You have decided to avoid the Arizona Divorce Process of going to court. Now what? All parties to a dispute must agree to mediate, as it is a voluntary process in Arizona, in most cases. Therefore, your goal is now to convince the other party or parties that mediation is in their best interests as well. The easiest way to do this is to print out information for the other party about the benefits of mediation, or simply direct the party to AZMediator.com. This writer also offers free mediation consultations that both parties can attend together or separately. At the consultation, the parties and mediator will discuss the goals and process of mediation, and the mediator will answer any questions. The parties can set a date for the mediation at the time of the consultation.
If the other party is resistant to mediation, you may want to use some variation of the following script: I would like to resolve our disagreement in a manner that is time efficient, cost effective and positive. I have researched mediation on line, and I believe it will provide us both with what we need. A neutral, skilled party will sit with us and help us reach an agreement. We can commit our agreements to writing make it a binding contract, if we want. Most mediations (nearly 90 percent) are successful, so we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Will you attend a free mediation consultation with me, or review the information provided at AZMediator.com?
In some circumstances, the mediator may contact the other party or parties for you to attempt to garner their interest in mediation. For more information about mediation or how to discuss mediation with others, you may call this writer at 480-998-1500.
Alona M. Gottfried is a mediator and attorney in Arizona. If you have questions about mediation, she can be reached at: 480-998-1500 or alona(at)sglawaz.com. This is a general interest article only and is not intended to be legal advice. See a legal professional before making legal decisions.
Simmons & Gottfried, PLLC
8160 E. Butherus Dr., Suite #7
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
