stood out the most was their genuine compassion. They listened to my situation, treated me with respect, and their concern felt sincere rather than rehearsed. It gave me confidence that they truly cared about helping me through a stressful experience. Their knowledge of accident law and the claims process was evident throughout my case. They handled everything on my behalf, which took a tremendous amount of stress off my shoulders. I never had to chase down paperwork or figure things out on my own—they took care of it all. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I'm incredibly grateful for everything they did. If you're looking for an accident attorney who is knowledgeable, communicative, compassionate, and truly makes the process as stress-free as possible, I would highly recommend them. Chelsie and team - thank you again for all of your hard work! Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We know how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be, and we’re so glad our team could make the legal process clear, manageable, and as stress-free as possible. Helping our clients feel informed, supported, and confident from start to finish is exactly what we strive for. It means so much to hear that you felt genuinely cared for and that the outcome exceeded your expectations. Thank you for trusting us with your case and for your heartfelt recommendation. We wish you all the best moving forward. Chelsie Talcott Phoenix’s Trusted Law Firm for Personal Injury and Family Law Laura Yotter 3 weeks ago Chelsea Talcott did an excellent job handling my law suit. She is the utmost professional and communicated with me every step of the way. I highly recommend Hirsch Talcott Law Firm for any of your legal needs. Response from the owner:Laura, thank you for your thoughtful recommendation. It was a privilege to represent you, and I’m so glad you felt informed and supported throughout your lawsuit. Keeping our clients updated and making the legal process as clear as possible is something we take great pride in. We truly appreciate your trust and your confidence in our team. Thank you for recommending Hirsch Talcott Law Firm to others. Chelsie Talcott Phoenix’s Trusted Law Firm for Personal Injury and Family Law Carrie Wittrock 1 month ago Response from the owner:Carrie, thank you so much for your 5-star review! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful you chose our team. It was a pleasure to represent you, and we’re honored by your trust. Wishing you all the best, and thank you again for taking the time to share your support. Chelsie Talcott Phoenix’s Trusted Law Firm for Personal Injury and Family Law Veronica Castillon 3 months ago Chelsie and her team were very professional and responsive any time I had questions concerns, or needed information for follow up. She was very thorough and transparent with the process and kept me up to date on the status of my case. I had some complexity in dealing with my private insurance which she was able to navigate through and get things resolved quickly. She was diligent in seeking what was justly due to me as her client and I was very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend her representation and expertise! Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for your thoughtful recommendation. We’re so pleased to hear that you felt supported, informed, and confident throughout your case. Navigating insurance complications can be frustrating, and I’m glad we were able to resolve those issues efficiently while keeping you updated every step of the way. It means a lot to know you were happy with the outcome and felt strongly represented throughout the process. We truly appreciate your trust in our team. Chelsie Talcott Phoenix’s Trusted Law Firm for Personal Injury and Family Law

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