Professional Divorce Mediators

Gilbert, Arizona, Healthy Divorce
Begins Here

We help you avoid a harmful court battle and guide you through every step of the way.

gilbert arizona divorce mediation mediators
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Save money

Our affordable and all-inclusive flat fees are 80-90% less than the average cost of litigation with Arizona attorneys.

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Reduce stress

Our respectful approach lowers family stress and is better for your children’s health and well-being.

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Save time

Our cases are settled 4x faster, taking 2-4 months on average compared to 9-18 months in litigation with attorneys.

Andrew Weber, JD

Professional Divorce Mediators in Gilbert, AZ

Contact us to schedule your complimentary one-hour online consultation. You and your spouse will find out about how divorce mediation works and how it compares to litigation in court. We will answer all of your questions. All consultations happen conveniently online. Spouses meet from the same or different locations.

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Voted “Best Of Our Valley” for “Best Family Law”

Arizona Foothills Magazine, for 6 consecutive years, 2016-2022

How mediation works

We walk with you
every step

The fees related to divorce mediation vary depending on the mediator.

With our support and guidance, your divorce process is not just confidential, but simple, affordable, and non-confrontational.

1. Meet for your free 1-hour consultation

Your mediator will explain our simple process and answer all your questions.

2. Reach your best agreements

You, not the judge, remain in control of your terms. In your mediation sessions, your mediator will identify the issues, explain Arizona law, and help you reach your best possible agreement.

3. Finalize your consent decree

We draft your separation agreement for your review and approval. If you want legal advice, we have options.

Your divorce is final after your decree is filed with the court.

4. File your documents with the court

An Arizona Certified Legal Document Preparer will file your settlement agreement; no one is ever “served,” and you avoid the stress of a court battle.

What is divorce mediation, and why is it a popular choice for families in Gilbert?

Divorce mediation is a confidential and cooperative process where a neutral mediator helps divorcing couples in Gilbert reach mutually agreeable solutions on all aspects of their separation without contentious court battles. For families in Gilbert, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and community focus, mediation offers a more private, child-centered, and cost-effective path to an Arizona divorce. It empowers you to create custom solutions that fit your family's unique needs, minimizing conflict and preserving positive relationships.

How long does the divorce mediation process typically take for Gilbert residents?

The duration of divorce mediation in Gilbert generally ranges from 3 to 6 months. The specific timeline can be influenced by factors such as the complexity of your assets, the presence of children (and their school schedules in Gilbert Public Schools or other local districts), and the willingness of both parties to collaborate. This includes Arizona's mandatory 60-day waiting period. Mediation is considerably faster than a contested divorce, which can stretch beyond a year.

How does divorce mediation in Gilbert handle financial matters, especially for growing families and community property?

Divorce mediation in Gilbert is well-suited to handle financial matters common in its rapidly growing suburban environment. This includes the equitable division of family homes, retirement accounts, vehicles, and other community property and debts accumulated during the marriage. Mediators help in valuing assets, assessing financial needs, and crafting fair arrangements for property distribution, spousal maintenance (if applicable), and child support, all in compliance with Arizona community property laws.

What unique considerations does child custody mediation involve for Gilbert families and school districts?

In Gilbert, child custody mediation focuses on developing a child-centered parenting plan that defines legal decision-making authority and parenting time schedules. Mediators guide parents in creating arrangements that support children attending schools within Gilbert Public Schools or other local districts, considering their extracurricular activities, sports, and social networks within the Gilbert community. The goal is to establish stable routines and foster positive co-parenting relationships that serve the "best interests of the child."

Is Arizona a "no-fault" divorce state, and how does this impact divorce mediation for Gilbert couples?

Yes, Arizona operates under "no-fault" divorce laws. This means that when filing for divorce in Gilbert, you do not need to present evidence of marital misconduct. The only legal requirement is stating that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." This "no-fault" approach greatly simplifies the mediation process by eliminating the need for contentious accusations, allowing Gilbert couples to focus on practical solutions for their future rather than dwelling on past grievances. This fosters a more amicable divorce in Gilbert.

Do I need an attorney if I'm considering divorce mediation in Gilbert?

While a mediator is a neutral facilitator and cannot provide legal advice, it is highly recommended that you consult with an independent family law attorney familiar with Gilbert divorce cases. Your attorney can advise you on your legal rights and obligations under Arizona family law, review any proposed agreements, and ensure the final mediated settlement is comprehensive, legally sound, and in your best interests before you sign.

What is the typical cost range for divorce mediation in Gilbert compared to a traditional court divorce?

The cost of divorce mediation in Gilbert is significantly less than pursuing traditional litigation. While mediation costs typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 for the full process (including mediator fees, which are generally $300-$700/hour or flat packages), a contested divorce can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars. Mediation offers a cost-effective divorce solution by streamlining the process and avoiding prolonged court battles, which is a major benefit for Gilbert residents seeking divorce.

Can divorce mediation help if my spouse and I have significant disagreements over child support in Gilbert?

Yes, even with significant disagreements over child support, mediation can be highly effective for Gilbert couples. Your mediator will help both parties understand the Arizona Child Support Guidelines and facilitate discussions to reach a fair and reasonable agreement. Mediation allows for flexibility in reaching solutions that best meet the child's needs and the parents' financial capacities, often leading to more sustainable arrangements than a court order.

Is online divorce mediation a viable option for Gilbert residents, given its growth and commuting patterns?

Absolutely. Online divorce mediation is a highly convenient and viable option for Gilbert residents. Sessions are conducted via encrypted video conferencing platforms, allowing you to participate from the privacy of your home or office, which is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or longer commutes across the East Valley. This eliminates travel time and fits easily into demanding schedules, making the Arizona divorce process more accessible. Reputable mediators ensure all communications and shared documents remain confidential and protected.

What are the final steps after reaching a divorce agreement through mediation in Gilbert?

Once you and your spouse have reached a complete agreement through divorce mediation in Gilbert, the mediator will assist in drafting a comprehensive Consent Decree of Dissolution (or Marital Settlement Agreement). This legally binding document, detailing all agreed-upon terms, is then submitted to the Arizona court for judicial review and approval. Once the judge signs the decree, your divorce is legally finalized, often without the need for a final court appearance, ensuring a smooth Gilbert divorce finalization.

"Instead of making decisions on your behalf, your mediator acts as a bridge between you and your spouse to keep the conversation on track and moving forward."

Hear from our clients

"I’m so glad we went the mediation route."

Well-organized, supportive, compassionate and effective: I’m so glad we went the mediation route. I was completely satisfied with the Aurit Center. Their level of skill and compassion surpassed what I expected during the difficult process of divorce.

— A.P.

"The process made me feel like I was in control of the outcome"

I feel fortunate to have found Michael and Karen Aurit to guide me through my divorce mediation. They explained everything at a comfortable level, and the process made me feel like I was in control of the outcome. Michael was always professional as well as compassionate toward our feelings. Of course, divorce is difficult to go through, but I could not have imagined it happening any other way! Thank you, Michael and Karen Aurit!

— P.F.

"They made a not-so-easy process seem almost effortless."

Michael and Karen are amazing! They made a not-so-easy process seem almost effortless. Not only is it their knowledge of the process, but it’s the way they made me feel during the whole thing. I don’t wish this situation on anyone, but if I know someone who may find themselves in need of this type of service, I will definitely recommend that they reach out to Michael and Karen.

— B.F.

"Being a chaplain and ordained pastor, I’m aware of the deep hurts of divorce ."

I can’t thank you enough for your assistance with this. Some issues came up that could have been additional strain and damage, but you kept us on course. Thanks first to God and secondly to you for guiding us in working this out. I am certain that both my ex-wife and I are in a much better situation today not having gone through our divorce with attorneys in the court system. I am very thankful and grateful to you for making this process easier to handle. Blessings, Proverbs 15:1

— C.C.

"He knew when to jump in, and when to stay out of the way"

Michael is a great mediator. He has a high level of skill, and he used a consistent and logical process. More importantly, Michael displayed excellent situational awareness — he knew when to jump in and when to stay out of the way. Also, the entire Aurit team was professional and respectful. They made a difficult circumstance easier to bear.

— S.K.

"I’m happy to have worked with you and your team."

Thank you for all your help as we worked through this process. It went as smoothly as it could. I’m glad to be on the other side, and think we are both glad to have avoided the emotional turbulence associated with the normal divorce process. I’m very happy to have worked with you and your team.

— C.P.

"Michael is encouraging that there is life after divorce."

My experience with the Aurit Center was truly amazing. Michael made a difficult situation easier to process. He was caring and informative. If I had a question, he would take the time to provide all the information requested. Although I dislike divorce, Michael made the experience easier to navigate, and I am thankful. I would recommend The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation to anyone who has to go through divorce. Michael is encouraging that there is life after divorce. The Aurit Center truly helps!

— D.M.

"It was a load off … to know everything was taken care of."

It was as good an experience as it could be, considering the circumstances. Michael was extremely calming and did a great job diffusing tense situations. It’s painful to deal with paperwork and decrees and signings, etc., etc., so it was a load off the mind and the emotions to know everything was taken care of.

— L.B.

"The process was … professional yet extremely compassionate"

he process was completely professional yet extremely compassionate. Michael provided a comfortable environment and helped navigate us through the rougher parts of negotiations with great sensitivity. It was largely due to his encouragement and guidance that we were able to come to a mutually acceptable agreement in a relatively short period of time. Highly recommend The Aurit Center!

— O.W.

"They kept us focused."

The best thing I can say about this experience is that you all made the process somewhat painless and kept us focused when we could have easily veered off course emotionally. If anyone I know ever has to go through such an experience, I would definitely recommend mediation from the Aurit Center, of course!

— T.R.

"The Aurits and their excellent staff assist couples respectfully and constructively."

I highly recommend The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation. The divorce process is a stressful and emotional life event, but the Aurits and their excellent staff assist couples respectfully and constructively to work through the entire process. They are available and responsive to any and all questions during the mediation. Michael Aurit is a wonderful mediator who truly cares about his clients.

— A.S.

"I felt like family."

I’m so happy that I came to Aurit Mediation. The service from Michael and his staff was beyond what I expected. I felt like family, and the patience and kindness they gave me throughout the process made me feel at ease. It was truly five-star service all the way.

— B.R.

"They made a difficult time a much easier process."

Everyone at Aurit Center genuinely cares and made a difficult time a much easier process, without all the drama of lawyers. Thank you so much.

— D.S.

"It was fair and fast and addresses all the issues."

Michael was great—exactly who I would want to handle a complex and difficult life event. His demeanor was always calm and rational. He walked us through each step thoughtfully and explained many of the options we had available to us as we worked toward our final settlement. In the end, I feel like we have an agreement that was fair and fast and addresses all the issues.

— K.R.

"Through difficult discussions, emotions, and legalese."

Through difficult discussions, emotions, and legalese, I always felt like I was in excellent hands. They made our process go much more smoothly and simply than I anticipated. I couldn’t recommend Aurit more highly.

— C.G.

"The process seemed fairly simple."

Since we didn’t have a very dramatic divorce the process seemed fairly simple. The support and guidance we received, though, was extremely well thought out, prepared, and applied. I this makes an important difference in cases where there are more differences.

— J.G.

"[The Aurit Center’s] communication was outstanding."

Going through a divorce is the hardest thing to do—no matter what the circumstances were to get there. Going through mediation takes a lot of the conflict out of a stressful situation, which is so important. Michael was patient and walked us through some tough decisions. He was kind and respectful, as was his staff. Everything was done timely, and the communication was outstanding.

— T.R.

"[Mediation] saved our future relationship as friends."

Michael and his team were extremely professional and caring throughout the entire divorce process. Michael approached each topic in a calm manner, and was able to keep us on track and defuse any situation that became contentious. Not having to appear in court and battle with each other through attorneys saved our future relationship as friends. Thanks to all of you for making this difficult time in our lives as pleasant as possible.

— N.B.

"We put our children first!"

They did a fantastic job guiding us through the process and keeping us on track. With their assistance, we were able to get through this quickly, remain civil, and put our children first!

— S.K.

"They took away the stress"

The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation is an amazing group of professional and compassionate and understanding individuals who made the process of divorce less painful. Divorce affects the whole family. Taking care of all the necessary paperwork and filing took away the stress and didn’t have to appear in court. In my case, I’m at peace and happy. I’m able to remain friends with my ex-husband. I can remember the good years and memories. I certainly would recommend Aurit.

— L.P.
The advantages of mediation

Mediation is healthier for you

Litigation can be an all-consuming, confrontational process that increases stress and diminishes your and your family’s physical and mental health and overall well-being.

Our mediators guide you through our creative, focused, and thoughtful problem-solving approach to reach all agreements. Since mediation lowers conflict, it reduces stress for you and your family.

Costs much less

Mediation is cost-effective: 80% to 90% less expensive than litigation. Arizona attorneys typically charge an initial retainer of $5,000 to $15,000, and an average court case can cost more than $40,000.

At the Aurit Center, we never charge a retainer or bill by the hour. We provide affordable, all-inclusive, flat fees that keep you in control of the cost of mediation.

More about our pricing

Finishes faster

Mediation offers a more efficient process. Most of our clients complete their mediation process within 2 to 4 months. That’s much sooner than the average litigated divorce, which can take anywhere from 10 months to 2 years—or more.

Instead of a long, emotionally- and financially-draining litigated divorce process, our efficient, focused approach creates relief for you and your family.

Results in better post-agreement compliance

Couples who complete their process in divorce mediation are more likely to comply with the terms of their divorce. You maintain control as we help you customize your agreement to meet your family’s specific needs through a more respectful divorce process. That results in more respect for the final terms, compared to a judge-ordered divorce where parents lose all control of the outcome.

Maintains your privacy and confidentiality

What happens in mediation stays in mediation, which can be a comforting thought when personal details are being revealed. Arizona law guarantees that anything said during mediation is private and confidential. In litigation, anything said or written is a matter of public record which anyone can access.

Keeps you in control of your terms

In mediation, you stay in control of your future. Your family law mediator guides you in reaching an agreement by objectively listening and incorporating as much as possible of what is important to each of you.

Courts lack the time and resources to consider or understand your needs thoughtfully. Litigating means giving control to a judge who will make all decisions based on the limited information they receive from attorneys.

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One-Hour Consultation

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