Phoenix Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records for Phoenix are kept at Maricopa County Superior Court offices. Phoenix has the most dissolution cases in Arizona each year. You can search for cases online for free. The county clerk has multiple offices across the metro area to help you. Visit the main Customer Service Center downtown or use one of the regional offices. Most records are public under state law. You can find case files from initial petition through final decree at any clerk location in Phoenix.

Where Phoenix Cases Are Filed

All dissolution of marriage cases in Phoenix go through Maricopa County Superior Court. The county has four main locations. Phoenix cases may be filed at any of these offices. Most people use the downtown Customer Service Center or the office closest to where they live.

The main office is at 601 W. Jackson, Phoenix, AZ 85003. This is the Customer Service Center. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (602) 372-5375 for help. The Northwest Regional office sits at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise. The Southeast Complex is at 222 E. Javelina Ave. in Mesa. The Northeast Regional office is at 18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120 in Phoenix. All four offices handle dissolution cases for the county.

Phoenix residents must file in Maricopa County. Under A.R.S. 25-311, the filing party must be a resident of Arizona for at least ninety days before filing. The petition goes to the county where either spouse lives. Most Phoenix cases are filed at the downtown location. You can choose any clerk office to file your case.

Search Phoenix Cases Online

Maricopa County runs a free Family Court Docket Search for Phoenix and all county cases. Type in a name or case number to find dissolution records. The system shows case details, file dates, and docket entries at no cost. Search 24 hours a day except during maintenance from 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The search covers all Phoenix dissolution cases filed in Maricopa County. Enter the first and last name of either spouse. The system lists matching cases with case numbers, parties, and status. Click a case to see the full docket. This shows all papers filed and upcoming court dates. Some details may be sealed to protect privacy.

You can also search the statewide Arizona Public Access portal. This covers all fifteen counties in the state. It works the same as the county system. Both are free to use for Phoenix cases.

Phoenix Court Resources

The Law Library Resource Center helps Phoenix residents who file without lawyers. The center has forms, computers, and staff at the downtown courthouse. Call (602) 506-7353 or email services@jbazmc.maricopa.gov for help. The library has all dissolution forms you need to file a case in Phoenix.

Staff can show you which forms to use. They can explain how to fill them out but cannot give legal advice. The library has books on Arizona family law. Many Phoenix residents use this free service. You can visit in person or call with questions about the process. The center also has computers to access court forms online. Staff can help you understand what steps come next in your case.

Filing Fees in Phoenix

Phoenix dissolution cases use Maricopa County fees. The petition to start a case costs $376.00. A response to a dissolution petition costs $287.00. A Summary Consent Decree costs $331.50 if both parties agree.

Copies of records cost $0.50 per page. Certification adds $35.00 to any document. Exemplification with two seals costs $70.00. Authentication with three seals runs $105.00. Postage and handling adds $8.00 to mail requests. You can pay by money order, debit card, credit card, or cash at any Phoenix court location. Personal checks are not accepted.

The clerk may waive fees if you cannot afford them. You must file a form to ask for a fee waiver. The court reviews your income and expenses. If approved, you pay no filing fees for your Phoenix dissolution case.

How to Get Copies of Phoenix Records

Visit any Maricopa County clerk office to request copies of Phoenix dissolution records. You need the case number or the names of both spouses. Fill out a records request form at the counter. Pay the copy fee when you submit your request. Most requests are ready the same day.

You can also request copies by mail. Send a letter with the case number and names to the Clerk of Superior Court. Include payment for copies, certification if needed, and postage. Mail to 601 W. Jackson, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Processing takes three to five business days after payment.

The Phoenix city clerk does not maintain dissolution records. Contact Maricopa County for all dissolution records. The city clerk at 200 W. Washington Street can tell you where to go but does not have court records.

Legal Help in Phoenix

Community Legal Services provides free legal help to low income Phoenix residents. Call (602) 258-3434 for family law help. The office is at 305 S. 2nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003. They help with dissolution cases, child custody, and support issues. You must meet income limits to get help from this program in Phoenix.

The State Bar of Arizona runs a lawyer referral service. Call (602) 252-4804 to get names of Phoenix attorneys who handle dissolution cases. The first consultation may be free or low cost. The bar also has a modest means program for people who cannot afford full fees but make too much for free help.

Self Service Centers at Maricopa County courthouses help people fill out forms. The centers are in Phoenix and Mesa. Staff can answer questions about forms and procedures. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to do in your case. These services are free to all Phoenix residents.

File Cases Online

Maricopa County uses AZTurboCourt for online filing. This system lets Phoenix residents start or respond to dissolution cases from home. You answer questions and the system creates your forms. You pay filing fees online by credit card. The forms go directly to the court when you submit them.

TurboCourt guides you through each step. It asks about your situation and fills in the legal forms for you. You can save your work and come back later. The system checks for errors before filing. Once complete, the court receives your papers electronically. You get a case number right away. This service costs $15.00 in addition to court filing fees.

You can also use the online docket to check your case status after filing. The system updates daily with new entries. You can see when the other party files a response or when the court sets a hearing date for your Phoenix case.

What Phoenix Dissolution Records Show

Dissolution records in Phoenix contain the petition, response, financial affidavits, and temporary orders. They show child custody agreements and parenting plans. Property division details appear in the final decree. Support orders for children or spouses are part of the record.

Records also include any motions filed during the case. Court minutes show what happened at hearings. The final decree is the most important document. It states the court dissolved the marriage and lists all final orders. This decree is a legal record of the dissolution.

Some parts of Phoenix dissolution records may be sealed. Information about minor children is often kept private. Financial details in high asset cases may be sealed by court order under A.R.S. 25-314. Domestic violence details may be confidential. The clerk can tell you what parts of a record are public when you request copies.

Nearby Cities

Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona. Other major cities in the state include Tucson and Flagstaff. Each city has dissolution records at their county Superior Court. Tucson cases go through Pima County. Flagstaff cases go through Coconino County. All three cities follow the same state laws for dissolution of marriage.