Divorce & Annulment

questions & answers

Question: My husband filed for divorce in Maricopa county, we live in Pinal county. Is it possible to have his case dismissed because of this?

Answer: The following is provided for general information only. To find out how the law applies to a specific situation, contact an attorney directly. Arizona Revised statute (ARS) §12-401(13), states: “Actions for dissolution of marriage [divorce] or legal separation shall be brought in the county in which a petitioner is residing at the time the action is filed.” However, ARS§12-404 states that, "[i]f an action is not brought in the proper county, the court shall nevertheless have jurisdiction and may hear and determine the action unless the defendant, before expiration of the time allowed to answer, files with the clerk of the court in which the action is brought an affidavit of the defendant, his agent or attorney, stating that the county in which the action is brought is not the proper county and stating the county of the defendant's residence, and praying that the action be transferred to the proper county. B. A copy of the affidavit shall be served upon plaintiff, and unless the affidavit is controverted under oath, within five days after service, the court shall order the action transferred to the proper county. C. If the affidavit is controverted, the court shall hear the issue thus presented and shall order the action retained in the court in which it is brought, or transferred to the proper county." You may also wish to look at the article “Things You Should Know About Divorce in Arizona" on our website for more information on the requirements of filing for divorce in Arizona.