WHAT TO FILE
CHECKLIST FOR FILING
In family law cases, the required documents vary based on the case type. Dissolutions and separations need forms such as the Sensitive Data Sheet, Summons, and financial affidavits, while establishment cases add a Petition and Birth Certificate.
Modifications involve petitions and updated financial information, and enforcement cases generally require a Petition. Each case type may also involve specific forms related to custody or child support. This checklist will ensure nothing is over looked.
Forms needed for almost all cases
Explore the essential forms below, designed to help you navigate nearly all family court cases.
Whether you’re dealing with divorce, custody, or other family matters, these resources can guide you through the legal process.
NOTICE REGARDING CREDITORS
This form is a notice required by Arizona law for cases of divorce, annulment, or legal separation involving minor children. It informs both parties that they are responsible for community debts and that a court’s decision on debt responsibility binds only the spouses, not the creditors.
The form encourages individuals to contact their creditors to discuss debts and potentially request a credit report for further details. It also provides a sample letter that can be used to request account information from creditors but clarifies that this letter should not be filed with the court.
NOTICE REGARDING HEALTH INSURANCE
This form informs individuals involved in a divorce about their rights regarding health insurance. It explains that if a spouse is covered by the other spouse’s insurance, they may continue coverage after the divorce, but they must contact the insurance company and start paying premiums within 31 days.
The form also mentions that coverage for dependent children may continue and that the insurance must be provided without proof of insurability or exclusions beyond those previously in place. Additionally, it provides information about alternative coverage options like COBRA and the Affordable Care Act.
NOTICE TO TAKE REQUIRED PARENTING CLASS
The “Order and Notice to Attend Parenting Information Program Class” mandates parents involved in cases concerning divorce, legal separation, or paternity with minor children to attend a parenting class. Both parents must complete the class within 45 days of being served and pay the required fee, with options for fee waivers if applicable.
Failure to attend can result in the court not processing their requests or denying future modifications. The program is intended to inform parents about the impact of legal proceedings on children, and separate attendance is required for each parent.
PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
SENSITIVE DATA SHEET WITH KIDS
It also collects information about the children involved, including their names, genders, birthdates, and Social Security numbers. This document is not to be copied or served to the other party and is only for court records to protect sensitive data.
Summons
The “Summons” is an official court document issued in cases of divorce, legal separation, or annulment. It informs the respondent that a lawsuit has been filed against them and provides details about how and when they must respond to avoid a default judgment.
The respondent must file a written response within 20 or 30 days, depending on where they were served, and send a copy to the petitioner. The document also includes information about possible conciliation or mediation services, as well as how to request accommodations or an interpreter for court proceedings.
SENSITIVE DATA SHEET WITHOUT KIDS
The “Sensitive Data Coversheet without Children” is a confidential form used in family court cases that do not involve children, such as divorce, legal separation, or annulment. It collects personal information about both parties, including their Social Security numbers, birth dates, and employment details, which are kept confidential and not shared with the other party.
This form must be filed with the court but is not to be copied or served to anyone else. Its purpose is to protect sensitive data while handling the case.
Petitions
PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OR SEPARATION
If you want to divorce your partner or if you desire to live separately, this form can help you initiate the process.
I want to establish orders for custody, and we are not married
These forms will assist you in:
- Getting an order for paternity; (naming the legal father);
- Getting custody orders; and/or
- Establishing child support.
I want to establish 3rd party or grandparent’s rights
If you are a step-parent, grandparent, or other individual who has acted in a parental capacity to the child, you may use this form to ask the court to grant you visitation or, in limited siutations, custody.
I want to change my order
If you are a step-parent, grandparent, or other individual who has acted in a parental capacity to the child, you may use this form to ask the court to grant you visitation or, in limited siutations, custody.
I want to relocate
If you plan to move more than 100 miles or another distance as prescribed in your current orders, this form can help you request permission to relocate the child.
Relocation is further outlined in the statute: clicke here
PETITION TO RELOCATE A CHILD AND MODIFY CUSTODY
If you plan to move more than 100 miles or another distance as prescribed in your current orders, and it requires a change in your decision-making, parenting time, and/or child support, this form can help you request permission to relocate the child.
Relocation is further outlined in the statute: click here
I want to enforce my order
If the other party is not following your court order, this form can help you ask the court to enforce your order. It is important to:
- Tell the court specifically what the order says;
- What the party is doing that violates the order; and
- How you believe the court can assist in making the other party compliant.
