Divorce can be hard and emotionally draining, but mediation is a less confrontational and typically faster way to settle things. Couples in Arizona who want to end their marriage peacefully often choose mediation. One of the most popular questions couples ask is, “How long does mediation for divorce take?” The answer depends on a number of things, but knowing how the process works can help you plan ahead and know when things will happen. Read on to learn more.

In divorce mediation, a neutral third person called the mediator helps spouses talk about their problems and come to an agreement on the terms of their divorce. Some of these words are how to split up assets and debts, who gets custody of the kids, and alimony. Couples use mediation to come to an arrangement that works for both of them so that a judge doesn’t have to decide these critical issues in court.

Getting Ready for Mediation: The First Steps

Before mediation starts, a few things need to happen:

Picking a mediator.

Couples need to agree on a mediator who knows a lot about family law and how to mediate. Both sides need to be okay with the mediator they choose.

Collecting paperwork.

Both sides will need to get vital papers about their money, property, and other assets. These include things like tax returns, bank statements, mortgage papers, and more.

Setting up a first meeting.

The mediator will generally have a first meeting with the couple to explain how mediation works, address any questions, and see if they are a good fit for mediation. This gathering also helps figure out what problems need to be solved. This first step can take anything from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the couple can choose a mediator and get the paperwork they need.

The Mediation Process: Dates and Sessions

Most of the time, mediations in Arizona last for one full day. But couples can always have a second all-day or half-day session if they need additional time. The number and length of sessions can change depending on how complicated the problems are and how much the participants agree or disagree with each other. This is a general overview of the steps that need to be taken:

First Session

The initial mediation session is usually about figuring out what the couple’s primary problems are with the divorce arrangements. The mediator will set the rules for how to talk to each other and explain the aims. After that, the mediator will talk about and negotiate the division of marital assets and debts, make a parenting plan, figure out child support responsibilities, and, if necessary, talk about spousal support.

Next Sessions

If needed, a second session will help couples deal with problems that weren’t dealt with in the first session or need more meditation and talking to come to an agreement. Most couples won’t require a second session, but if they do, they can have one.

Writing the Agreement

The mediator will write up a settlement agreement that spells out the conditions once everyone agrees on everything. Both sides will read this document, usually with their lawyers, to make sure it truly reflects what they agreed on and understood.

Finalization

The court then gets the completed agreement to go over and approve. If the court thinks the agreement is fair and follows the law, they will issue a divorce decree based on the provisions of the mediation agreement.

Things That Affect How Long Mediation Lasts

There are a number of things that can affect how long the mediation process takes, such as:

How complicated the problems are.

Mediation will probably take longer if the issues are more complicated, including big assets, businesses, or custody arrangements that are in dispute.

How much cooperation there is.

Couples who can talk to each other and are willing to give up something tend to finish mediation faster than those who don’t want to talk about it.

Getting ready.

Being well-prepared with all the paperwork you need and knowing exactly what you want to achieve helps speed things up.

Availability.

The timing might be affected by the availability of both the mediator and the parties involved. Conflicts in scheduling can cause sessions to be pushed back and the process to take longer.

Being emotionally ready.

Divorce may be an emotional process, and sometimes one or both people need time to go through their feelings before they can be effective in mediation.

A Typical Timeline for Mediation

Because of the things listed above, divorce mediation might take a long time or a short time. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If the case is simple and there aren’t many difficulties that need to be worked out, it could be settled in just two or three meetings over the course of a few weeks. More complicated instances can need six to ten sessions spaced out over a few months.

Benefits of Mediation

Mediation has a number of benefits over traditional litigation, even though it takes a lot of time:

Mediation is usually cheaper than going to court since it doesn’t cost as much for lawyers to bill hours and it doesn’t cost as much for court expenses.
Court cases are open to the public, but mediation is not. This anonymity can be good for couples who want to keep things private.

In mediation, couples have more say over the outcome than in court, where a judge makes the final decisions.

Mediation helps people work together and can help them get along better after a divorce, which is especially crucial when there are young children involved.

Choosing between a legal separation and a divorce depends on various personal, financial, and practical considerations. Here are some situations where a legal separation might be more advantageous than a divorce:

1. Financial Considerations

• Health Insurance: One of the spouses can remain on the other’s health insurance plan, which is typically not possible after a divorce.
• Social Security Benefits: Remaining married but legally separated can help ensure eligibility for certain social security benefits that might require a longer duration of marriage.
• Tax Benefits: Some couples may benefit from filing taxes jointly, which is still possible during a legal separation.

2. Emotional and Relational Considerations

• Trial Separation: A legal separation can serve as a trial period for couples to live apart and evaluate their relationship without the finality of divorce.
• Potential for Reconciliation: If there is hope for reconciliation, a legal separation keeps the marriage intact, making it easier to resume marital relations without remarrying.

3. Religious and Cultural Beliefs

• Religious Beliefs: Some religions prohibit or discourage divorce. Legal separation can allow couples to live separately while adhering to their religious beliefs.
• Cultural Norms: In cultures where divorce carries significant stigma, legal separation may be a more acceptable alternative.

4. Practical Considerations

• Simplifying Divorce Later: Legal separation can simplify the divorce process later on by addressing many of the same issues (child custody, property division, etc.) upfront.
• Residency Requirements: If one or both spouses do not yet meet the residency requirements for filing for divorce in their state, legal separation can be an interim solution.

5. Children’s Welfare

• Stability for Children: Legal separation can provide a sense of stability for children by maintaining the marital status while still addressing custody and support arrangements.
• Parenting Plan: A legal separation can formalize a parenting plan and financial support for children without the finality of divorce.

6. Property and Debt Management

• Division of Assets: Legal separation allows for the division of property and debts, similar to divorce, but without ending the marriage.
• Debt Responsibility: Couples can manage debt repayment plans while maintaining their marital status.

7. Social and Psychological Considerations

• Gradual Transition: For some, legal separation can serve as a gradual transition to single life, providing time to adjust emotionally and practically.

Differences between Legal Separation and Divorce

• Marital Status: Legal separation does not end the marriage; both spouses remain legally married. Divorce terminates the marriage.
• Remarriage: Legally separated individuals cannot remarry, whereas divorced individuals can.
• Benefits and Obligations: Legal separation may allow spouses to retain certain marital benefits (like health insurance) that are lost upon divorce.

Conclusion

Legal separation can be a better option than divorce under circumstances where couples seek the benefits of living apart while maintaining certain financial, emotional, or practical advantages of marriage. It’s essential to consult with a legal professional to understand the implications fully and make an informed decision based on individual circumstances.

Separation and legal separation are two distinct statuses that couples may consider when deciding to live apart. Here are the key differences between the two:

Separation

Definition:

• Separation occurs when a couple decides to live apart without officially ending their marriage. It is an informal arrangement where the spouses decide to live independently from one another.

Legal Status:

• Separation does not involve any legal proceedings or court orders. The couple is still legally married and their marital status does not change.

Agreements:

• Any agreements made during separation, such as dividing finances or child custody arrangements, are informal and not legally binding unless later incorporated into a legal document.

Purpose:

• Separation can be used as a trial period to see if the couple can reconcile or as a step towards deciding if they want to pursue divorce.

Financial and Legal Impact:

• Because separation is not legally recognized, the couple remains financially and legally bound. This means they still share financial responsibilities and obligations, such as debts and assets.

Legal Separation

Definition:

• Legal separation is a formal process where a couple files for separation in court, leading to a legally binding arrangement. It is recognized by the court but does not end the marriage.

Legal Status:

• In legal separation, the couple remains married but lives separately under a court order. This arrangement is officially recognized by the legal system.

Agreements:

• Legal separation involves court-ordered agreements regarding division of property, child custody and support, spousal support, and other relevant matters. These agreements are legally binding and enforceable.

Purpose:

• Legal separation allows couples to live apart with clear legal terms without ending the marriage. It can be an alternative to divorce for couples who may have religious or personal reasons for not wanting a divorce, or who wish to retain certain benefits of marriage, such as health insurance.

Financial and Legal Impact:

• Legal separation clearly delineates financial responsibilities and rights. It provides a structured arrangement for handling assets, debts, and other financial matters, similar to what would occur in a divorce.

Conversion to Divorce:

• Legal separation can be converted to divorce if the couple decides to end the marriage permanently. The terms of the legal separation can often be used as a basis for the divorce agreement.

Summary of Differences

• Formality: Separation is informal and not legally recognized, while legal separation involves a court process and legally binding agreements.
• Legal Status: In separation, the couple remains married without legal intervention. In legal separation, the couple remains married but under a court order.
• Agreements: Separation agreements are informal; legal separation agreements are court-ordered and enforceable.
• Purpose: Separation can be a trial period or a step towards divorce. Legal separation provides a clear legal framework for living apart without divorcing.
• Financial and Legal Impact: Separation leaves the couple financially and legally intertwined. Legal separation delineates financial responsibilities and rights with legal clarity.

Choosing between separation and legal separation depends on the couple’s specific needs, circumstances, and goals. Legal advice is often recommended to understand the implications fully and make an informed decision.

Learn more about Legal Separation in Arizona.

What Is Legal Separation In Arizona?

The legal separation process permits a married couple to maintain their marriages but divide their finances.

Legal Separation And Divorce In Arizona

Both create space between partners and in both child custody, support of the child or children, support for the spouse and divisions of assets and debts are ordered by the court.

The Differences In Arizona

Unlike with a divorce, in Arizona a separation means you can still obtain marriage benefits such as social security, health care and so on. In a divorce you may remarry.

Separation Agreements in Arizona

Basically it is an agreement between the two parties made by a Judge. This agreement must include the following:

• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Assets and Debts Allocation
• Spousal Maintenance

Divorce terms have to be agreed on by both parties to the signing of paperwork. In a situation where issues are still outstanding, the court will make a determination.

Legal Separation Costs

The Arizona Judicial Branch Supreme Court Filing Fees say the petition cost for legal separation is $349 and the response or initial appearance to the petition is $279.

Read on to learn about how to obtain an annulment in Arizona.

A narcissist has certain personality traits, for example:

• An overwhelming desire to be admired
• Has to be seen as a good person
• A feeling they have to be right and also be critical of others
• Lacking in remorse but often charismatic
• Emotionally manipulative but seemingly lacking in personal emotion
• Elevated sense of self importance
• Holds grudges
• Jealous of others.

These qualities often make it tough to resolve issues in relationships. Read on to learn more.

Divorcing A Narcissist Man

If you cannot afford a lawyer or believe that paying for one would be excessive, consider these cheaper alternatives for your divorce.

Whether you anticipated the divorce or your partner surprised you with divorce papers, it is a stressful moment. Adding financial issues to the mix can be totally daunting. However, there are options that help reduce divorce costs.

There is more than one way to obtain a divorce, and the procedure need not require court battles and exorbitant legal bills. You can choose a way through divorce that will save you both money and time, depending on your circumstances, including the complexity of your property and finances, if there are children involved, your willingness to collaborate, and your desire to put in the legwork.

Initially, you must recognize that the options presented in this post are distinct. For instance, you can obtain an uncontested divorce on your own, with the assistance of an online divorce agency, through mediation, or with the assistance of attorneys. Similarly, you can use mediation with or without online divorce services and with or without legal counsel.

Uncontested Divorce: Collaborating to Reduce Expenses

Generally, there are two sorts of divorces: uncontested and disputed. In uncontested divorces, the parties reach an agreement on all divorce-related issues, thereby avoiding the lengthy court battles typically associated with contested divorces.

When individuals discuss uncontested divorces, they often mean that the spouses have already reached a thorough divorce settlement agreement (also referred to as a “marriage settlement agreement” or a “property settlement agreement”) by the time one of them files for divorce. Before proceeding to trial, however, couples frequently settle their differences (normally with the assistance of mediation, attorneys, or both) after a period of time. This post does not pertain to an uncontested divorce.

Numerous states provide relatively straightforward and expedient procedures and paperwork for uncontested divorces. And in many states, there are even simpler procedures (often referred to as “simplified divorce” or “summary dissolution”) provided you meet certain requirements, such as restrictions on property and children.

When you and your spouse are not completely in agreement on divorce-related concerns but you believe you may be able to achieve an agreement, you may wish to seek the services of a mediator.

Is Default Divorce an Option?

When you file for divorce and properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers, but your spouse fails to respond within the given time, you might petition for a default divorce. Typically, this indicates that the judge will approve your divorce based on the requests you made in your divorce petition. A default divorce is an option when your spouse is uncooperative, but some couples select this path from the start.

Nonetheless, you should be aware that a default divorce has both pros and downsides. Therefore, unless your state has a unique system for a default divorce with a settlement agreement (such as California), you should see a lawyer prior to pursuing this option.

DIY Divorce Filings Are the Most Economical Option

If your divorce is uncontested and you are wanting to save money, you can consider completing and filing all of the necessary documents on your own, without the assistance of a lawyer. If you are able to represent yourself, your sole charges will be court fees and expenses.

Finding the Divorce Forms

Using an online tool, you can locate the court’s free divorce forms. On the website of your local court, you can find all applicable forms and instructions. If their website does not contain the necessary forms, search their main website for each court in your state. (You can often find the right site by searching for your state’s “name, courts, and divorce” or “divorce and family law.”) When you can’t find what you’re looking for online, you can also visit your local court clerk’s office.

Most court clerks will assist you in locating the necessary forms, but they cannot provide legal advice. Many courts provide free divorce packets in person (or online); others have self-help kiosks where you can pick up the appropriate forms for filing for divorce and information on how to file them. In some courts, you may be allowed to meet with a family law facilitator whose purpose it is to assist persons who are representing themselves in their divorce.

Your state or county court may or may not provide settlement agreement forms. Occasionally, you will need to incorporate the terms of the agreement in the divorce petition or another document for the proposed divorce decision. If your county or state requires you to submit a settlement agreement for your uncontested divorce but does not provide a form, you may need to get assistance elsewhere. Numerous online divorce businesses will provide and complete these forms, and some mediators will help you prepare a document based on the agreement you reached during mediation.

Filing and Serving Divorce Papers

After completing the paperwork, which can take some time, you will need to bring the original and two copies to the courthouse to initiate your case. (Many courts permit online document filing.)

Typically, you will be required to pay a filing fee to initiate the proceedings of your divorce case. State-specific filing fees vary (and occasionally by county). You can determine how much you must pay by visiting the website of your local court or by contacting the local court clerk.

Typically, the spouse who files the initial documents is expected to have them given to the other spouse via “service of process.” The other spouse must normally file a response (response) to the divorce petition or complaint within a certain time frame. Many states permit you to forgo one or all of these procedures if the other spouse signs a release or if you’re filing under a simplified procedure that permits you to file the divorce petition jointly.

Online Divorce Services: A Convenient and Affordable Option

Online divorce services can be a cost-effective solution for couples who agree on the terms of their divorce but don’t have the time to search and fill out all the necessary documents or are concerned about making mistakes and forgetting criteria.

Typically, online divorce services cost between $150 and $900. The final cost will depend on the company’s offerings, state regulations, and the additional services you select. Typically, these sites will provide all the state-specific divorce forms you need (including instructions), with many of the forms filled based on your responses to a questionnaire.

Generally, you will be required to file the documentation with the court, but many agencies will do so for an extra fee. In addition, some offer a money-back guarantee if the court rejects your documents.

If you require assistance beyond submitting your paperwork, many online divorce businesses offer further support for a cost, such as meetings with an attorney or parenting plan writing instructions.

A Less Expensive Middle Ground: Divorce Mediation

If your attempts to work things out with your husband have failed, you may still have an option that is less expensive than a traditional disputed divorce. Through divorce mediation, a qualified, impartial professional leads you both through the process of identifying and negotiating solutions to your difficulties.

You may utilize mediation at any time during your divorce process, up until the eve of trial. If you accomplish this before to filing and are able to reach a full agreement, you can likely file for an uncontested divorce without engaging attorneys, either by completing it yourself or by using an online divorce service.

Many states or judges will require you to participate in mediation after filing for divorce if there are still contentious topics, especially if you and your husband cannot agree on custody and/or parenting time. When a judge directs you to mediation, you typically have the choice of employing free or inexpensive mediation services provided by the court for at least one session.

If you are needed or willing to participate in mediation, you can always choose a private mediator. The use of private mediators in disputed divorces has typically been costly, as it may take multiple mediation sessions to reach an agreement on each topic. In addition, when both parties have attorneys, they charge hourly fees for advising and participation in mediation. In contrast, you can typically save money by paying for only a few hours of mediation, either in-person or online, particularly if you have only a few concerns to resolve. It is typically less expensive to resolve disputes through mediation than through lawyers, motions, and court proceedings.

When you are able to resolve some or all of your disagreements, many mediators and mediation firms will draft a document reflecting your agreement. If your divorce settlement agreement addresses all issues, you will normally submit it at the final court hearing. In many places, you can submit the signed agreement along with your final papers to a judge for approval.

Limited Legal Representation

You can obtain legal aid without hiring an attorney to handle your divorce case from start to finish. Alternately, you may be able to engage with an attorney on an as-needed basis.

For instance, after completing the divorce documents you found on your court’s website, you may wish to consult with an attorney to review the paperwork and explain the divorce procedure prior to filing. Or, if you and your husband have reached a divorce agreement, you can retain an attorney to draft or review your marital settlement agreement before submitting it to the court.

Paying for a couple of hours of a lawyer’s time can assist you in avoiding costly errors.

The decision to end a marriage later in life can be extremely difficult. Many couples, even at an advance age, are not prepared for the unique legal issues that come with divorce. When terminating a marriage, older individuals must take into account insurance, business interests, healthcare, retirement savings, estate planning, and social security. As senior divorce becomes more common, it has been dubbed “gray divorce.”

What Is A Gray Divorce?

The phrase “gray divorce” is used when referring to divorces involving spouses above the age of 50. Typically, this phrase is used to describe divorced couples of the Baby Boomer generation. The overall divorce rate has declined over the past two decades, yet it has actually doubled for the married population above the age of 50. As gray divorce becomes more of a trend, experts are digging into some of the common reasons why these separations are occurring.

Reasons For Gray Divorce

Why are so many people filing for divorce at an advanced age? Here are a few common trends that have been associated with the gray divorce phenomenon.

Finances

Many individuals or couples will hold off on filing for divorce until they feel financially stable enough for the process. Financial stability appears to be more of a female trend nowadays, as 66 percent of divorces between the ages of 40-69 are initiated by women. This could be quite a clear indication that women feel most financially stable in this age range.

Retirement

When one or both spouses retire, it’s no secret that lifestyles can change drastically. This can ultimately have a negative impact on a marriage. Oftentimes, married couples find that the increase in time spent together is not making them happy.

Empty Nesters

Unfortunately, some couples may find that their marriage is not strong enough to survive on its own after children have left the home.

Divorce Cycle

Second, third and fourth marriages have a lower success rate. Multiple marriages is not uncommon among the Baby Boomer generation. The divorce rate for individuals over 50 with more than one marriage is 2.5 times higher than individuals who have only been married once. Remarried individuals over the age of 64 are four times more likely to end their marriage in divorce.

Postponed Divorces

Postponed divorces are common for couples with kids. Couples may choose to postpone their separation until the children are grown. Even if one or both spouses are unhappy in the marriage, they may wait on divorce and choose to raise the child(ren) together.

Overall Dissatisfaction

With general attitudes becoming more relaxed toward divorce, more and more people over 50 are finding it easier to decide on divorce.

Impact Of Gray Divorce

Of course, emotional impacts of divorce will differ based on individual, but the biggest impact divorce at an advanced age has is on the pocketbook. At an older age, individuals will find it difficult to recover financially since there is less time to do so.

More elderly couples are running into unresolvable issues during retirement, with numerous factors contributing to termination of the union. While no divorce process is ever easy, it can be especially challenging for today’s seniors.

Serious financial considerations for divorcing seniors can undoubtedly impact housing and property concerns. Irrespective of age, housing is a primary necessity for all individuals. The divorce process includes dividing marital assets, but there may be future benefits associated with retaining the marital home that cannot be quantified.

Gray Divorce Considerations

There are several unique considerations to make when filing for divorce later in life, including the following:

• Social Security
• Retirement
• Income
• Spousal Support
• Insurance Policies
• Long-Term Care Options

Source: “Intro To Gray Divorce” McKinley Irvin, https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/resources/gray-divorce/ 

$21,500 is the mean cost of a child custody lawyer in the USA as per LegalMatch with fees varying from as little as $3,000 to around $40,000 in the US for 2023. Undoubtedly, child custody cases can be one of the most emotionally taking experiences a parent may encounter. Read on to learn more.

Cost Factors

Undoubtedly, the fees charged by attorneys make up a sizeable amount of the total costs but there are other factors to consider as well.

Type Of Custody Dispute

The more intense a child custody dispute becomes, the higher the likelihood of increased costs. If one party has objections they may wish to fight for sole custody and the dispute will generate additional paperwork such as dispositions, the filing of multiple motions, many court appearances and the hiring of child psychologists. A trial will always be the costliest option.

Hiring Of Expert Witnesses

It is possible a comprehensive family custody evaluation will have to take place including personal interviews as well as professional evaluations and can cost up to $10,000. Another choice may be a parenting conference costing around $600 or a $2,500 Limited Family Assessment.

Attorney Fees

Assuming there is not a huge difference in the income of the parties, each party is responsible for their own legal costs, but a judge may assess one party to the legal fees of the other party when there is a large difference in financial situations, or one party is incapable of affording appropriate representation.

Other Fees

Court filing fees can go up to $400 to just initiate a case and process servers usually charge between $100-$150 per service completed.

Child Custody Lawyer Fees

Here are some factors that can vary change the fees a lawyer charges:

• How cooperative the parties are;
• How the lawyer’s fees are structured;
• The number of expert witnesses or consultants are retained;
• The number of motions or depositions are conducted;
• If the parties are willing to mediate or if a trial is forced by one party.

As previously stated, whether or not a child custody issue is ” amicable ” can have a significant impact on the ultimate cost of the case. Furthermore, how the lawyer and specialists bill the client might have a significant impact on the total costs incurred.

Child custody attorneys usually charge a set fee or charge by the hour. Expect to pay between $3,500 and $7,500 if a lawyer charges a fixed fee. The fact that they charge a cheap cost does not imply that they provide poor legal representation. It’s just an assessment of the labor that the lawyer is expected to accomplish as a result of the case’s intricacy.

As a result, if a custody battle will be swift and painless, requiring only mediation or a few court appearances and papers to be submitted, a lawyer will most likely charge a lesser flat fee. Where, on the other hand, the case may require multiple court appearances before a judge, disputing complicated legal problems but can still be handled in a relatively civilized manner, the lawyer is likely to charge a larger flat fee.

Child Lawyer Hourly Charges

Legal hourly costs will vary greatly depending on the lawyer’s expertise and talents. A rookie lawyer fresh out of law school can take 5 hours to finish a legal work that a seasoned lawyer would complete in 1 hour. A lawyer’s time can cost anything from $195 to $500 per hour.

Your choice of legal advice should not be based just on the lowest hourly charge. On the contrary, you may be better served by a more expensive lawyer since you will know that your case is in qualified hands and will be handled with precision, experience, and care.

As previously stated, lawyers who work on an hourly basis will usually want an up-front retainer payment. This retainer will cover a specific period of time for that lawyer. To keep the lawyer engaged after the retainer has been expended, the client is expected to replenish the retainer to its original level.

With an hourly fee system, it’s not uncommon for monthly legal expenditures to swiftly reach $5,000 – $15,000 level. As a result, this billing structure is more typical when the parties are unable to agree on a visitation or custody plan, one party is attempting to relocate the child out of state, or there is another complex and contentious child custody dispute.

Preferable Fee Structure

One price structure is not always superior to another, and each instance is different. A skilled family law attorney will recognize this. Doing your homework and learning more about what you will be paying for is always a good idea. Knowing the basics of a child custody lawyer’s fee structure and how it works is the first step toward having an open and honest conversation about any fee structure and how they plan to spend their legal time to get the best possible outcome for you and your child.

When there are children involved in a divorce, the Scottsdale-based Canterbury Law Group fights aggressively to protect their future and well-being. Indeed, we are well-known for securing the most cost-effective child custody arrangements possible. We begin by collaborating with both parents and other relevant experts to develop practical provisions for effective co-parenting and child support schedules.

If a mutual resolution of these issues is not possible, our no-nonsense litigators will prepare your case with zeal and utmost care. Arizona law requires that the child’s best interests take precedence over all other considerations when allocating child custody. Additionally, judges are required by statute to maximize each parent’s parenting time. This typically entails a 50/50 parenting time split unless the other parent establishes parental fitness issues (e.g., drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, or domestic violence) through competent and admissible evidence.

Arizona family courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests, taking into account a variety of factors, including the following:

• Age of the child
• The wishes of the child
• The desires of each parent
• The adjustment of the child to his or her home, school, and community
• Either parent has a history of domestic violence or child abuse.
• Whether the child’s primary caregivers were the parents
• All individuals involved’s mental and physical health
• Each parent’s relationship with their child
• The willingness of each parent to cultivate a meaningful and substantial relationship with the other parent.

If you’re considering divorcing in Scottsdale or Phoenix, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Oftentimes, the best defense in a case is a well-positioned, well-thought-out strategy developed weeks or months in advance of the case being formally filed.