Arizona: How Long Does My Ex Have to Respond After Service?
Once your ex is officially served in an Arizona family-law case—divorce, custody, paternity, child support, or modification—they have a strict, legally defined period to file their Response with the court. The length of that deadline depends on where they were served and how service was completed.
If they miss the deadline, you may move toward a default judgment, and the court can grant your requests without their involvement.
1. Standard Response Deadlines
Arizona's response deadlines begin the day after service is complete.
Served within Arizona
20 calendar days
Served outside Arizona
30 calendar days
These deadlines apply whether the case involves divorce, custody, support, or other family-law matters.
2. Response Deadlines After an Acceptance of Service
If your ex voluntarily signs the notarized Acceptance of Service:
Acceptance signed in Arizona
20 days from the date of signing
Acceptance signed outside Arizona
30 days from the date of signing
The response clock begins after the acceptance form is signed—not when it is filed.
3. How Arizona Counts Days
Arizona uses calendar days, not business days.
This means weekends and holidays count.
However, if the final day lands on:
…the deadline automatically moves to the next business day.
This prevents deadlines from expiring when the court is closed.
4. How the Response Clock Starts for Each Service Method
Different service methods trigger the deadline differently.
A. Personal Service (Process Server or Sheriff)
Countdown begins the day after the documents are handed to your ex or an appropriate resident.
B. Restricted Certified Mail
The deadline begins after your ex signs the delivery receipt. If someone else signs or they refuse delivery, you must use another method.
C. Acceptance of Service
Begins the day after the acceptance is signed—not the day it's delivered.
D. Court-Ordered Alternative Service
The judge defines when service is "complete." From there: 20 days (in-state), 30 days (out-of-state), or a customized timeline if the order specifies one.
E. Service by Publication
Service is complete 30 days after the first publication. The response deadline usually begins immediately at that point unless the court orders otherwise.
5. What Happens If Your Ex Does Not Respond?
A missed deadline opens the door to a default ruling.
Step 1: File an Application and Affidavit for Default
This alerts the court that the respondent failed to respond in time.
Step 2: Mandatory 10-Day Waiting Period
Arizona requires a short grace period to allow a final chance to respond.
Step 3: Default Judgment
If the respondent still does nothing, the court may issue orders based on your petition, including:
The court reviews your requests for reasonableness, but the respondent's silence removes their ability to object.
Avoidance or refusal to answer does not protect the respondent.
6. Why Fast Serve AZ Matters
A response deadline only matters if service is done correctly. Fast Serve AZ ensures:
Your case moves because we make the service airtight.