Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25. Marital and Domestic Relations § 25-311. Jurisdiction;  form of petition;  award of decree

A. The superior court is vested with original jurisdiction to hear and decide all matters arising pursuant to this chapter and pursuant to chapter 4, article 1 of this title.  1

B. A proceeding for dissolution of marriage or legal separation shall be entitled, “in re the marriage of __________ and __________.” A custody or support proceeding shall be entitled, “in re the (custody) (support) of __________.”

C. The initial pleading in all proceedings under this chapter and under chapter 4, article 1 of this title shall be denominated a petition.  A responsive pleading shall be denominated a response.

D. A decree of dissolution or of legal separation, if made, shall not be awarded to one of the parties but shall provide that it affects the status previously existing between the parties in the manner decreed.