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Information and instructions for completing the “Resolution Statement”
for paternity and legal decision-making cases
GENERAL INFORMATION
Arizona Rule of Family Law Procedure 49 (Rule 49) requires both parties to share information in
family law cases. It requires each party send to the other party a detailed statement with the
specific positions the party proposes to resolve all issues. It also requires parties to exchange
detailed facts and documents concerning issues of child support, legal decision-making, parenting
time, spousal maintenance, witnesses, attorney fees, property, and debt.
Rule 49 allows full discovery of important facts to avoid “litigation by ambush.” The Rule promotes
greater professionalism among counsel, with the ultimate goal of increasing voluntary cooperation
and exchange of information. The Rule is also meant to help the parties focus on the problems
that are truly in dispute by resolving (by the free exchange of information) issues where they
unexpectedly agree. Disclosure rules also encourage the trial courts to deal with discovery abuse
in a strong and forthright fashion. Ultimately, obedience to the discovery rules enables a more
efficient, less expensive, and more accessible Arizona judicial system.
RESOLUTION STATEMENT
1. What is a “Resolution Statement?” A Resolution Statement is a detailed description of the position
a party proposes to resolve all the issues in a Family Law case. The Resolution Statement is one
part of the fact sharing process required by Rule 49 of the Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure.
2. When do I file the “Resolution Statement?” You file the Resolution Statement 30 days after
exchanging with the other party your initial disclosure information, or as ordered by the Court.
3. Where do I file the “Resolution Statement?” You file the Resolution Statement with the Clerk of
Superior Court, Family Case Filing Counter.
4. Who must file a “Resolution Statement?” Every party involved in a divorce, or any non-divorce
case involving paternity, legal decision-making, parenting time or child support must file a
resolution statement, unless the court permits otherwise.
5. Do I have to serve the “Resolution Statement” on the other party? Yes. A Resolution Statement
must be served upon all parties, or their attorneys. In addition to filing the original statement with
the Clerk of Superior Court, a party must provide a file-stamped copy to the assigned judge and
serve (either mail or hand-deliver) a copy on all other parties or their attorneys.
6. What is the difference between a “Resolution Statement” and a “Disclosure Statement?” The
Resolution Statement requests different information than the Disclosure Statement. Also, the
Resolution Statement is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court, whereas the Disclosure Statement
is not filed with the Clerk of Superior Court.