Introduction
The purpose of this site is to post important provisions of the Arizona Family Law Statutes online and provide an interpretation for the layperson. This is not meant to act as legal advice, and you should seek the advice of an attorney if you need legal advice. This is meant to be a basic starter resource for Arizonans who have questions concerning marriage, divorce, domestic relations, child custody, alimony, etc.
Arizona has an extensive statutory code grouped into what is known as "Titles". Each title contains a grouping of statutes that are a specific form of law. For example, Title 12 concernings the courts and civil actions. Any statute relating to this has an initial numbering of 12-### for example.
The law in Arizona, and anywhere, can be complex. Don't be afraid to ask questions and do research. This website is a developing project, and we will have more pages concern family law as time passes.
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Statutory Structure
In Arizona, the statutes governing family law are contained in Title 25. Title 25 is known as "Marital and Domestic Relations". There are nine chapters in all, each one having a differing number of Articles.
The 9 chapters are organized as:
- Chapter 1 - Marriage
- Chapter 2 - Husband and Wife Property and Contract Rights
- Chatper 3 - Dissolution of Marriage
- Chapter 4 - Child Custody and Visitation
- Chapter 5 - Family Support Duties
- Chapter 6 - Maternity and Paternity Proceedings
- Chapter 7 - Covenant Marriage
- Chapter 8 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
- Chapter 9 - Uniform Interstate Family Support Act
From these we will try to choose statutes which people may have the most questions about, or at least apply more frequently than other situations
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Community Property
It is vital to understand that Arizona is one of a handful of states that functions on a Community Property system. This real impact of this shows up in divorce or death. Basically under a CP system, property you acquire before marriage or after divorce is your separate property, and the majority of property you acquire while married becomes part of the community funds. This community "pot", so to speak, is divided by a court during a death (probate) or divorce action.
Not all property acquired during marriage falls under the community property distinction, and you can actually change its status or reserve some property as separate. This is a personal choice between each married couple, and this site is not here to tell you how to conduct that portion of your life.
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Resources
There are a wealth of resources out there if you need help in any matter related to family law. Various websites can provide helpful information, but be careful about someone trying to sell you anything. Local bookstores or libraries here in Arizona can also contain helpful information.
All statutes are considered public record, and must be open to everyone. You can find a list of government proceeds and code in a variety of sources. The Arizona legislature has an excellent site, containing all of the state's statutes. Click here if you would like to access Arizona's legislative website.
Also realize, that if you need serious legal advice or help, consider consulting an attorney. We are not here to tell you which is best. That is your choice, and one that should be chosen with careful consideration and thought. Best of luck, and we hope you enjoy our site.
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