Best Divorce Lawyers Yuma, AZ

Yuma, AZ Divorce FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Yuma, Arizona?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Yuma Police Department is (928) 783-4421.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Yuma, Arizona?

  You may get a copy of the police report for incidents related to your case at https://www.yumaaz.gov/government/yuma-police-department/divisions/records-unit

• How is the divorce process in Yuma initiated?

  Divorce proceedings in Yuma are initiated by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Arizona Superior Court in Yuma County, provided that one or both spouses have lived in the state for at least 90 days prior to filing. Additionally, as Arizona is a no-fault divorce state, spouses may cite the "irretrievable breakdown" of their marriage as legal grounds for divorce.

• Can a divorce be granted in Yuma without the cooperation of both spouses?

  As long as one spouse files a petition in Yuma and serves the other spouse with divorce papers, the court does not necessarily need the other spouse’s cooperation to grant the divorce. In addition, if a spouse is served with divorce papers and fails to respond within 20 days formally, he or she waives the right to negotiate the terms involving property division, custody, and support.

• How long does getting divorced in Yuma take?

  Whether a divorce is uncontested or contested in Yuma, the process may take as short as 60 days to as long as two years. In a contested case, outside professionals such as financial experts and business appraisers may be enlisted to evaluate the spouses’ marital assets properly. The divorcing couple may also work with child psychologists to resolve issues involving custody and support.

• What is mediation in a Yuma divorce?

  Separating couples in Yuma undergoing a contested divorce must attend mediation sessions, where a neutral third party called the mediator will help them reach an agreement on the terms involving property division, support, and custody. If an agreement is not reached, then a trial will be set. In addition, divorcing couples with minor children are required to take parenting classes.

• How is child custody assigned in Yuma?

  In a divorce in Yuma, the court will assign legal and physical custody, otherwise called legal decision-making and parenting time. Several factors influence custody arrangements, including parental preferences, mental and physical health, history of domestic violence, and relationship with the child. The child’s health, home and school environment, and preferences are considered if he or she is of age and can express them.