Find Maricopa County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Maricopa County are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court at four main locations across the Phoenix metro area. This is the largest county in Arizona with the most dissolution cases filed each year. The clerk maintains all case files from initial petition through final decree. Records include pleadings, financial disclosures, custody forms, temporary orders, and final decrees. You can search for cases online for free or visit any clerk location to request copies. Most records are public under Arizona law. The clerk offers multiple ways to access dissolution records whether you need to file a new case or find an old one in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Clerk Locations

The Clerk of Superior Court operates four locations across Maricopa County. The main office is the Customer Service Center at 601 W. Jackson, Phoenix, AZ 85003. This location handles most downtown Phoenix cases. Call (602) 372-5375 for help. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Northwest Regional office is at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374. This serves the northwest valley. The Southeast Complex sits at 222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210. It handles cases for the east valley. The Northeast Regional office is at 18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85032. All locations have the same hours and access to all county records.

You can visit any location to file papers or get records. Choose the one closest to where you live. Each office has staff to help with dissolution cases. The clerk accepts payment by money order, debit card, credit card, or cash. Personal checks are not accepted at any Maricopa County clerk location.

Search Family Court Cases Online

Maricopa County offers a dedicated Family Court Docket Search. This free system lets you search by name or case number. You can view case information and docket entries at no cost. The system is available 24 hours a day except for maintenance windows Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 a.m.

Type in the name of either spouse to find dissolution cases. The system shows the case number, file date, parties, and current status. Click on a case to see the full docket. This lists all papers filed and court dates. Some details may be hidden to protect children or sensitive information in Maricopa County.

You can also use the statewide Arizona Public Access portal. This covers all Arizona counties. It works the same way as the Maricopa system. Either portal is free to use for searching dissolution cases.

Law Library Resources

The Law Library Resource Center helps people who are filing without lawyers. The center has books, computers, and staff to answer questions. Call (602) 506-7353 or email services@jbazmc.maricopa.gov for help.

The library has forms for divorce, legal separation, paternity, child support, and parenting time cases. Staff can help you find the right forms but cannot give legal advice. They can show you how to fill out forms and where to file them. The library also has books on Arizona family law in Maricopa County.

You can visit the library in person or call for help. Many people use this resource to understand the process before they file. The staff can explain what steps you need to take. They cannot tell you what to do in your specific case but can point you to resources.

Court Minutes and Entries

Maricopa County provides online access to court minute entries. These are summaries of what happened at hearings. You can search by case number to see all minute entries for a case. This helps you track what the court ordered at each hearing.

Minute entries show the date of the hearing, who appeared, and what the judge ordered. These are shorter than full transcripts. They give you a quick summary of court actions. This can help you understand the timeline of a case in Maricopa County.

Fees and Costs

Maricopa County charges set fees for records and court services. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certification is $35.00 per document. Research fees are $35.00 per year searched if you do not have a case number. Postage and handling is $8.00 if you want records mailed to you.

Filing a new dissolution case costs more. The petition for dissolution of marriage costs $376.00. A response to dissolution costs $287.00. A summary consent decree is $331.50. These fees are higher than other Arizona counties due to the size and volume of cases in Maricopa County.

Fee waivers are available 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 in Maricopa County.

Note: Personal checks are not accepted for payment in Maricopa County courts.

Filing for Dissolution

To file in Maricopa County, you must meet Arizona residency rules. 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 Maricopa County, you file at any of the four clerk locations.

Arizona is a no-fault state. Under A.R.S. Section 25-312, the court only needs to find the marriage is broken. You do not prove fault. One party stating the marriage cannot continue is enough. This makes the process simpler for both sides.

The petition starts your case. This paper names both spouses and states what you want. You pay the filing fee when you submit it. The clerk gives you a case number. You then serve your spouse with copies. Proof of service goes in the file. After both sides respond or time runs out, the court can schedule hearings and issue orders in Maricopa County.

Maricopa County participates in AZTurboCourt. This online system helps people file without lawyers. It costs $15 plus regular court fees. The system walks you through each form step by step. Not all case types work with TurboCourt. Check if your situation qualifies before using this tool.

What Case Files Include

Dissolution case files in Maricopa County contain many documents. The petition and response are the main pleadings. These state each side's position. If there are children, 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.

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 any clerk location for legal use.

Getting Legal Help

Many resources exist for people who need help with dissolution cases in Maricopa County. Legal aid programs serve low-income residents. 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 Maricopa County Superior Court.

The Law Library Resource Center in Maricopa County can help you understand the process. Many private attorneys also practice family law in the Phoenix metro area. You can find lawyers through the State Bar referral service or online directories. Some offer free first meetings or payment plans.

Public Access to Records

Yes, dissolution records are public in Maricopa County. Arizona law allows anyone to view court files. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not have to state why you want the records. The clerk must provide access to public files under state law.

Some details may be protected. Information about minor children might be redacted. Financial account numbers are often hidden. A party can ask to seal records, but this is rare. The judge must approve sealing requests after a hearing. Most files remain open to the public in Maricopa County.

Request records in person at any of the four clerk locations. You can also 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 Maricopa County.

Cities in Maricopa County

Maricopa County includes the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. Major cities include Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, and Buckeye. All residents file dissolution cases at Maricopa County Superior Court. Choose the clerk location most convenient to where you live.

Adjacent Counties

These counties border Maricopa 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.