Divorce & Annulment

questions & answers

Question: If one has a legal separation can those documents to rolled over to divorce papers without additional filing fees or document preparation?

Answer: No.  You must file a petition in family court to request that the legal separation be converted to a decree of dissolution.  If it is done in this manner, the terms of the decree of legal separation as to property and debt division, custody and child support should remain unchanged.  You may want to spend the time to consult with an attorney.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  If you are financially qualified for the program, for a $75 fee, Modest Means  will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  If you need additional help and the attorney agrees to take your case, the fee charged will not exceed $75 per hour.  The telephone number is (866)637-5341.  Both the Maricopa and Pima County Bar Associations have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult for a fee of $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.