With over 60 years of combined experience in family law, Arizona Mediation Institute's knowledgeable attorneys are dedicated to assisting couples in reaching agreements that are durable and doable. Arizona Mediation Institute will prepare and file your paperwork to begin and finalize your divorce, or modify your finalized divorce and you will never be required to appear in court at any time throug
hout the process. Arizona Mediation Institute bills at an hourly rate and does not require a retainer. Mediation is an effective – and often, less stressful – dispute resolution option for divorce and family-related issues. By working with expert, neutral, third-party facilitators -- or mediators -- in a non-adversarial environment, you can settle your differences in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Generally, mediation results in a resolution in an average of just 3 to 4 months vs. 12 to 24 months through the process of litigation/court proceedings. Industry research indicates couples who have used mediation are more likely to:
•Reach voluntary agreements
•Find the process fairer and more sensitive to their needs
•Abide by the agreements they have reached
•Return to court less often
Mediation is a voluntary negotiation process. The mediator is completely impartial and is there to assist you in reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement, but does not make any decisions for you or force you to accept a settlement. When you agree to mediate, you are agreeing to attend the mediation session and participate in a good faith effort to settle. You are in control of how long the process takes and you are always in full control of the outcome. Mediation participants may either meet together with their mediator in a joint session or individually with the mediator in what is known as a "caucus" format. A good mediator helps the parties manage their emotions and maintain dignity throughout the entire process. In cases involving minor children, the mediator will also discuss the Parenting Plan and the various options available to the divorcing parents including the children's expenses and child support. Unlike court proceedings, mediation is confidential. Therefore, any negotiations during the mediation sessions do not become part of the public record. When you participate in mediation you are not required to appear in court at any time during the process. During the negotiations and with the assistance of the mediator you will reach agreements on any or all of the following: value of assets, division of property and debt, tax preparation, spousal maintenance, child support and children's expenses, legal decision making, parenting time, holiday time and the other details necessary to have a full Parenting Plan. As agreements are reached your mediator can also prepare the legal documents necessary to finalize the process.
