If you’ve just filed for divorce in Arizona, you’re now in the middle of what’s known as a 60-day “cooling off” period. This mandatory wait might seem like a mere pause in your journey, but it’s actually a crucial opportunity to align your strategies and ensure a smoother transition. Here’s how you can use this time effectively:
1. Pause and Reflect
First things first—breathe. Arizona law mandates this period to help both parties avoid hasty decisions that they might regret later. It’s an ideal time for reflection. Even if your mind is made up about the divorce, use these weeks to focus inward. Consider your goals, personal growth, and the steps you can take now to prepare for your new life ahead.
2. Organize Your Financial Information
Divorce is not just a legal process but a financial one. Understanding your assets, debts, and overall financial picture is essential. This period is the perfect time to gather necessary documents such as titles, appraisals, mortgage statements, and retirement account records. Familiarize yourself with Rule 49 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure to see exactly what you’ll need to disclose. Proper documentation will ensure that property and debts are fairly distributed.
3. Request Further Information
You might find that you don’t have all the information you need. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until the cooling off period ends to start collecting it. Send out formal discovery requests to your spouse as soon as they are served with the divorce papers. These requests typically need to be answered within 40 days. Getting a jump on this will give you plenty of time to receive and review the information before the waiting period is over.
4. Prepare a Post-Divorce Budget
Now that you’ve got a clear picture of your financial landscape, it’s time to plan ahead. Fill out your affidavit of financial information not based on your current costs but on your expected post-divorce expenses. Consider how your living situation and insurance needs might change. Mark any estimates with an asterisk to signal that these figures are projections. This detailed anticipation helps not just in budgeting but also in framing your expectations realistically for life after divorce.
5. Extend an Offer
With all the groundwork laid, take a moment to step back and assess everything. Now might be the right time to draft and extend a settlement offer. This isn’t just about moving things along; it’s about showing your readiness to cooperate and potentially avoid a trial. If your spouse responds with a counter-offer, this gives you a clear indication of how close you both are to agreeing, which could predict how soon you might settle. Remember, a reasonable offer not only pushes the process forward but can also influence a judge’s decision regarding attorney’s fees if it goes to trial.
Utilizing this Waiting Period Wisely
While waiting can be frustrating, viewing this period as a strategic phase can make a significant difference in your divorce proceedings. By taking these steps, you’re not just waiting; you’re preparing. By the time the court is ready to move forward, you’ll be fully equipped to handle whatever comes next, with a clear plan and peace of mind.
