Before You Start
This checklist helps you prepare for custody mediation by organizing your schedule ideas, best-interests evidence, decision-making concerns, and settlement priorities.
Arizona Law Notes
Arizona courts decide legal decision-making and parenting time based on the child's best interests. Parents may agree to a parenting plan, but the plan should still address the child's needs and be clear enough to follow.
Interactive Checklist
Work Through the Steps
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1. Prepare Your Mindset
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2. Bring Current Schedule Information
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3. Bring Parenting Proposals
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4. Prepare Legal Decision-Making Topics
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5. Gather Supporting Documents
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6. Address Safety Concerns Carefully
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7. Before Signing Any Agreement About the Children
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FAQs
Common Questions
Do I need evidence for mediation?
You should have written what is most important to you and what you want the outcome of the mediation to be. Clear expectations help you throughout the process. Even though you don't present evidence like in court, having certain documents can help clarify schedules, concerns, and practical needs. Having your mediator understand your concerns and requests is very helpful in getting the other side to any agreements.
Can custody mediation determine child support?
Yes, it can. It will be calculated under Arizona's Child Support Guidelines but there are often disputes over inputting accurate information that can be helped in a mediation.
Do I have to be in the same room as my spouse during mediation?
No, it is highly recommended that the parties be in separate rooms and never see each other during the process. It keeps everyone's emotions in check and helps the process. You will be in your separate room with your attorney if you retained one and the mediator will go back and forth. While the mediator is with your spouse, you and your attorney can discuss and strategize.
Talk With Best Law Firm
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
Custody mediation can shape your child's future schedule and decision-making structure. Our Arizona custody attorneys can help you prepare a strong, child-focused plan before mediation or at the mediation with you. We can also be retained by both spouses to be the neutral third party mediator to help you both resolve your issues.
This checklist is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Arizona family law can be fact-specific, and court procedures may vary by county. If you are preparing to file, respond, negotiate, mediate, or appear in court, speak with an Arizona family law attorney about your situation.