Divorce Mediation in Mesa, Arizona
Going through a divorce or legal separation is one of the most stressful events a family can face. However, ending your marriage does not mean you have to fight a long, expensive battle in court. At Sullivan Shick, we provide expert divorce mediation in Mesa, Arizona, offering a peaceful and affordable alternative to litigation.
Our goal is to help you and your spouse reach a fair agreement on all issues, from property division to child custody, without the stress of a judge making decisions for you. We guide you through the process with compassion and legal knowledge, helping you move forward with your lives.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process where you and your spouse meet with a neutral third party—the mediator—to resolve your disputes. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not take sides or make rulings. Instead, we use conflict resolution strategies to help you communicate effectively and find solutions that work for both of you.
What is Divorce Mediation?
In traditional litigation, each spouse hires an attorney to fight for their individual interests, often leading to a “win-lose” outcome. This approach can drain your bank account and damage family relationships. Mediation focuses on interest-based problem solving. It allows you to control the outcome rather than handing that power over to the court system.
Who Is Mediation For?
Mediation is an excellent choice for couples who want to:
- Save money on legal fees
- Keep their personal matters private
- Protect their children from conflict
- Speed up the divorce timeline
Our Mediation Services
We handle all aspects of family law mediation in compliance with Arizona divorce laws. Whether your situation is simple or involves complex assets, we can help you draft a comprehensive Mediation Memorandum or Consent Decree.
Property and Asset Division
Arizona is a community property state, which generally means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally. We help you negotiate fair terms for:
- Real estate and the marital home
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Business interests
- Debt division (credit cards, loans)
- Personal property
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
If you have children, their well-being is likely your top priority. We specialize in child custody mediation to create a stable parenting plan. We help you define:
- Legal decision making (who makes major choices about health, education, and religion)
- Parenting time schedules (physical custody)
- Holiday and vacation schedules
- Co-parenting communication guidelines
Spousal Maintenance and Child Support
Financial support can be a sensitive topic. We help you understand Arizona guidelines regarding child support and negotiate fair terms for spousal maintenance (alimony) based on your unique financial circumstances.
The Divorce Mediation Process
We strive to make the mediation process as clear and efficient as possible. Here is what you can expect when working with us in Mesa:
1. Initial Consultation
We begin by explaining the process, discussing confidentiality, and ensuring both parties are willing to participate in good faith.
2. Information Gathering
You will gather necessary financial documents and information regarding your assets, debts, and children’s needs to ensure full transparency.
3. Mediation Sessions
We conduct joint sessions to discuss the issues. If tensions run high, we can use a caucus (private meetings with each spouse) to keep negotiations moving forward safely.
4. Drafting the Agreement
Once you reach an agreement, we prepare the legal documents, such as the Property Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan. These are prepared by qualified professionals, such as an Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparer.
5. Finalizing the Divorce
The final documents are signed and filed with the court. Once the court approves your Decree of Dissolution, your divorce is final without you ever having to step inside a courtroom for a trial.
Cost and Pricing
One of the biggest benefits of mediation is the cost savings. Litigation can cost tens of thousands of dollars per person. In contrast, mediation typically costs 80-90% less than litigation.
We believe in transparency. Our services often utilize a flat fee structure rather than unpredictable hourly billing. This covers the mediation sessions and the document preparation fees required to finalize your case. You will know what to expect upfront, avoiding the financial shock often associated with divorce attorneys.
Sullivan Shick
Why Choose Mediation?
Faster Resolution
Control and Privacy
Better for Families
Our Mediators
Choosing the right mediator is critical. Our team includes professionals with deep experience in Arizona family law. We combine legal knowledge with conflict resolution skills to handle even the most difficult conversations.
We understand the emotional and legal complexities of divorce. Whether you need an Arizona family law attorney mediator or a professional with a background in mental health and family dynamics, we ensure you have the expertise required to reach a binding, durable agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mediation is significantly more affordable than litigation. While costs vary based on complexity, flat fees for mediation are typically 80-90% less than the cost of hiring two separate attorneys for a court battle. Costs generally include mediation session fees and document preparation fees (often between $300-$600 plus court filing fees).
The timeline depends on your schedule and how quickly you reach an agreement. On average, mediation takes 2 to 4 months. In comparison, a litigated divorce in Arizona often takes 10 months to 2 years.
Mediation can resolve all issues required for a divorce decree, including property and asset division, retirement accounts, debt division, spousal maintenance (alimony), child custody (legal decision-making), and child support.
A qualified mediator should have specific training in conflict resolution and Arizona family law. Many are experienced family law attorneys or possess dual expertise in law and psychology to handle both the financial and emotional aspects of divorce.
For most families, yes. Mediation avoids the stress and unpredictability of court battles. It offers lower costs, faster resolution, privacy, and results in better outcomes for children because parents work together rather than fighting as adversaries.
Yes. Mediators are trained to handle high-conflict situations and power imbalances. We can structure sessions to minimize direct conflict (such as keeping spouses in separate rooms) and help you focus on business-like decision-making rather than emotional arguments.
Once you reach an agreement, the terms are drafted into legal documents (like a Consent Decree). These are signed by both parties and filed with the court. A judge then reviews and signs the decree, making your divorce official.
Once your mediated agreement is signed by a judge and becomes a court order (Decree of Dissolution), it is legally binding. It has the same enforcement power as a decision made by a judge after a trial.
Absolutely. Mediation is effective for complex cases involving business valuations, stock options, and significant tax implications. We can bring in financial neutrals if necessary to ensure all data is accurate before you make decisions.
In litigation, a judge orders a custody schedule that may not fit your family's specific needs. In mediation, you create a customized parenting plan that considers your unique work schedules and your children's specific needs, giving you control over how you raise your children.
Start Your New Chapter Today
You do not have to face the end of your marriage with anger and financial ruin. Choose a path that prioritizes dignity and cooperation. Contact Sullivan Shick today to learn more about our Mesa divorce mediation services and see if mediation is the right solution for your family.
CONTACT US
(480) 284-2644
(623) 915-0944