What Happens In An Arizona Divorce?
Divorce Laws Arizona
Divorces in Arizona serve to:
* Equitably divide the parties’ assets
* Divide the parties’ debts
* Award one party spousal maintenance if he / she qualifies
* Where children are involved: Determine child custody, a parental access schedule in accordance with the children’s best interests and enter a child support order.
* Award attorney’s fees and costs to one party in the Court’s discretion if attorneys are use based on the reasonableness of the parties’ positions and/or the disparity in income between the parties.
While there are laws governing each area, Judges have a lot of discretion in entering orders.
Do I Have To Leave Those Decisions Up To A Judge?
Parties do not have to go through contentious litigation in an ugly divorce and ultimately leave some of the most important decisions of their lives to a third party. There are two less expensive, less stressful and less risky options:
Option 1: Mediation. Mediation is a process whereby the parties use a mediator (a neutral party trained in conflict resolution), to help them reach agreements. Even some of the most complex and contentious cases settle with the aid of a mediator. Where the parties reach an agreement, the mediator can also take care of the paperwork for the parties, so they never have to go Court. Mediation participants reach a full agreement in most cases. Mediation participants can be more creative in crafting solutions to resolve their disputes in a way that best serve their lives.
Option 2: Collaborative Divorce. Collaborative divorce is also a way to resolve a divorce out of court and with cooperation. Rather than having one mediator, the parties each have a collaboratively trained attorney and coach (a mental health professional assisting the parties through the process). The parties also share one financial specialist and one child specialist (where there is a child). The team works together to support a collaborative resolution of the divorce.
Alona M. Gottfried is a mediator, collaborative professional and attorney in Arizona. She offers Free 30 Minute Consultations during which one can learn about options when considering a divorce or other family law matters. If you have questions about mediation, collaborative divorce or family law, she can be reached at: 480-998-1500 or alona@sglawaz.com. For more information about mediation and Ms. Gottfried, go to: http://azmediator.com
Simmons & Gottfried, PLLC
8160 E. Butherus Dr., Suite #7
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
This is a general interest website only and is not intended to be legal advice. See a legal professional before making legal decisions.
