In addition, Arizona law expressly encourages separation agreements. Also, dissolution of marriage petitions may be heard before a court commissioner if an appearance and waiver is filed. After a dissolution of marriage has been filed, either spouse may request that the dissolution of marriage proceedings be transferred to the Conciliation Court for mediation. Official forms for requesting this transfer are available from the clerk of any Superior Court. In addition, if one spouse denies that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court may delay the case for up to 60 days and order the spouses to attend a conciliation conference.
Separate property is retained by the owner of the property.
Any property acquired by either spouse outside of Arizona shall be deemed to be community property if the property would have been community property if acquired within Arizona. Marital misconduct is not considered in the division. The court may place a lien upon a spouse's separate property in order to secure payment of child support or spousal support. Marital misconduct is not a factor to be considered for maintenance order. A spouse's former or maiden name may be restored upon request.