How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

In the state of Arizona, you cannot finalize a divorce in less than 60 days. The court will not accept a final divorce document, also known as a Decree, until 60 days after the date of service (A.R.S. 25-329). With that waiting period in place, the average divorce mediation process will take one to six months to complete.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a common way to negotiate an out-of-court settlement between two parties seeking a divorce. In this process, you and your soon to be ex-spouse will hire a neutral third party mediator. The goal of mediation is to help both parties identify and resolve complicated divorce issues. It can be used to address a wide range of issues, including child support, parenting plans, division of assets and custody arrangements.

How Long Will Divorce Mediation Take?

While each and every divorce mediation process differs, most couples can expect mediation to be completed in one to six months. The length of this process typically depends on the specific issues and complexity. Of course, the more willing each couple is to compromise, the faster the mediation will go.

What Is Discussed In Divorce Mediation?

Your mediator will create a list of topics to be addressed during the session. While, of course, every mediation is different, you will want to be prepared to talk about the following items:

Marital Property Division: Prior to attending the mediation session, both spouses should complete a detailed financial and property worksheet. During the negotiations, you will determine what property belongs to the marital estate and what belongs to the individual spouses. The mediator will then determine how to split any marital assets and debts.

Spousal Support: If you believe you will need any spousal support (also referred to as “alimony” or “maintenance”), you need to do a deep dive into your income and other financial obligations prior to the session. A divorce attorney may be utilized to help you understand your state laws and calculations for the support.

Child Custody: Before attending mediation, you should learn about the child custody basics and get familiar with all the necessary terms.

Child Support: Your mediator needs to know the state guidelines for child support and will typically use this formula to determine the final child support amount. Come prepared to discuss any expenses that may be unique to the child, including out-of-pocket medical costs or fees for extracurricular activities. You should also possess each parent’s responsibility for child tax credits.

Insurance: You will want to discuss the ownership and possible transfer of all policies you currently have, including medical, property, vehicle, and umbrella. During a divorce, health insurance is usually a big deal. Make sure you discuss how each of you will maintain the coverage.

Retirement Accounts: Oftentimes, retirement accounts are a couple’s biggest asset. Dividing these accounts in a divorce can be very complicated. Both spouses will have to disclose 401k, 403b, pension, and any other retirement accounts during the mediation session.

Future Relationship/Communication: Lastly, be prepared to talk about your future communication regarding any agreements, tax information, and legal expenses.