A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In Arizona, a divorce decree is the final court order that legally ends a marriage. It is signed by a judge and outlines all the terms of the divorce, including the division of community property and debts, spousal maintenance (alimony), and if applicable, child custody, visitation rights, child support, health insurance provisions for minor children, and payment for extracurricular activities. Arizona is a community property state, meaning that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally. Child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, and both parents are typically required to provide financial support. Once the judge signs the divorce decree, the terms are legally binding and enforceable. If either party fails to comply with the decree, the other party can take legal action to enforce the order, which may include filing a petition for contempt of court.