A pleading is a formal court document that states claims, defenses, responses, or requests for relief. In Arizona family law the core pleadings in a dissolution case are the petition, the response, and any counter-petition.

Pleadings must be signed by the filing party or their attorney. Signing a pleading is a certification that the allegations are true to the best of the signer's knowledge and that the filing is not made for an improper purpose.

The quality of the pleadings sets the foundation for the case. A well-drafted petition states the issues clearly, requests appropriate relief, and avoids overreaching. A well-drafted response addresses each allegation specifically and preserves the respondent's defenses and positions.