• You want to file for legal separation and you are not ready to file for divorce (You do not have to file for legal separation before filing for divorce); AND

• You do not have a "covenant marriage", or since you were married you have not agreed to change your marriage to a "covenant" marriage" (These papers will not work for a "covenant marriage".)* AND
• You or your spouse either live in Arizona or are a member of the armed services stationed in Arizona; AND
• Either you or both you and your spouse desire to live separate and apart or your marriage is irretrievably broken (over); AND
• You and your spouse have minor children with each other OR the wife is pregnant by the husband or will be pregnant by the husband before the legal separation is over; AND
• The minor children have resided (lived) in Arizona at least 6 months before you will file the Petition for Legal Separation or you talked to a lawyer who advised you that even so you could pursue the case in Arizona.

1. sign papers (essentially a contract) requesting a "covenant marriage";
2. attend pre-marital counseling; AND
3. your marriage license would say "Covenant Marriage."

If you were married before August 21, 1998 and have not signed papers to convert your marriage to a "covenant marriage", you do not have a "covenant marriage". See A.R.S. §25-904 for requirements for legal separation for a "covenant marriage". If you still have questions about whether you have a "covenant marriage", see a lawyer for help.