The Question:
Can I get a divorce in Arizona if my husband does not live here and has never lived here?
RJ Says:
Yes, you can. Arizona law allows a court to grant a divorce as long as one spouse has been domiciled in Arizona for at least 90 days before filing. This means that even if your spouse has never lived in Arizona, the court can still dissolve the marriage.
However, there are significant limitations if the court does not have personal jurisdiction over the non-resident spouse. Without personal jurisdiction, the court cannot:
- Divide property or debt.
- Order spousal maintenance.
- Order child support.
What the court can do is legally end your marriage, allowing you to move forward as a single person.
I have successfully handled divorces in Arizona where the court had no jurisdiction over the other spouse. But every case is unique, and it’s important to understand what can and cannot be done in your situation.
A qualified family law attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure you take the right legal steps. Our office offers free half-hour consultations to discuss your case. Call (602) 256-7575 to schedule yours today.