Phoenix Divorce Mediation Services
Divorce does not have to be a battle. At Sullivan Shick, we understand that ending a marriage is one of the most stressful events in life. However, the process doesn’t need to drain your bank account or destroy your family relationships. We provide Phoenix divorce mediation to help couples find common ground and move forward with dignity.
Our goal is to help you reach a fair agreement outside of the courtroom. Whether you have complex assets or need to figure out a schedule for your children, mediation offers a private, more affordable alternative to traditional litigation.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Instead of hiring two separate lawyers to fight against each other in court, you and your spouse hire one neutral professional—the mediator. The mediator does not take sides. Instead, they guide the conversation to help you resolve issues and reach a settlement.
In Phoenix, mediation allows you to maintain control over the outcome. In a courtroom, a judge who doesn’t know your family makes the final decisions. In mediation, you decide what works best for your future.
Benefits of Mediation vs. Litigation
Choosing mediation over a traditional court battle offers several distinct advantages:
- Cost Savings: Hiring two attorneys for a contested divorce is expensive. Mediation typically costs a fraction of the price because you are sharing the cost of one professional.
- Time Efficiency: The court system in Maricopa County can be slow. Mediation moves at your pace, often resolving cases in months rather than years.
- Privacy: Court trials are public record. Mediation sessions are private and confidential.
- Less Stress: The cooperative nature of mediation reduces conflict, which is especially important if you need to co-parent in the future.
The Arizona Divorce Mediation Process
Understanding the steps involved can help you feel more prepared. Here is how the process generally works in Phoenix:
1. Initial Consultation
2. Information Gathering
3. Negotiation Sessions
4. Drafting the Agreement
5. Finalizing the Divorce
Handling Key Issues in Mediation
Mediation can resolve all the same issues that a judge would decide, but with more flexibility.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
Property Division and Spousal Support
Sullivan Shick
Is Mediation Right for You?
Mediation is often the best choice for an Uncontested Divorce or for couples who disagree but are willing to talk. It is best suited for couples who:
- Want to save money on legal fees.
- Prioritize their children’s emotional health.
- Are capable of communicating without fear or intimidation.
- Want to keep their personal and financial details private.
Note: Mediation may not be suitable for cases involving domestic violence or where one party is hiding assets.
Mediator Qualifications
When choosing a professional to guide your divorce, experience matters. While you do not need to hire a separate attorney, it is often beneficial to work with a mediator who has a legal background, such as a Certified Family Law Specialist or an experienced family law attorney. This ensures that your agreement is not only fair but also legally sound and likely to be approved by the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process involves hiring a neutral mediator to facilitate discussions between spouses. You will gather financial documents, negotiate terms for custody and property, and draft a binding settlement agreement. This agreement is then filed with the court to finalize the divorce.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, but mediation is almost always significantly cheaper than litigation. You avoid paying retainers for two separate litigation attorneys, and you share the hourly rate of the mediator.
Mediation is usually much faster. While a litigated divorce can take a year or more due to court backlogs, mediation can often be completed in a few months, depending on how quickly you and your spouse can reach an agreement.
No, you do not need to have your own lawyers present during mediation, though you are allowed to. Many people choose to have a "review attorney" look over the final agreement before they sign it to ensure their rights are protected.
A good mediator should be trained in conflict resolution and have a strong understanding of Arizona family law. Many couples prefer mediators who are also family law attorneys because they understand how the court views different issues.
Yes. Mediation is an excellent way to resolve custody disputes. It allows parents to create a parenting plan that focuses on the children's best interests rather than having a schedule imposed by a judge.
If you cannot reach an agreement on some or all issues, you still have the right to go to court. You can litigate only the unresolved issues, which still saves time compared to litigating the entire divorce.
While you can choose private mediation voluntarily, the Arizona courts may order a settlement conference or mediation regarding child custody (Legal Decision Making and Parenting Time) if you file for a divorce and cannot agree on these issues.
The main risk is if one party is not being honest about finances or is overpowering the other. However, a skilled mediator works to ensure a balanced playing field and full financial disclosure.
Arizona is a community property state, meaning assets are usually divided 50/50. In mediation, however, you have the flexibility to agree on a division that is equitable (fair) even if it isn't exactly equal, provided both parties agree.
Start Your Next Chapter with Peace of Mind
Ending a marriage is difficult, but the legal process doesn’t have to add to your pain. At Sullivan Shick, we are dedicated to helping Phoenix families resolve their differences constructively and affordably. By choosing mediation, you are choosing a path that protects your resources and your future.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if divorce mediation is the right solution for you.
CONTACT US
(480) 284-2644
(623) 915-0944