Scottsdale Divorce Mediation
Though never simple, mediation may make divorce more cooperative and less agonizing, letting both sides settle in private, confidential environments.
With over a decade of combined experience assisting couples with their divorce concerns, the seasoned Scottsdale divorce mediation attorneys at BTL Family Law are ready to help. Our staff is aware of Arizona law intimately and knows how to guide you through this difficult time.
Why Choose Us for Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is an essential instrument in family law matters. The end of a marriage is complex, provoking feelings that may cause drawn-out court fights and impact the people concerned long after the papers are signed.
Mediation provides a different solution, offering a less confrontational way to settle problems during a divorce. Based in Scottsdale, BTL Family Law’s divorce mediation attorneys offer counsel, direction, and support in this process, enabling couples to establish mutually acceptable solutions. Our compassionate attorneys will be by your side to ensure your interests are well-represented at mediation.
Mediation is effective when both sides are willing to negotiate a divorce settlement with a neutral mediator to resolve their differences. Contact our legal offices now to set up a consultation about this process.
Your choice of the appropriate lawyer for your divorce mediation might greatly affect the result of your divorce. Call BTL Family Law where our Scottsdale divorce mediation attorneys believe in unmatched service and always go the extra mile.
We Offer a Convenient Location—Request a Consultation Today
Burggraff Tash Levy PLLC (BTL Family Law) is found at 8980 E. Raintree Drive #110 in Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We’re close to the business district or Raintree Center. We’re near popular Scottsdale landmarks, including:
- Scottsdale Ranch
- Todd’s Butte Quartz Mine
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s house, Taliesin West
- Frank Lloyd Wright Spire’s sculpture
Call for a consultation and schedule an appointment during the business week. Phone (480) 307-6800 now.
Choosing a Lawyer for Mediation
There are many convincing reasons for selecting our experienced Scottsdale divorce mediation attorneys:
Dedication to Justice
Our goal is to guarantee justice and balance in our work. We direct all sides to a fair settlement that honors their needs and issues. Every circumstance is different. That’s why we spend the time to learn more about the specific details of your situation, so we can offer the best solution.
Skilled Negotiations
As experienced negotiators, our divorce mediation attorneys are adept at promoting positive communication between the parties to help them settle amicably. We believe in open communication so everyone can voice their opinions and wishes.
Experience in State Laws and the Mediation Process
Our staff is knowledgeable about Arizona’s family laws and mediation procedures. This knowledge guides us in assisting you in confidently completing the mediation stage.
Mediation: An Alternative to Appearing in Court
BTL Family Law believes in empowering our clients through mediation, offering a responsible, fair, and efficient substitute for divorce court. Contact us to discuss how we can support you with the mediation process.
Why Select Divorce Mediation?
Mediation can resolve a family law conflict fairly and quickly. That’s because mediation lets people agree on their conditions and avoid the cost and strain of a trial. Attending trials and hearings may be expensive, unpleasant, and frustrating.
Should your matter proceed to trial, you are placing your life in the hands of the judge. In other words, the court will decide how you divide your property and assets, how you should allocate your parenting time, how much you should pay for spousal support, and similar aspects of your divorce case. On the other hand, mediation allows the parties to remain in charge of their case and come to decisions that better suit their circumstances.
Understanding the Mediation Process
Divorce mediation is a multi-step process that promotes communication, guarantees understanding, and provides acceptable outcomes for all parties. Our Scottsdale divorce mediation lawyers may lead you through the following steps:
Step 1: Scheduling the Mediation
Arranging a mediation session starts the mediation process. This means deciding on a day and time that suits the mediator and both parties, thereby allowing a productive and thorough discussion of all pertinent concerns.
Step 2: Both Parties File a Mediation Agreement
Then, each side has to sign and file a mediation agreement. This paper verifies your dedication to the mediation process. The document recognizes that both sides voluntarily start this process, understand the procedures involved, agree to follow the steps, and abide by the results.
Step 3: Each Side Sends Its Separate Private Mediation Proposal
Both sides must provide their private mediation suggestions before the session. This vital step describes your objectives, issues, and expected mediation outcome. The mediator examines these suggestions individually to understand each party’s problems and goals.
Step 4: Sign Agreements Reached at Mediation and Attend Mediation
Guided by their lawyers, both sides meet during the mediation session to talk and negotiate on several contested issues. The aim is to find reasonable answers for every problem. Any agreements made throughout this procedure are recorded and signed by both sides.
Step 5: Draft Agreements in a Form Acceptable for Court Submission
The next stage is to turn these agreed-upon principles into a formal, legally enforceable contract called a “Mediated Settlement Agreement.” This document follows a format that satisfies court-approved criteria.
Step 6: Sign Final Papers and Send them to the court
Both sides examine and review the Mediated Settlement Agreement. When both sides are satisfied with the terms, they sign the document. You submit this agreement to the court for approval.
Step 7: Court Reviews and Enters Appropriate Documents as Final Court Orders
If the court considers the agreement acceptable, it typically enters the Mediated Settlement deal as a definitive court order. This paperwork finalizes the divorce procedure.
Our staff of skilled divorce mediation attorneys is ready to direct you during each phase, guaranteeing the process is carried out effectively.
What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Arizona?
Choosing mediation over alternative ways of divorce in Arizona offers several advantages, including:
- Less expense – Often, mediation is a lower-cost legal service than going to court..
- An impartial negotiator. Neutral third parties called divorce mediators can assist in guaranteeing cooperative and civil, decisive legal support.
- Control over your divorce terms. The mediator cannot dictate the conditions of the divorce settlement agreement. You and your spouse get the last word when settling your matter.
- Mediation sessions take a casual and adaptable approach. They allow more time for conflict resolution and are planned around each spouse’s availability.
- Quicker than court action. Divorce mediation allows couples to submit a Consent Decree, often completing the process faster than going to court.
- No need to go to court. Most divorcing couples who use mediation do not have to go to family court.
Divorce mediators can’t provide legal advice or negotiate for the parties, as they must stay impartial. However, your BTL Family Law divorce mediation lawyer can accompany you to mediation meetings and represent you.
Mediation is Not a Solution for Everyone
While mediation offers a path toward resolution, it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution. Couples considering this route should be aware of potential drawbacks. One key point: mediators are impartial and can’t give legal advice or advocate for either person. However, as noted, you always have the option to bring your attorney to the sessions.
Plus, mediation needs both parties to be equally involved and engaged. If your spouse isn’t on board, you must explore other solutions. But if you’re both willing, attending all sessions matters. You must be ready to discuss and resolve the issues at hand openly. Otherwise, you won’t succeed.
Get Ready for Your First Mediation Session
Your mediation memorandum must be submitted on time. Before going to mediation, go over any required material. Being prepared and informed for your first mediation session is essential.
Collect the Suitable Paperwork
Divorce mediation calls for suitable papers to support each spouse’s assertions. The most proactive divorce mediation will come from a clear image of your marital situation. Among the papers you should collect and examine are:
- Court records, including copies of your marital contract or prenuptial agreement.
- Marital property papers and assets, including real estate paperwork, investment info, and the value of shared vehicles.
- Personal and shared obligations, including mortgage loan information, home equity financing, auto financing, educational debts, and other similar obligations.
- Tax papers and income statements, including checking and savings information.
- Child care costs.
- Information on health insurance premiums and similar coverages.
FAQs About Mediation
How Long Does Mediation Usually Take?
Typically, mediation can span three to six sessions, each lasting about an hour or two. The time it takes depends on how complicated things are and how ready both of you are to work together and meet halfway. Cooperation is key. You can complete a session in one day if you have a cooperative and collaborative mindset.
Is it Possible to be in Separate Rooms During Mediation?
Yes, definitely. While meeting together is pretty standard, you can arrange to meet separately. This can be helpful when things are pretty tense or if one party feels a power imbalance. The mediator can go back and forth, almost like a go-between. They’ll ensure you talk things through without dealing with each other face-to-face.
Do you conduct virtual divorce mediation as well as in-person mediation?
Absolutely, yes! BTL Family Law provides virtual mediation services. It’s all done through secure video platform+s. You can also arrange this meeting after the court enters an order in your case. Virtual divorce mediation is just as professional and confidential as being in the same room, plus it’s much more convenient for some clients. Some people find it easier to open up in this type of setting.
Will My Spouse and I Have to Go to Court?
In most cases where you’ve gone through mediation, you won’t have to appear in court to any great degree. If you reach a mediation agreement, you only need to appear in court once to end the divorce officially. And sometimes, if all the paperwork is filed right, you don’t even have to appear, which is a relief for most people.
What Happens if We Can't Agree on Something?
So, what happens if you can’t agree? If mediation doesn’t lead to a complete agreement, you can still pursue litigation in court. The partial agreements you make during mediation are generally still valid, which can narrow down the court issues in your case. You may always retain the right to explore other dispute resolution methods.
Once We Reach an Agreement, Can You Help With the Court Paperwork?
Yes, of course. Your divorce mediation lawyer will help with the required legal documents. This will include the settlement agreement, parenting plan, and financial disclosures – all the paperwork the court requires. Our legal team will make the process easier for you.
What Are "Individual Confidential Mediation Proposals"?
These proposals are private documents where you each lay out your ideal terms for a resolution before mediation begins. You and the mediator share this information. The proposals help the mediator understand what’s important to you and what you hope to achieve. The proposals offer a way to avoid early disagreements or disputes that can derail the process.
Why Mediation is Helpful for People Going Through a Divorce
If you need a neutral party to support the divorce process and have the proper mindset, you will find mediation a positive way to end a marriage. Mediation allows you to air your grievances positively without blaming the other party.
By working with a mediator in the legal field, you can come to a more satisfactory resolution. As long as both you and your spouse take the stance to work toward a cooperative outcome, mediation can support each party successfully.
Bryan K. Levy
By attending mediation parties can save thousands of dollars in attorneys' fees and take control of their case as opposed to letting a judge decide what happens to the most important things in their lives."
Contact Our Scottsdale Family Law Attorneys
As experienced Scottsdale family law attorneys, our mediators know the attention to detail required to prevent future communication problems. If you want to inquire about mediation, contact us now.
Look at your options objectively with the legal team at BTL Family Law.
Call (480) 307-6800 for further details. We’ll help guide you through the mediation process and work toward a resolution that meets your needs.
BTL Family Law – Scottsdale Office
8980 E Raintree Dr #110
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
P: (480) 307-6800