Mediation FAQs

Yes, retaining individual counsel is an option; however it is not necessary. Individual attorneys may advise their clients of their legal rights throughout the mediation process and assist in reviewing agreements reached in mediation before they are signed or filed. The individual attorney may or may not choose to attend the mediation.

Non-binding: A party in the mediation process is not bound to any outcome reached in the mediation process when they agree to mediate, sign an Agreement to Mediate or enter into the mediation process. Binding: Mediation is binding only if an agreement is reached by both parties, it is in writing, and it is signed.

No, a mediator cannot act as both your mediator and your individual attorney because that would be a conflict of interest. If you would like Ms. Best to represent you individually to handle your case, you may visit our website at www.bestlawaz.com. Once an attorney becomes your mediator, he or she cannot represent either party.

You will be divorced after the required documents are filed with the court and a judge signs the consent decree.

Best Mediation Service also provides a document preparation and filing service. The paperwork agreed to in mediation can be filed with the Maricopa County Superior Court.

No paperwork is required to be filed unless you are getting divorced, legally separated or want child support payments to be made through the State of Arizona Support Payment Clearinghouse.

The parties can decide how to divide the cost of the mediation.

Yes. Instead of spending money on two separate attorneys, mediation allows the parties to pay for one mediator to resolve all of the issues in the case.

On average, mediation can cost approximately less than 70-80% of total litigation costs. At Best Mediation Services, parties can pay by the hour in a step-by-step process.