Peaceful Resolution

Parenting Plan Mediation in Arizona

Creating a clear parenting plan is one of the most important steps in any divorce or separation involving children. In Arizona, parents are expected to have a written plan that explains how you will share legal decision-making and parenting time. At The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation, we help you build a thoughtful, detailed plan that supports your children’s well-being and helps reduce future conflict..

Schedule Free Consultation

100%

Virtual Available

5.0

Rating

10,000+

Families Helped

15

Counties

How Arizona Law Supports Parenting Plan Mediation

Arizona courts focus on the best interests of the child when decisions about parenting are made, including the factors listed in A.R.S. § 25-403.Mediation gives parents a structured, respectful way to work through parenting decisions together, rather than turning those choices over to a judge.

When parents reach agreements in mediation, those terms can typically be put into a written parenting plan and submitted to the court for approval. Once approved and signed by the judge, the parenting plan becomes a court order.

Confidentiality is also an important part of mediation. In most situations, mediation discussions are treated as private and are not intended to be used later in court, with certain exceptions that can apply under Arizona law and court rules.

Why Arizona Courts Encourage Mediation

Arizona judges often encourage, and sometimes require, parents to attempt mediation before a contested trial. Mediation is commonly supported because it can:

Reduce Court Strain

Helps resolve cases without extended court involvement, which can reduce delays in the system.

Support Cooperation

Promotes healthier communication between parents, which benefits children long after the divorce is final.

Strengthen Follow-Through

Parents are often more likely to follow agreements they created together.

Decrease Ongoing Conflict

Helps reduce repeated disputes and the need for future court filings.

Developing a Comprehensive Parenting Plan

Our mediators guide you through the details so your plan is practical, clear, and child-centered. We help you work through:

The Regular Parenting Schedule
Build a routine that supports stability for your children and fits real life. Whether you choose a 5-2-2-5 schedule, week-on/week-off, or a customized plan, the goal is a schedule you can actually follow.
Holidays and Vacations
Holiday schedules typically override the regular routine. We help you plan ahead for major holidays, school breaks, and vacations so you are not negotiating under pressure every year.
Legal Decision-Making
We help you create a clear plan for how major decisions will be made, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Many parents choose joint legal decision-making, where you consult each other and work toward shared decisions, but your plan should reflect your family’s needs and your children’s best interests.
Transitions and Logistics
Small details make a big difference. We help you define exchange locations, transportation, communication expectations, and how children’s belongings move between homes, so transitions are smoother and less stressful.

What the Parenting Plan Mediation Process Looks Like

At The Aurit Center, every mediation follows Arizona’s family-law framework from start to finish:

Free Consultation

Meet with our team, ask questions, and learn what mediation can look like for your family, including pricing and typical timelines.

Initial Mediation Meeting

Set goals, confirm what information is needed, and map the parenting topics you want to resolve.

Parenting Plan Sessions

Work through schedules, decision-making, and logistics with guided, respectful communication.

Draft Your Parenting Plan

We prepare a clear written plan that reflects your agreements and is ready for review.

Finalize and Next Steps

You review the final documents and receive clear guidance on how to submit them to the court for approval. Many families complete the process without multiple court appearances.

Note: Mediation is not legal advice. Many clients choose to have an independent Arizona family law attorney review agreements before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Arizona, Legal Decision-Making refers to the authority to make major non-emergency decisions for a child, such as education, health care, and religious training. Parenting Time (formerly visitation) refers to the actual schedule of when the child is physically with each parent. Most mediated plans result in Joint Legal Decision-Making, where parents share this authority equally.

Yes. Once your mediated parenting plan is signed by both parents and submitted to the court, it becomes a legally binding court order. This means both parents are legally obligated to follow the schedule and terms outlined in the plan, just as if a judge had decided it after a trial.

If a parent consistently violates the court-ordered parenting plan (e.g., withholding parenting time), you have legal recourse. You can file a petition to enforce the order with the court. Mediation also allows you to include specific dispute resolution clauses, requiring you to return to mediation or arbitration to resolve disagreements before filing new court motions.

Yes, parenting plans in Arizona can be modified. If both parents agree to the changes (e.g., a new job requires a schedule shift), you can easily submit a stipulation to modify the existing order. If parents cannot agree, they may return to mediation to negotiate the new terms rather than litigating the modification in court.

Arizona law requires the court to consider the wishes of the child, depending on the child's age and maturity. While there is no specific age where a child can "choose," their preferences can be a factor. In mediation, parents often discuss how to appropriately consider their child's input without placing the burden of choice directly on them.

How Aurit Supports Your Parenting Plan

At The Aurit Center, mediation is structured, supportive, and focused on forward progress. We help you resolve the full set of parenting topics that commonly need to be addressed, including:

Child Custody

Work collaboratively to create custody arrangements that align with Arizona’s best-interest standards under ARS § 25-403 while minimizing conflict.

Post Decree Mediation

Modify or enforce existing court orders related to parenting time, support, or financial matters when circumstances change.

Child Support Mediation

Resolve child support issues using Arizona’s Child Support Guidelines while maintaining transparency and fairness for both parents.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) Mediation

Negotiate fair spousal maintenance terms consistent with ARS § 25-319, without the expense or stress of litigation.

Property Division Mediation

Divide assets and debts in accordance with Arizona’s community property laws under ARS § 25-211, including homes, businesses, and retirement accounts.

Virtual Divorce Mediation

Participate fully in the mediation process from anywhere in Arizona through secure, confidential virtual sessions.

Ready to discuss?

Schedule consultation →

Meet Our Founders and Mediators

Michael Aurit, JD, MDR, and Karen Aurit, MA

Aurit Mediation is dedicated to transforming divorce through compassion. They have guided thousands of families to peaceful resolutions. Our licensed attorney-mediators are experts in Arizona family law, ensuring every agreement is legally compliant and protects your interests.

Meet the full team →

Hear what others have to say

See why over 10,000 Arizona families have trusted our proven, peaceful process to navigate their divorce with dignity.

"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.

— Brittany F.

"...highly recommend…"

I would highly recommend The Aurit Center to family and/or friends in need of their services. Michael is truly a professional, and he handled our case with compassion and understanding. During such a difficult life event, Michael and his staff truly made my experience bearable. They are easy to work with and always demonstrate efficiency and courteous attitude. Thanks to all of you for guiding me through the divorce mediation process.

— Dylan D.

"Truly five-star service all the way."

The patience and kindness that was given to me throughout the process made me feel at ease. I felt like family.

— Patrick F.

"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.

— Brittany F.

"...highly recommend…"

I would highly recommend The Aurit Center to family and/or friends in need of their services. Michael is truly a professional, and he handled our case with compassion and understanding. During such a difficult life event, Michael and his staff truly made my experience bearable. They are easy to work with and always demonstrate efficiency and courteous attitude. Thanks to all of you for guiding me through the divorce mediation process.

— Dylan D.

"Truly five-star service all the way."

The patience and kindness that was given to me throughout the process made me feel at ease. I felt like family.

— Patrick F.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Serving Clients Across Arizona

We support parents across Arizona, including Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, Flagstaff, Tucson, and surrounding communities. If you prefer privacy and convenience, online divorce mediation makes it possible to resolve parenting plan details from home, with a steady process that helps you stay focused on your children and your future.

Ready to create a parenting plan that works?

Schedule your consultation to learn how our mediation process helps you reach a fair, child-focused agreement without the stress of court.

Schedule Free Consultation