Arizona · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Arizona

How spousal support works in a Arizona divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

In Arizona, alimony is called spousal maintenance. A spouse can qualify for reasons such as not having enough property or earning ability, or a long marriage.

What Arizona calls it
spousal maintenance
Property division
Community property
Law
A.R.S. 25-319.

When Arizona courts can order alimony

A spouse can qualify for reasons such as not having enough property or earning ability, or a long marriage.

Amount, limits and length

Law: A.R.S. 25-319.

Alimony and property in Arizona

Alimony is decided separately from how property and debts are divided.

System
Community property
The rule
Property and debts either spouse gets during the marriage are usually community and are divided equitably, which in practice usually means close to equal. What you owned before marriage, or got by gift or inheritance, is usually your separate property.

How to ask for alimony in Arizona

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Arizona courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $261 statewide for a petition for dissolution, and $172 for a response (state schedule under A.R.S. 12-284, effective Dec. 28, 2024). Can't afford it? File an Application for Deferral or Waiver of Court Fees and Costs. A deferral lets you pay later or in installments; a waiver means you don't pay: https://www.azcourts.gov/courtfilingfees/Fee-Waivers-and-Deferrals.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Common.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Arizona

How does alimony work in Arizona?

Called spousal maintenance. A spouse can qualify for reasons such as not having enough property or earning ability, or a long marriage. Judges must use the Arizona Supreme Court's Spousal Maintenance Guidelines for amount and length unless they explain in writing why that would be unjust, and maintenance lasts only as long as needed to become self-sufficient. Guidelines: https://www.azcourts.gov/familylaw/Child-Support-Family-Law-Information/Spousal-Maintenance-Guidelines

How much alimony is paid in Arizona, and for how long?

Judges must use the Arizona Supreme Court's Spousal Maintenance Guidelines for amount and length unless they explain in writing why that would be unjust, and maintenance lasts only as long as needed to become self-sufficient. Guidelines: https://www.azcourts.gov/familylaw/Child-Support-Family-Law-Information/Spousal-Maintenance-Guidelines

Is Arizona a community property state?

Yes. Property and debts either spouse gets during the marriage are usually community and are divided equitably, which in practice usually means close to equal. What you owned before marriage, or got by gift or inheritance, is usually your separate property.

More about divorce in Arizona

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.