If you are considering a divorce in 2025, thinking about some of the major questions you will need to address can help you feel more confident moving forward—whether you ultimately decide to file or not. While the divorce process can seem overwhelming initially, breaking it down into bite-sized chunks can make it seem more manageable, and this can help you feel less stressed about the process as well.
With this in mind, here are five key questions you will want to consider as you begin thinking about the divorce process:
Key Question #1: Do You Have a Clear Understanding of What is On the Table?
One reason why many people feel overwhelmed simply thinking about a divorce is that they don’t know what to expect. This is understandable, as most spouses haven’t been through the process before, and they haven’t had reason to learn about the process until relatively recently.
Knowing what to expect from your divorce starts with understanding what is on the table. Most couples will need to address four main issues during the divorce process:
Property Division
Divorcing spouses in Arizona must divide their marital property. In most cases, this includes all assets acquired during the marriage, although there are exceptions.
Assets that divorcing spouses commonly need to address include real estate, vehicles, furniture, jewelry, electronics, retirement accounts, and savings accounts. But, depending on their personal circumstances, divorcing spouses may need to address a variety of other assets as well—including pets, cryptocurrency accounts, digital music and video libraries, and privately-owned businesses, among others.
Child Custody
Under Arizona law, divorcing parents are required to develop a child custody plan that reflects their children’s best interests. However, within this “best interests” framework, parents have a variety of options available.
Regardless of which option you and your spouse ultimately choose, it will be important not to overlook any key issues. From transportation to special arrangements for birthdays and holidays, there are several issues to consider; and, by starting to think about these issues now, you can ensure that you will be ready to make informed decisions when the time comes.
Child Support
As a general rule, divorcing parents in Arizona must apply the state’s child support guidelines when determining how much each parent will be required to contribute to their children’s financial needs post-divorce. Parents generally don’t have much flexibility when it comes to child support, so it will be worth reviewing the guidelines to get an idea of how much you (or your spouse) might have to pay.
Spousal Support (or Alimony)
In contrast to child support, divorcing spouses have quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to spousal support (or alimony). If you are interested in seeking alimony—or if you think your spouse might seek alimony in your divorce—you will want to learn about the financial considerations that apply.
Key Question #2: What Matters Most?
Once you have an idea of the issues you will need to address during the divorce process, then you can start thinking about what matters most. Since neither spouse gets everything in an Arizona divorce, prioritizing your wants and needs will be a key step in your preparations.
Do you want to stay in the family home? Do you want to keep the family pet? Do you want to spend certain holidays with your children? Do you need to make sure that you will receive financial support from your former spouse? This is just a small sampling of the types of questions you might need to answer. As you begin to prioritize, it is important to keep in mind that your spouse may have similar priorities—so you should avoid becoming too emotionally invested in any particular outcome, if possible.
Key Question #3: Are You and Your Spouse (Mostly) on the Same Page?
This raises another key question: Are you and your spouse (mostly) on the same page? If you are, this will help facilitate an efficient and amicable divorce. If you aren’t, you may have work to do during the divorce process, but you will still be able to secure a fair outcome with an experienced divorce attorney on your side.
Even if you and your spouse think that you are on the same page, you will still want to consult with a divorce attorney. An experienced divorce attorney will be able to help make sure you haven’t overlooked any assets or any important child-related or financial considerations. Your attorney will also be able to draft a divorce settlement agreement that reflects your mutual understanding and meets all of the requirements for securing court approval in Arizona.
Key Question #4: Is Flat-Fee Mediation the Right Approach?
If you and your spouse are largely in agreement—or if you think you can get there with some outside help—then flat-fee mediation could be a good option. With this approach, you and your spouse will work together with a single divorce attorney who helps you focus on reaching a full and final resolution
Key Question #5: Is It Time to Schedule a Free Divorce Consultation?
Whether you have questions about the divorce process or you are interested in pursuing flat-fee mediation, if you are serious about considering a divorce, it might be time to schedule a free divorce consultation. Scheduling a free divorce consultation does not obligate you to move forward—it is simply an opportunity to get your questions answered so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps. If you decide to move forward, your attorney can assist with your preparations, and you will be able to continue asking your questions throughout the divorce process.
Schedule a Free Initial Divorce Consultation in Phoenix, AZ
Are you ready to speak with a divorce attorney? If you have questions about starting the divorce process in Arizona, we invite you to get in touch. To schedule a free initial divorce consultation at Weingart Family Law in Phoenix, please call 480-542-0099 or request an appointment online today.