A1 Divorce Mediation Services

Steps to Divorce Mediation

This process may take 3 to 12 months.

1. Choose to use divorce mediation.
2. The divorcing couple selects their Mediator and signs a mediation agreement.
3. Mediation sessions can begin before or after filing the Petition for Divorce with the Court.
4. The Mediator drafts the Petition for Divorce. This Petition must be from one spouse who is called the "Petitioner". The Petition is then filed with the Court.
In 3-4 divorce mediation sessions, you and your spouse can move smoothly towards the final stages of your divorce. The mediator will facilitate your discussions to reach meaningful decisions and agreements. Your decisions may include dividing the parenting time, dividing your assets and debts or modifying prior court orders.
5. The other party, the "Respondent" is served the Petition and other papers by a process server or signs an Acceptance of Service.
6. The parties begin or continue with 2-4 mediation session(s) to reach agreements on all issues.
7. After each session, some of the final documents can be drafted. The parties begin to review what is drafted and make changes and corrections.
8. After the final mediation, the Divorce Decree and other final documents must be signed by the parties, notarized, copied and filed with Family Court Administration for the Judge's final signature.
9. After the Judge has signed and entered the decree, copies are sent to the parties and they are divorced.
10. There is follow-up work to do on changing titles of homes, vehicles and retirement accounts. This can be overseen by the Mediator or parties as agreed.

Ms. McMurdie will stay neutral between both parties and she can also share legal knowledge on questions you both have while staying neutral.

Ms. McMurdie recommends sharing the retainer fee that is far less than most retained attorneys charge.

Call (480)777-5500 to schedule your consultation for Family Mediation today.