If you want a lower-cost divorce that allows you to come to the best settlement agreement, mediation may be the answer for you.

1. DIVORCE MEDIATION
IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA
WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?
If You Want a Lower-Cost Divorce that Allows
You to Come to the Best Settlement Agreement,
Mediation May be the Answer for You

2. Divorce Mediation in Phoenix, Arizona: What are Its Benefits? www.singerpistiner.com
2
When a couple is divorcing in Arizona, many decisions need to be made before
the marriage can be dissolved. A settlement agreement must be drafted that
includes details on how marital assets and marital debts will be divided. A
custody agreement must also be drafted that specifies how parenting time will be
split and who has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the child. Finally,
there must be an agreement on both child support and, if applicable, spousal
support.
There are different ways to approach divorce and to make decisions on custody,
assets and support. One option is for the couple to go to court and have a judge
issue a ruling on these issues. This is called a litigated divorce and it may be very
expensive and acrimonious, often resulting in significant stress for all involved
parties. Another option, and a better option for most couples, is mediation.
If you want a lower-cost divorce that allows you to come to the best settlement
agreement, mediation may be the answer for you. You will need to be

3. Divorce Mediation in Phoenix, Arizona: What are Its Benefits? www.singerpistiner.com
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represented by an attorney to protect your rights during mediation and you
should look for a Phoenix, AZ divorce and family law professional with extensive
experience representing clients in mediated divorces.
UNDERSTANDING MEDIATION IN DIVORCE
Mediation is a process by which you and your spouse are able to work together
to create a divorce settlement agreement rather than litigating the issues of the
divorce. Instead of an
adversarial approach to
dissolving your marriage,
mediation is a cooperative
approach.
When you decide that
mediation is right for you, a
professional third-party
mediator will assist you and
your spouse in making shared decisions on custody, assets, support issues and
debts. Mediators are trained professionals who usually have a background in
behavioral sciences, psychology or social work. They do not take sides or issue
orders or rulings but instead they facilitate the communications process between
you and your spouse so you are able to clearly express your wishes and come to
a compromise.
Mediators can make it possible for you to agree on issues when otherwise you
might be unable to do so. However, both spouses need to be committed to
mediation to make it work, as mediation is a voluntary process.

4. Divorce Mediation in Phoenix, Arizona: What are Its Benefits? www.singerpistiner.com
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BENEFITS OF MEDIATION
There are myriad benefits associated with choosing mediation for your divorce
instead of choosing litigation. Some of the advantages of mediation include the
following:
Lower costs. When you go to court and have a judge issue rulings and
make decisions during your divorce, you will incur significant expenses. In
addition to court fees, you will also have more legal fees since your lawyer
will need to prepare a case, attend hearings and make arguments on your
behalf. You may also have additional charges for expert witnesses
including forensic accountants or child psychology experts who you may
need to help you to present evidence to the judge.
A quicker divorce. Instead of having to spend days or even weeks in
court, you can more quickly resolve your issues with the help of a mediator.
Once you have come to an agreement, you can simply present your

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settlement to the judge in a single hearing in which he is able to dissolve
your marriage.
A more amicable divorce. When you litigate a divorce, you and your
spouse are on opposing sides and arguing against each other. This creates
a significant amount of disharmony and can further poison any remaining
relationship that you and your spouse have. If you have shared children,
this is very bad for the family dynamic. When you work together to come to
an agreement, you can maintain a more cordial relationship and avoid
added discord that can affect both you and your children.
A better divorce settlement. You and your spouse are each in the best
position to know what property and assets are most important to you and
what custody arrangement makes the most sense given your family
dynamics. Asking a judge to decide on these issues can result in a more
imperfect agreement that no one is happy with. If you are able to
compromise and negotiate, you can create a divorce settlement that makes
sense for your family and that allows you each to retain the property and
assets that have the most value to you.
These are just some of the many benefits associated with choosing mediation for
your divorce. You should speak with an experienced Phoenix, AZ divorce and
family law professional for more information on whether mediation is right for you
and for help during the mediation process.

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About Singer Pistiner, P.C.
In the midst of a family crisis, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. But there is a solution. At
Singer Pistiner, P.C., we will help you to find it. As a small firm, we are able to respond quickly to your
needs and concerns. The efficiencies of being a small firm also enable us to provide high-quality legal
services at affordable rates.
At Singer Pistiner, P.C., in Phoenix, Arizona, we know that divorce is an emotionally and financially
taxing experience. That’s why we provide you with a simple, quick and personalized approach to family
law services where you will deal with one attorney who will handle your case from start to finish.
Your Personal Attorneys
Throughout the legal process, our lawyers will keep you informed of important developments. We will
return your phone calls, answer your questions and address any additional issues that may arise in the
course of your case.
We will devote all of the time and effort needed to achieve the best possible outcome. Our law firm can
take your case to family court, which is a part of the Superior Court of Arizona, or handle it through
another avenue of resolution such as mediation. In addition to divorce, our lawyers handle paternity,
prenuptial agreements, grandparents’ rights, orders of protection, child relocation, and modification and
enforcement issues.
In any family law case, your best interests are our overriding concern. Our goal is to find the right
solution for you — in an efficient, timely and affordable manner.
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS SERVING PHOENIX, GLENDALE, SURPRISE, SCOTTSDALE, TEMPE,
CHANDLER AND MESA
If you’d like to know more about how our Phoenix family law firm handles divorce and other family
issues, please feel free to call 602-264-0110 or send us an e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation.
Singer Pistiner, P.C.
1 East Camelback Road, Suite 550
Phoenix AZ 85012
Phone: 602-264-0110
Fax: 602-264-0440
Website: www.singerpistiner.com