La Paz County Dissolution Of Marriage Files

La Paz County keeps all dissolution of marriage records at the Superior Court Clerk office in Parker. This county sits along the Colorado River in western Arizona. The clerk maintains files for every dissolution case from filing through final decree. These records include petitions, responses, financial disclosures, custody documents, and court orders. You can search for cases online through the statewide portal or visit the courthouse in Parker to request copies. Most records are public under Arizona law. The clerk staff can help you find case files whether they are recent or many years old in La Paz County.

Superior Court Clerk Office

The La Paz Superior Court Clerk handles all dissolution filings in this county. The office is at 1316 Kofa Ave., Suite 607, Parker, AZ 85344. Call (928) 669-6131 for help. Hollie Lucas serves as the Clerk of Superior Court for La Paz County.

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. When you visit, bring photo ID. The clerk can help you search for cases, file papers, or get copies of documents from La Paz County.

Parker sits on the Colorado River across from California. The courthouse serves the entire county from this one location. Most people in La Paz County live in or near Parker or Quartzsite. The clerk office handles all Superior Court business for the county.

How to File for Dissolution

To file in La Paz County, you must meet Arizona residency requirements. Under A.R.S. Section 25-311, one spouse needs to live in Arizona for 90 days before filing. You file in the county where either spouse lives. If you live in La Paz County, you file at Superior Court in Parker.

The petition starts your dissolution case. This paper names both spouses and states what you want from the court. You pay the filing fee when you submit the petition. The clerk stamps your papers and gives you a case number. You then serve your spouse with copies. Proof of service goes in the file. This shows the other party got notice of the case in La Paz County.

Arizona uses no-fault dissolution under A.R.S. Section 25-312. The court only needs to find the marriage is broken. You do not prove fault. One spouse stating the marriage cannot continue is enough. After both sides respond or time runs out, the court can hold hearings and issue orders.

La Paz County offers AZTurboCourt for people filing without lawyers. This online tool costs $15 plus regular court fees. It walks you through each dissolution form step by step. Not all case types work with TurboCourt. Check if your situation qualifies before using this system in La Paz County.

Search Cases Online

You can search La Paz County dissolution cases through the statewide Arizona Public Access portal. This free system covers all Superior Courts in Arizona. Type a name or case number to search. The system shows matching cases from La Paz County.

Click on a case to see details. The docket shows all filings and court dates. You can see when papers were filed and what the court did. Some information may be hidden to protect children or sensitive details. Family cases have more privacy rules than other types in La Paz County.

The search is free. You do not pay to look up cases or view dockets. If you need copies of actual documents, you must contact the clerk. Some papers must be picked up in person at the courthouse in Parker. Others may be available by mail for a fee.

Fees and Costs

Contact the La Paz County Clerk for current fee information. Most Arizona counties charge $0.50 per page for copies. Certification typically adds $30 to $40. Postage runs around $7 to $8 if you want records mailed. The clerk can give you exact costs when you call or visit.

Filing a new dissolution case has higher fees than getting copies. The clerk can provide the current filing fee schedule. Fees change over time. Always check before you file in La Paz County.

Fee waivers exist for people with low income. You file a form showing your financial situation. A judge reviews waiver requests. If approved, you pay reduced fees or none at all. This helps people who cannot afford court costs. Ask the clerk for the fee waiver form when you file your case in La Paz County.

Note: Call ahead for current fee information as fees can change.

Information in Case Files

Dissolution case files in La Paz County hold many types of documents. The petition and response start the case. These name the parties and state what each side wants. If there are kids, the file has custody forms and parenting plans. Child support worksheets show income and expenses for both parents.

Financial disclosures list assets, debts, income, and expenses for both spouses. The court uses these to divide property and set support amounts. Temporary orders may appear in the file. A judge issues these during the case. They cover who stays in the home, who pays bills, and when kids see each parent in La Paz County.

The final decree is the key document. It ends the marriage and settles all terms. This includes property division, debt allocation, child custody, visitation, and support. Under A.R.S. Section 25-325, the decree becomes final when entered by the court. A spouse can ask to restore a former name in this document. You can get certified copies from the clerk for legal use.

Getting Legal Assistance

Several resources help people with dissolution cases in La Paz County. Legal aid programs serve low-income residents across Arizona. They focus on cases involving abuse or safety concerns. Call to see if you qualify for free help. The Arizona State Bar runs a referral service at 1-800-392-5660. Your first meeting with a referred lawyer costs up to $50 for 30 minutes.

Self-help resources are available online through Arizona Court Help. This site has guides for people filing without lawyers. You can find instructions and forms for dissolution cases. Official court forms are at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center. These are the same forms used in La Paz County Superior Court.

Some lawyers in nearby counties also handle cases in La Paz County. You may need to work with an attorney from Yuma County or Mohave County. Ask about travel fees if the lawyer must come from another area to represent you in Parker.

Are Records Public

Yes, dissolution records are public in La Paz County. Arizona law gives people the right to see court files. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not have to give a reason for your request. The clerk must provide access to public files under state law.

Some limits exist to protect privacy. Details about minor children may be hidden. Financial account numbers might be redacted. A party can ask the court to seal records in rare cases. The judge must approve this after a hearing. Most dissolution files remain open to the public in La Paz County.

You can request records in person at the courthouse in Parker. You can also call or mail your request to the clerk. Online systems show some case information for free. Other documents must be obtained through the clerk office. Check with staff about the best method for your needs in La Paz County.

Communities in La Paz County

La Paz County includes several small towns along the Colorado River. Parker is the county seat. Quartzsite is known for its winter visitor population. Other communities include Salome, Bouse, and Cibola. Parts of the Colorado River Indian Reservation fall within county borders. All residents file dissolution cases at La Paz County Superior Court in Parker.

Adjacent Counties

These counties border La Paz County. Make sure you file in the correct county based on where you or your spouse lives. The court needs proper jurisdiction over your case.