Frequently Asked Questions
About Divorce Mediation in Arizona

COMMUNICATION

How do I bring up the subject of mediation?

To begin the conversation, many people find it helpful to share the initial scheduling email from The Aurit Center with their spouse. This email has a link to our website and provides the phone number for our Mediation Coordinators, should the spouse have any questions about the mediation process.

We understand beginning the conversation about divorce is challenging. We are here to support both of you every step of the way. For more information, here is an article with 10 Tips for Talking with Your Spouse About Divorce.

How do I tell my spouse about mediation?

Sharing this FAQ page and our general website with your spouse can be an effective way to begin the conversation about mediation. You can also invite your spouse to speak with a Mediation Coordinator at 480-999-7399 with any questions before the consultation. Many people find it helpful to share our initial scheduling email with their spouse to begin the conversation about mediation.

You might also share with your spouse that the consultation does not start the divorce mediation process. Clients often feel a sense of relief after the consultation, when it becomes clear that a simple process with tremendous support exists to help them get through this challenging time. For more information, here is an article about 10 Tips for How to Talking Your Spouse About Divorce.

I don’t think my spouse will go for it. What can I do?

At this point in the process, feeling some reluctance is totally normal. The many advantages of mediation apply to both spouses. After looking at the website or talking with us, even the most reluctant spouses are usually willing to attend a complimentary consultation to learn more. There is no obligation to move forward and most everyone appreciates receiving valuable information at no cost. You can also watch and share the following video to learn more:

As you begin your process, it is typical if the two of you are in very different places in terms of your divorce.

Our website provides information about how mediation helps you save money, save time and protect each of your well-being. It may also be helpful to share these articles with your spouse 5 Reasons to Use a Mediator in Arizona and Healthy Divorce / Avoid Court Battles in Divorce Mediation.

What if my spouse won’t come to the consultation?

It is perfectly normal if you and your spouse aren’t at the same place in the process. We can send you an email, thanking you for contacting us, with a link to our website. It will also include scheduling information. Then, when you are ready, you can share the email with your spouse. You can let them know mediation has a lot of advantages for both of you and they can speak with a Mediation Coordinator at 480-999-7399 if they have any questions.

It can be helpful to present information, such as Healthy Divorce / Avoid Court Battles in Divorce Mediation, and then give your spouse some time to process.

So if my spouse won’t attend, do I have to go to court?

Spouses are often in different places in their divorce process. No matter where each of you are, we are here to help. Even if you have started in litigation, you can begin mediation at any time. You may consider providing some information to your spouse so they can understand the multiple advantages of mediation hold true for both of you.

Many clients find it helpful to forward the initial scheduling email to their spouse. That way, if they have any questions about the mediation process or are hesitant about attending, they can call a Mediation Coordinator. The initial scheduling email will also have a link to our website.

It is helpful to share with your spouse that our consultation does not start the mediation process. It is an informational meeting to help you both feel prepared and informed before choosing or beginning your process.

Mediation is successful, and we are always here to help you through your process in the healthiest way possible. It may be helpful to share this article with your spouse 5 Reasons to Use a Mediator in Arizona.

What if we can hardly talk to one another?

Your mediator will guide the process so you and your spouse can communicate in a respectful way to reach your best possible agreements. This will not only help you right now but will set you up for successful co-parenting into the future.

Even if you feel like there is no way the two of you will be able to talk through the issues of divorce, you can be successful with the guidance of an experienced, caring professional mediator.

What if we disagree?

It is normal and expected that you and your spouse might be in disagreement. But what we know is with the support of a mediator, 98% of clients are able to complete their process through mediation successfully, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

We help people who agree on most things and want an amicable divorce, and we also help people who have high levels of conflict and staunch disagreements.

In mediation, you and your spouse will communicate in new ways, primarily because your mediator will be working to understand, clarify, and convey your thoughts and feelings in a way that aims to find a solution and guides you to your best possible agreements.

Mediation is successful: The overwhelming majority of our mediation cases reach full agreements. Even our clients with the highest levels of conflict reach full agreements under the guidance of a caring professional mediator. .

Past communication: Past disagreements on an issue have little to do with the chances of eventually reaching an acceptable agreement in mediation either.

Reach agreement: Most likely, even if you have difficulty finding common ground, you will still get to an agreement. So long as you both are willing to remain at the table and want to reach an agreement, an agreement could be only a moment away.

If reaching an agreement is not possible, the only other choice is terminating mediation and continuing the divorce within the court system, which likely would require attorney representation in litigation.

We can’t seem to get along. How will the mediator help?

Even though it may feel like there is no way the two of you can reach an agreement, your mediator will help the two of you communicate in a way that allows you to collaborate and come to the agreements that are best for each of you and your family.

Do we have to talk about our past issues?

Mediation is not therapy. Spouses find they are able to communicate more effectively in mediation. Our focus is on the present issues to reach the best agreements for the future. Your mediator will identify every issue of your divorce — financial issues, and parenting issues if you have kids — explain Arizona law, and help you reach your best possible agreements. Sometimes, it helps to talk about the past for a moment, but generally, we focus on the future.

ATTORNEY / LEGAL

What are my rights?

In mediation, each and every issue will be addressed and your mediator will inform you about applicable Arizona law. We will provide you with a list of Preferred Legal Advisors which we encourage you to utilize. These advisors are attorneys who are supportive of mediation and have agreed to assist The Aurit Center clients for just their hourly fee, waiving their usual retainer.

To speak with an attorney, you would typically need to put down thousands of dollars in retainer fees. However, when working with an attorney from our Preferred Legal Advisors list, you will only pay for the time you spend with them, and you will not have to pay a retainer fee, providing you with significant cost savings.

Many people don’t realize spouses who are mediating their divorce don’t have to follow the law. In mediation, you can agree to follow the law, choose to use the law as a guide, or agree to develop your own creative agreements that could be different from your rights under the law. The key is to come to a mutual agreement.

Our services include the entire divorce process — from initial filing of the Petition and Acceptance of Service to the filing of the Divorce Consent Decree. The first step is to schedule your complimentary consultation. If you would like further information, you may find this guide helpful: The Complete Guide to Divorce in Arizona.

What if I have already been served with divorce papers?

No problem, this happens all the time. You can enter mediation at any point in the process, even after being served. We offer an array of mediation services, including: periodic reviews, case settlement, prenuptial, and post-divorce.

Many of our clients begin mediation after having been served with divorce papers.

What if one spouse hires an attorney?

One or both of you can have an attorney, either as a legal advisor or as a retained attorney, and work through the entire mediation process in a smooth and successful way.

What if we are already litigating?

You can begin mediation at any point in the process, even after you have begun litigation. If you find yourself in the midst of contentious litigation and you decide you would like to complete your divorce process in a lower-conflict and less-expensive manner, we are here to help both of you every step of the way. Even when litigation has caused conflict, mediation can immediately lower conflict and completely change the tone of your divorce.

What are some advantages of mediation?

Many clients come to us right after one spouse has filed for divorce. We can take it from that point and assist you to the conclusion of your process. Other times, clients come to us after a year or more in litigation. In those cases, we have been able to drastically lower conflict, reboot the process, and reach full agreements.

Mediation is an option at any point throughout your divorce process.

Is it ever too late to begin mediation?

It is never too late to begin mediation prior to the judge signing off on your Consent Decree. Even after several months or even years of harmful litigation, we are here to help you have a healthy divorce process.

Is it normal to have your own legal representation as you move through the mediation process?

You are welcome to work with an attorney as a legal advisor or as a retained attorney.

To support you, we share our list of Preferred Legal Advisors with you at the beginning of your process. We strongly encourage our clients to seek advice from an attorney throughout the process and have their final Consent Decree reviewed by an attorney prior to signing.

Our process includes filing all legal documents, so there is no requirement to complete any legal filings prior to mediation beginning. If you would like further information, you may find this article helpful: How to Have a Quick Divorce in Arizona.

Are mediators attorneys?

Our mediators are licensed attorneys and do not act as attorneys for either party. Instead, they serve as a guide through the process for both of you and help you to reach mutually-beneficial agreements. Our professional mediators are also Certified Legal Document Preparers.

They will give you legal information rather than legal advice. They will inform you of the law and help you understand your options, rather than tell you what you should do.

When you begin mediation, we will provide you with a list of Preferred Legal Advisors we encourage you to utilize. These advisors are attorneys who support mediation and have agreed to assist The Aurit Center’s clients, for just their hourly fee, waiving their usual retainer. To learn more about payment plan options, you may find this article helpful: Aurit Center offers 0% – 12 mo Payment Plans.

Do we have to also get attorneys?

You are not required to hire attorneys. We believe all spouses should have access to affordable and competent legal advice during their divorce process. To provide our clients with access to legal advice, we provide clients with a list of Preferred Legal Advisors who are Arizona family law attorneys. Rather than formally representing you and requiring you to “retain” their service and pay a large “retainer,” they act as your “legal advisor” and only charge hourly for the time you spend with them. You can choose to get their advice between meetings or have your Divorce Consent Decree reviewed before you sign. It is your choice whether you get legal advice.

What if I already have an attorney?

Working with an attorney prior to mediation and continuing to work with your attorney during mediation is common and can help facilitate an effective process if your attorney is supportive of the mediation process. You may consult with anyone during mediation, including any Arizona attorney.

Can my attorney attend mediation with me?

Yes, Your attorney is welcome to attend your mediation meetings with you, as long as you and your spouse agree to their presence.

What if only one spouse wants an attorney?

It would be normal to have an attorney — either as a legal advisor or a retained attorney — and still go through the entire mediation process in a smooth and successful way. It would be important for you both to know most clients seek advice from attorneys during the mediation process.

Can we get legal advice during mediation?

You can seek legal advice at any time during your process, including in between meetings and after you receive your draft documents.

If you choose to work with one of our Preferred Legal Advisors, they will meet with you to discuss your circumstances and will review your documents to provide you with legal advice.

Can we enter mediation if one of us has an attorney?

Yes, we can mediate when one party is represented or working with an advisor and the other is not.

Why shouldn’t I file on my own?

There are numerous reasons to avoid filing on your own. The table below compares mediation to filing on your own:

I was served with divorce papers. Do I need to file a Response to the Petition within 20 days as indicated?

You can begin mediation at any time, even after you have been served with divorce papers. In mediation, together we will assess your specific circumstances and mutually agree on the best way forward.  Most often, once clients are in mediation at The Aurit Center a Response filing isn’t necessary.  We can arrange an Acceptance of Service filing so that the Response becomes unnecessary or postpose the Response.

CHILDREN

We have children together. How does that work in mediation?

For parents, it is important to know that one of the biggest advantages of mediation is —you stay in control of the final decisions, not a judge. You will create personalized agreements to best meet your family’s unique needs.

At the Aurit Center, children are always the primary focus in mediation. Your mediator will guide you to reach agreements you both feel are in your children’s best interest. We can provide you with resources and referrals for professional assistance as needed. It is important to keep conflict low for the children.

Our mediators are experienced and can offer you creative options to help you develop the best plan for your family. Your comprehensive plan will set you up for co-parenting success now and into the future. If you would like information about healthy co-parenting, you may find this article helpful: How to Deal with Divorce: The Importance of Healthy Co-Parenting.

Is it better for our kids if we mediate?

Research shows it is not the divorce itself that has a lasting harmful effect on children, but it is continued parental conflict that is harmful. Both you, your spouse, and especially your children benefit when you are able to keep conflict low. The wellness of families and children in particular is why we do what we do, to help families keep conflict low and have a healthy divorce process. When you have a healthy divorce, you are better prepared to have a healthy co-parenting relationship which means healthy kids. Research shows parents who mediate their divorce have better long term relationships with their children. If you would like further information, you may find this article helpful: 3 Ways Parents Can Help Their Kids Adjust.

What is a Parenting Plan?

In mediation, you and your spouse will develop a detailed parenting plan. Your mediator will guide you to reach your best possible agreements regarding time-sharing, legal decision-making, and child support.

Your mediator will help you create unique agreements to best meet the specific needs of your children. Your parenting plan will help you keep conflict low and lay a foundation for healthy co-parenting, which will help you now, through this process, and in the years to come. If you would like information about communication with your co-parent, this article may be helpful: Positive Communication Tips for Successful Co-Parents.

What is involved in a Parenting Plan?

Your mediator will help you and your co-parent reach your best possible agreements and to develop a comprehensive parenting plan which will include agreements related to parenting time, legal decision-making, and child support. This will help you now and a long time into the future.

Your Parenting Plan is so important because it acts as a foundation for successful co-parenting. Our mediators are highly skilled at developing personalized parenting plans that speak to your family’s unique needs.

After your consultation, you and your spouse will have the information you need to determine the best process for your divorce. We are here to help both of you every step of the way. If you would like information about how to help your kids through the process, you may find this article helpful: Open Communication: Helping Children Through Divorce.

FINANCIAL

What about our financial concerns and our home?

Your mediator will guide you both through the required disclosure of financial information and discuss all aspects of the division of assets and debts.

What happens if we need a financial advisor or a home valuation?

We can recommend professional services, such as CPAs, QDRO Attorneys, etc., to support you through your divorce process.

How do the Splitit Payment Plan Options work?

We offer an all-inclusive personalized flat fee for mediation services which are 80-90% less than the average cost for a divorce attorney. To further support your financial stability, we offer Payment Plan options for 3, 6, or 12 monthly payments at 0% interest through Spitit.com.

Also, if you and your spouse choose to split the fee, you can each select your own payment plan.

Spitit payment plan options allow you to use an existing credit card to turn your payment into smaller installments over time – with no interest, no credit checks, or application fees.

Can I use a debit card?

Splitit requires the use of a credit card. Debit cards are not accepted.

How do I log in to Splitit?

Once our Mediation Coordinators help you make your initial purchase, Splitit will email you a link to the shopper portal. The first time you click this link, you’ll be asked to create a password which you should keep safe. Once you’ve created your password, you’ll be able to log in to the consumer portal whenever you want to view your plan details, check payment dates, clear your plan or update your card details.

What date do payments come out?

Payments are taken on the same date every month. You can check the date by logging into the shopper portal on Splitit.com. Dates are in dd/mm/yyyy format.

Can I make my payment early?

Yes, just log in to the Splitit Shopper Portal, and the Customer Support team will be happy to help.

Is there a fee for paying early?

Splitit never charges a fee for early payment.

Can I return or cancel my purchase and stop my Splitit installment plan?

Cancellation and returns requests are handled by The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation. Splitit has no authority to approve an order cancellation or return. Requests will be reviewed in line with the Aurit Center’s Cancellation Policy.

MEDIATION – HOW IT WORKS

What is mediation?

Mediation is a healthier way of completing your divorce process. It focuses on reaching agreements and keeping conflict low. Mediation helps you avoid a court battle that can negatively affect you and your children.

In mediation, you and your spouse will reach your best possible agreements.

Your mediator will meet with both you and your spouse to support neutrality. It is common for our mediators to work with spouses who are at different stages in their process.

Your consultation is informational and does not begin any process. All mediation meetings are held with both of you present to support neutrality.

If either of you wishes to speak with your mediator separately, you may request to do so. Occasionally, your mediator may speak with you individually.

What does the mediator do?

Your mediator will help you communicate and develop options. They will identify each issue of your divorce, tell you the law, and then help you and then help you have the most thoughtful and efficient conversation where you understand your options and reach your best possible agreements. Your mediator guides the process, and you stay in control of your own divorce terms, rather than a judge making decisions for you in court.

How much does it cost?

You will save 80-90% of what you would pay working with attorneys.

Our flat fees are all-inclusive. When you meet with your mediator for your complimentary consultation, they will develop an understanding of your needs and give you a personalized flat fee for your entire case, to include: meetings, communication, document preparation,  and the drafting and revisions process, so you never have to go to court.  An Arizona Certified Document Preparer will file your documents with the court for finalization.

We never charge large retainers or bill by the hour like attorneys do for every email, phone call, and moment spent on your case. Our flat fee provides predictability supporting financial stability for both of you.

Not only do you not have to go to court, but you can complete the entire process online.

We believe the hourly billing attorneys charge contributes to conflict because they financially benefit based on the length of time a case goes on…. and the only thing causing time to pass in a divorce…. is conflict. By providing a flat fee, we take any potential motivation to increase conflict out of the equation.

Our fees are personalized and fall somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 for the entire process from beginning to end.

Do you have payment plan options available?

Yes. In addition to our all-inclusive personalized flat fee, which is 80-90% less than the average costs for divorce attorneys, we further support your financial stability by offering payment plan options for 3, 6, or 12 monthly payments at 0% interest.

When you and your spouse want to use Splitit, you can each select your own payment plan.

Splitit allows you to use an existing credit card to turn your payment into smaller installments over time – with no interest, no credit checks, or application fees.

What does mediation cost in Arizona compared to litigation?

The Aurit Center has led the way nationally with our flat-fee structure and is now among a growing number of mediation firms around the country that provide an “anti-litigation” flat fee approach. Clients unanimously prefer flat fees and we wouldn’t work any other way.

Divorce mediation at The Aurit Center is generally 80-90% less expensive than attorney’s fees in litigation. We provide an all-inclusive, predictable, and affordable flat fee. During your free online consultation, your mediator will share your flat fee, for the entire process, based on a variety of factors.

We fundamentally believe retainers and hourly billing are NOT in the best interests of clients going through a divorce. We offer predictable flat fees which support and facilitate cooperation.

We are dedicated to supporting your financial stability and offer convenient, 0% interest, 12-month payment plan options.

The Aurit Center’s fee structure and payment plans support your healthy divorce process. In litigation, attorneys who “bill by the hour” financially benefit when there is more conflict. Discord between the spouses leads to more billable hours for these professionals. This is especially damaging when children are involved because the conflict between parents during divorce can have serious psychological consequences for children.

In Maricopa County, divorce attorneys charge initial retainer fees of generally $5,000 to $15,000 per spouse. Then, they bill hourly for any time spent working on a case. This includes time spent writing and reading emails, making phone calls, working on legal documents, or even driving from point A to point B. Once the retainer has been drained, additional retainers will be required for the attorney to continue working on their case. Attorneys estimate the average cost of a moderately contested divorce in Arizona to be $15,000 – $20,000 per spouse. Higher conflict cases easily exceed $50,000 and can climb to over $100,000 in higher conflict cases.

Who pays for divorce mediation?

Payment can be divided in any way you and your spouse wish. Commonly, spouses divide fees equally. For example, if you still have joint accounts and payment is made from this joint account, you have essentially divided fees equally.

Alternatively, many spouses decide to divide fees in proportion to their respective incomes. In some cases, one spouse pays the entire fee, depending on the circumstances. Our mediator can work with you to develop creative options for sharing fees if one or both do not have the availability to pay the fee upfront.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes, mediation is confidential, and your privacy is protected by Arizona law. Mediation is private and none of the information disclosed in mediation can be used against you at a later date.

Alternatively, in litigation, court records can become public, giving anyone who asks access to your private information.

Does the mediator make the final decisions?

In mediation, you and your spouse are always in control of your process. Your mediator will help you reach agreements you both feel are fair. You stay in control of final decisions.

Once your mediator raises an issue, they will give you legal information about Arizona law, so you understand how the court would likely handle the issue. Then they will remind you that in mediation, you “don’t have to follow the law.” Instead, in mediation, you will reach agreements you both believe are most fair and most beneficial to you and your family. You will personalize your own divorce terms based on what you feel makes the most sense.

Even when it feels like there is no way you will agree, our mediators will help you collaborate, find common ground, and reach an agreement.

What if we decide to reconcile?

If at any time you wish to pause mediation, we support you taking the time you need to determine whether or not to continue with the legal separation or divorce process. If it would be helpful, we can provide you with therapeutic resources. To learn more you can speak with a Mediation Coordinator at 480-999-7399.

Having paused mediation, you can continue with us at any time to conclude your divorce process. Whether you decide to continue one month from now, one year from now, or five years from now, we can pick up where you left off.

When there has been a significant delay, you will likely need to schedule an additional meeting for an additional fee of $850, as explained during your initial consultation as part of your Agreement to Mediate. The remainder of your process — drafting your final documents and finalizing them for the court — is still included in your original flat fee.

If you are attempting to reconcile, we hope you can make continued progress in your relationship. We are always here to help you both if you decide to move forward with the divorce process.

MEDIATION – MEETINGS

What if my spouse lives out of state or can’t get to meetings?

Conveniently, all of our meetings take place via video meeting, so there is no need to travel to attend meetings. Arizona only requires one spouse to have been a resident of the state for at least the last 90 days prior to filing for divorce in Arizona.

ONLINE

What are the advantages and unique benefits of online mediation?

• Convenience – you can complete your entire process from wherever you are most comfortable.
• Our mediators make genuine connections
• We meet clients where they are in their process
• We help clients feel comfortable using modern technology
• We facilitate mutually-beneficial agreements and complete cases successfully

What if we are experiencing a lot of conflict?

It is normal and expected if you have disagreements right now. Many people find the consultation helps to lower stress because you gain a clear picture of the process and know what steps to take next. Once you begin mediation, you can save the challenging conversations for your meetings. Then, in your meetings, your mediator will help the two of you to communicate in a new way which allows you to reach mutually-beneficial agreements.

Please know, getting a divorce does not mean you need to fight. While some conflict is normal, we can help you. During mediation, your mediator will help the two of you to stay focused on reaching mutually-beneficial agreements, protecting the well-being of you and your children.

Does online mediation really work? Can we choose in-person meetings?

At The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation, we offer Divorce Mediation Services completely online, serving all of Arizona, and our clients love it. Our Mediation Coordinators assist clients, as needed, with technology. If you prefer, a Coordinator can call you a few minutes before your meeting to help you prepare.

Most spouses prefer the online process and find it to be simple and convenient. People appreciate being able to attend their meetings “together,” but from two different locations, and they prefer to attend meetings from the comfort of their home or office. Online, you don’t have to take time off work or drive any distance, saving time, reducing the need to plan, and reducing aggravation.

Clients report they experience less ‘friction’ and feel better able to manage their emotions when they aren’t in the same room. They find it to be less overwhelming.

PROCESS

How long does it take until we are divorced?

You control your own timeline. The majority of our cases complete their mediation process within 1-3 months. This compares to over 9 months to 1 year or more in the courts. In mediation, you go at your own pace. If you want to move efficiently, we can, or if there are reasons to take more time, that works too.

Once you reach all agreements and approve your Consent Decree, you have concluded your mediation process, and will begin your legal process. You will sign your Consent Decree and Summary Decree Petition and these documents will be filed with the court. This begins a required 60-day waiting period for your legal process. At the end of the 60-day waiting period a Judge will sign these documents, enter them into the docket and your decree and process will be final.

Taxes: If you are looking to finalize your process by the end of the year for tax purposes, it is best to have your finalized, signed documents submitted to the Court by October 1st to provide the Judge with ample time to review and sign your documents. If you both prefer, for tax purposes, it is common for legal documentation to be prepared and then held for filing after January 1st of the following year. When considering either option it is best to seek advice from your tax preparer or financial advisor.

What is Full Financial Disclosure?

Arizona law mandates both spouses to provide ‘Full Financial Disclosure’ of all assets, debts, and income information. However, if you both have access to and are aware of all financial information, then you do not need to exchange disclosures if you both mutually agree.

If your mediator needs something specific, such as the exact name of a retirement account, for accuracy for final paperwork, they will ask you to provide that information.

For information regarding The Aurit Center’s payment plan options, please click here

How do I choose the best divorce mediator?

Choosing a divorce mediator is one of the most important decisions spouses reach during their divorce. Here are some key considerations:

• Choose a mediator you trust. Do you feel your mediator is honest and genuine when you meet them in your first consultation? What is your mediator’s level of empathy and compassion? Do you think your mediator will be an “impartial” third party?
• Does your professional-of-choice practice exclusively in mediation? A professional who is not primarily focused on mediation may not perform at the level of practice you need from a family law mediator. Additionally, check for your mediator’s professional licenses and educational background.
• Is your mediator active in the field of family mediation? Look for leadership in professional organizations, published articles, and dedication to continuing education.

After we reach agreements, what happens?

In the end, you will reach all of your agreements peacefully, without ever going to court. Your mediator will prepare your Consent Decree, which will include your agreements. Then you will have an opportunity to get advice, review, and approve the Decree, and we submit it to the court for you so you never have to go to court.

SCHEDULING

Canceling First Mediation Appointment

We are always here to reschedule your meeting and help you begin the process if and when you are ready. If you would like to schedule by phone, please call 480-999-7399 to speak with a Mediation Coordinator when you are ready to schedule.

BEGINNING MEDIATION

Can you please explain the Petition and Acceptance of Service?

A Petition is a document filed with the court to start the divorce process. In most cases, a divorce or legal separation in mediation will utilize Arizona’s Summary Decree Process. This means once you reach all agreements and approve your Consent Decree you will sign a Summary Decree Petition, which will be filed with the court. This begins a required 60-day waiting period for your legal process. At the end of the 60-day waiting period, a Judge will sign these documents, enter them into the docket and your decree and process will be final.  In the Summary Decree process there is no Acceptance of Service.

In some rare, specialized circumstances, parties in mediation will proceed with a traditional Petition and Acceptance of Service. The spouse who signs the Petition will be referred to as the Petitioner. The spouse who signs the Acceptance of Service will be referred to as the Respondent. Once the Consent Decree is approved, the Petitioner will sign a neutral Petition. The Respondent will sign Acceptance of Service.  Signing and filing the Acceptance of Service begins the 60-day mandatory waiting period before the final Consent Decree can be filed and ends the community property marital relationship between spouses under Arizona law. It is also possible for spouses to agree upon a different date for financial separation.

What paperwork do I need to prepare for my first meeting?

After you schedule your first meeting, we will email you a Mediation Questionnaire that will guide you through collecting information for your meetings. You will complete the Questionnaire and securely send your supporting documentation through a link that we provide. Mediation Coordinators are on hand to support both of you with each and every step of your mediation process. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 480-999-7399.

How can I help ensure a smooth process?

Your mindset matters. Keep an open mind and have the best intentions. Maintaining a calm tone of voice and focusing on solutions will help you have a healthy process.

Also, it can be helpful to make a list of questions. As you think of questions, write them down and bring them to your first meeting.

Completing your Questionnaire as much as possible before your first meeting will help facilitate an efficient and effective process.

How do I pay my Flat Fee and Court Fees?

Before your first meeting, or at the time of your first meeting, you will speak with a Mediation Coordinator who will assist you in making payment for mediation services. You will have the option to pay your flat fee upfront or use our convenient payment plan options through Splitit.

What will we be discussing in our first meeting?

If you have minor children, your first meeting will likely focus on your Parenting Plan.
If you do not have minor children, your first meeting will likely focus on Assets and Debts.
NOTE: Your completed Questionnaire will contain all the information you need.

How will I communicate with the Aurit team?

Your Mediation Coordinators can help you anytime via email or phone at 480-999-7399.
The most effective and efficient way to reach your Mediator is to send them an email.

If you have any questions about your process, we are here to help.

Why do I need to fill out my own Questionnaire?

Your Questionnaire helps your mediator to better understand your needs. They also serve to meet the Arizona State requirement to disclose all assets, debts, and income fully.

It is okay if you do not have all of the information prepared for your first meeting. It is also okay if you collaborate to reduce duplication of information.

How do I fill out the “monthly expenses” section?

Your Questionnaire will change and evolve throughout your process. The ‘Monthly Expenses’ section of the Questionnaire serves to help each of you to develop an understanding of your future expenses and facilitate a comprehensive discussion of cost-sharing and support payments.

Please be as thoughtful, realistic, and reasonable as possible when listing monthly expenses. Gather information as needed to help you estimate expenses. You can refer to past bills, budgets, or credit card statements to see what you typically spend. If you have not previously paid an expense, such as rent, look into your area’s costs to complete your Questionnaire.

Mediation Coordinators are on here to help.
480-999-7399

Is it necessary to send supporting documentation and statements?

Arizona law requires Full Financial Disclosure and your Questionnaire acts as a means to fulfill this requirement. Whether a divorce occurs in mediation or litigation, spouses must disclose all information related to their assets, debts, and income during the divorce process whether joint or separate property acquired before or during the marriage. You will be able to securely upload documents through the link provided in your confirmation email.

Do I need to send all statements prior to meetings?

Financial statements are an important part of the disclosure process. If you share accounts, and both have open and free access to them, it is still important to email statements if either of you requests them. Arizona law requires each of you disclose any and all financial information to which only one of you has access.

Thorough preparation, including sending documents, will help facilitate an effective and efficient process. We understand it is not always possible to complete the Questionnaire in its entirety. You will be able to complete it throughout your process.

Who are preferred legal advisors, and how do I choose?

Trust

Our Preferred Legal Advisors are Arizona attorneys who specialize in Divorce
and Family Law, who have agreed to work with our clients in the capacity of a “legal advisor”, rather than “attorney of record” or “formal attorney representation.” They will waive their upfront retainer fee – a rare opportunity reserved for Aurit Center clients. You only pay an hourly fee for work done reviewing your draft Consent Decree. You can meet with more than one of them and/or meet with an attorney who is not on our list. Whoever you choose to work with, be sure it is someone you trust.

Price

Contact advisors directly to find out about their individual hourly rates.

DRAFTING AND REVISIONS

What happens if we reach agreements in mediation and my spouse changes their mind?

Once all agreements are reached, we will draft your Final Decree. It’s called a Consent Decree. We will draft these documents and email them to you for your review. At this point, you have an opportunity to have them reviewed by your own legal advisor. After you have reviewed your documents, if you or your spouse would like to change any of the agreements you reached in mediation, we would confirm these changes with both of you–to ensure they are still mutually agreeable.

If you need to discuss revisions before finalizing your documents, we can help you to schedule an additional meeting. We want to ensure you both feel comfortable moving forward with the finalization of your divorce documents. We are here to support you both as you revise your documents. When we focus together on editing your documents we can always reach full agreement.

Will you draft our legal documents?

Our professional mediators are Certified Legal Document Preparers.

When drafting your legal documents, they are acting in their capacity as a Certified Legal Document Preparer. They do not act as your attorney and cannot provide you with individual legal advice but will provide you with legal information. When you choose mediation, there is no requirement for an attorney-of-record. A professional Certified Legal Document Preparer will file your Petition and finalized Consent Decree with the court.

POST-DIVORCE

What if we are divorced but need help with resolving an issue?

We provide a simple, effective post-divorce modification process for clients we have previously worked with through divorce mediation. The issues often involve parenting time, decision making, or financial issues such as child support. We help you reach agreements and draft your modification documents. A professional Certified Legal Document Preparer will file your documents with the court to make them final.

How can I get a certified copy of the consent decree?

The court will send you a copy of your consent decree, but it will not be certified. In most instances, you will not need a Certified Copy.

If you file in Maricopa County, you can contact the Superior Court of Maricopa County to get a copy, either by mail or in person. They have multiple locations all over the Valley. Check with your Superior Court in regard to any applicable fees. For the location nearest, click here.

How is child support decided?

Arizona uses a specially designed Child Support Calculator. You may both agree to use it or to make your own agreement. Your Mediator will explain all the details and go through the calculator with you in mediation. For further information, you may find our A Comprehensive Guide to Child Support in Arizona helpful.

How can I learn more about changing my child support?

Please contact Family Support Services for questions related to paying or receiving child support. You will need to have your case number readily available. To speak with a representative, call Family Support Services at 602-372-5375, wait for the prompt and press #4, then wait for the prompt and press #1, then wait for the prompt and press #4, and you will be connected to a representative who can assist you.

The child support payor can make the first direct payment to Family Support Services here: The State of Arizona Payment Gateway.

Paying for Mediation

What are your fees?

We keep our pricing simple to support your financial stability. We offer personalized flat fees that cover your mediation services from start to finish. We never charge retainers or bill by the hour like many high-priced divorce attorneys. We believe in offering predictable fees and allow you to accurately plan and budget. This helps you maintain your financial stability.

How does the Flat Fee work?

• We get to know you. Our expert mediators talk with you and assess your needs during your free 1-hour consultation.
• We personalize your flat fee. At the end of your consultation, your mediator will provide you with an all-inclusive flat fee for our mediation services based on your needs and circumstances. Our fees are 90% less than the average total cost of divorce litigation. In fact, they are less than the average attorney retainer for only one spouse.
• It’s that simple. You’ll never receive surprise bills for unexpected fees. You pay one cost which you know upfront. We’ve designed our pricing with your financial stability in mind.

Do you have payment plan options available?

Yes. We have partnered with Splitit to offer 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month payment plans at 0% interest. You pay over time, and there is no application or credit check. Our flat approach combined with a payment plan option makes services affordable and helps to protect your financial stability.

You do not have to fill out an application. Splitit allows you to use your favorite credit card. We offer 3-month, 6-month or 12-month payment plans at 0% interest.

For further information regarding The Aurit Center’s payment plan options, please click here.

Do you charge a retainer?

No. We never charge retainers like many divorce attorneys. The truth is there is a misalignment between divorcing spouses and their attorneys. Attorneys benefit financially the more their clients fight because the more they fight, the longer the case takes, and the longer their case takes, the more money the attorney makes. The litigation system incentivizes conflict, while mediation works to keep conflict as low as possible.