These rules govern the procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a declaratory judgment that is otherwise appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of a declaratory judgment action.
Rule 57.Declaratory judgment.
Last verified July 1, 2026
In one sentenceRule 57 lets a party seek a declaratory judgment even when another adequate remedy exists, and allows the court to move the case along with a speedy hearing.
Full Text of Rule 57
Amendment History
Promulgated by R-16-0010, effective January 1, 2017.
Plain-English Summary
A declaratory judgment asks the court to declare the parties' rights or legal relations without necessarily ordering anyone to do anything, and Rule 57 makes clear that this remedy remains available even when the requesting party could have pursued some other adequate remedy instead. Because declaratory actions often exist to resolve uncertainty before a dispute escalates, the rule also gives the court authority to advance the case to a speedy hearing when circumstances call for it.
The rule itself is brief; most of the practical requirements for pursuing a declaratory judgment come from the same pleading, motion, and trial rules that govern any other civil action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to show that no other remedy is available to get a declaratory judgment?
No. The existence of another adequate remedy doesn't by itself prevent a court from granting declaratory relief that is otherwise appropriate.
Can a court speed up a declaratory judgment action?
Yes, the court has discretion to order a speedy hearing in a declaratory judgment action.
Does a declaratory judgment action follow different pleading or trial rules?
No. Aside from the points addressed in Rule 57, an ordinary declaratory judgment action follows the same procedural rules as any other civil action.
Source & verification. The rule text and History are reproduced verbatim from the
official Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure (Ariz. R. Civ. P. 57). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Arizona (Ariz. Const. art. 6, § 5). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: declaratory judgment rule