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Frequently Asked Questions

Mediation is you staying in control of your own outcome instead of handing your family’s future to a judge.

Here’s the deal: When you go to court, a stranger in a robe who’s never met your family, doesn’t know your situation, and has 47 other cases that day gets to make permanent decisions about your life. Sound fun? Didn’t think so.

Mediation is different. I’m an impartial third party (think referee, not judge) who helps everyone involved have productive conversations and reach your own agreements. You make the decisions. You control the outcome. I just make sure each person is being heard, staying transparent, and not letting emotions derail the process.

You don’t have to agree on everything or even like each other. You just have to agree to stay out of court and negotiate in good faith. If you can mind your manners during the process, we can get this done.

Why should I choose mediation instead of going to court?

Because your family’s future doesn’t belong in a courtroom.

Look, I get it—when family conflict hits, hiring a lawyer seems like the “safe” choice. But here’s what litigation actually gets you:

  • A judge who doesn’t know your family making permanent decisions for you
  • Legal bills that can easily hit $15-30K+ each (and that’s if things go relatively smoothly)
  • A process designed to find a “winner” and a “loser” (spoiler: your family loses either way)
  • Months or years of fighting that destroys any chance of maintaining functional relationships going forward

Mediation is different.

You keep control. You make the decisions. You protect your money AND your relationships. And if you can just mind your manners during the process, you’re already 90% there.

Mediation isn’t about kumbaya or or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about being smart enough to realize that spending tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees to fight over a couch, who gets to make Mom’s medical decisions, how to divide a family inheritance, or who gets what from a family business—when you could have handled it yourselves—is insane. The people you love (including the ones not in the room) deserve better.

Bottom line: Mediation costs less, takes less time, and leaves you with agreements you actually chose—not ones a stranger in a robe imposed on you.

If it’s a family conflict that needs a resolution, chances are I can help. Here’s what I work with:

  • Divorce: division of assets, debts, spousal maintenance, and all the rest
  • Custody: legal decision-making, parenting time, and child support
  • Modifications: making changes to spousal maintenance, legal decision-making, parenting time, or child support
  • Prenuptial/postnuptial and cohabitation agreements: for couples who want to have smart financial conversations before they commit
  • Trial separation agreements: structure for the uncertain middle—clear terms for the trial period and a defined threshold for when divorce becomes the next step
  • Caregiving and elder care agreements: who provides care, how decisions get made, how the responsibilities and costs are shared, and if/when outside or professional care becomes part of the picture—disabled adults, adults with chronic illness, and others with ongoing care needs
  • Guardianship and conservatorship disputes: when family members disagree about who should have legal authority over a person (guardianship) or their finances (conservatorship)—whether for a minor, an adult with a disability, or someone whose capacity has declined
  • Estate planning disputes: when couples can’t agree on what should happen before someone dies
  • Trust disputes: beneficiaries, trustees, and everyone in between
  • Inheritance and estate administration disputes: when family members can’t agree on how an estate should be handled—whether there are no documents and everything needs to be sorted out, or the documents exist but someone disputes them
  • Family business disputes: ownership, roles, buyouts, succession, and exit
  • Sibling and family relationship conflicts: the ones that don’t fit neatly into a legal category but still need resolution

If you’re not sure whether your situation fits, schedule an Individual Screening and we’ll figure it out together.

Absolutely. Mediation isn’t just for couples—it’s for any family members who need to reach agreements together.

Siblings disagreeing over a parent’s estate. Adult children and an aging parent who can’t agree on a care plan. Family members who can’t agree on care arrangements for a disabled or chronically ill adult. Family business partners who share a last name and a major disagreement. These are exactly the situations I work with.

The process is the same: each person completes an Individual Screening, and we move forward from there. The only requirement is that each person is willing to show up and do the work.

Yes, mediation is voluntary and requires everyone to participate.

That said, you don’t need anyone else’s permission to schedule your own Individual Screening. Sometimes taking that first step shows the others you’re serious, and that’s enough to get everyone on board.

If one person flat-out refuses to try mediation, you’ll need to explore other options (like hiring your own attorney). But if they’re just hesitant or unsure, scheduling your screening and then inviting each of the others to do the same can move things forward.

Here’s how we do this:

Mediation with me isn’t about sitting in a room awkwardly staring at each other while I play referee. It’s structured, transparent, and designed to actually get you to the finish line.

Step 1: Readiness Consultation (2 parts)

  • Individual Screenings: I meet with each of you separately (30 min, $75/person) to make sure mediation is safe and appropriate. This isn’t just a domestic violence screening—I’m also assessing communication styles and whether each of you is actually ready to do this work.
  • Joint Discussion: After each of you has completed your own screening, we meet together (30 min) to talk about your specific situation, go over the process, and I’ll give you a firm quote.

Step 2: Getting Started

If you decide to move forward, you’ll sign an engagement agreement and get access to your client portal. From there, you’ll complete your homework—a confidential questionnaire and required disclosures—so we can hit the ground running in our first session.

Step 3: Solo Prep Session

Once you’ve submitted your Confidential Questionnaire, we meet individually before the mediation sessions begin. This 30-minute one-on-one session is your chance to get clear on your priorities, ask anything you’d rather not say in front of the other party(ies), and make sure you’re actually ready to negotiate—not just showing up and winging it. It’s strategic prep, not a therapy session or a vent session.

Once each of you has had your Solo Prep Session, we schedule your first mediation session.

Step 4: Mediation Sessions

This is where the real work happens. We meet (virtually—I’m based in Phoenix but work with clients throughout Arizona) and work through your issues one by one. How many sessions? Depends on you two. Some cases wrap up in a few hours. Others need multiple sessions over a few months. You set the pace.

Here’s what I need from each of you:

  • Show up prepared. I won’t chase anyone for homework.
  • Be transparent. You’ll need to disclose financial and situational information honestly.
  • Mind your manners. You don’t have to agree on everything, but everyone has to treat each other with basic respect.

Step 5: Finalizing Agreements

Once you’ve reached agreements on everything, I draft the legal documents, coordinate signatures (with an e-notary when applicable), and, depending on whether court involvement is required, either file with the court before monitoring the docket to make sure the judge signs off or deliver your finalized agreements and you’re done.

The whole process: Typically 3-4 months (and $5-15K total) from start to finish, including the court process when applicable, depending on your pace and complexity. Compare that to 12-24+ months (and $30-60K total) for litigation.

Short answer: Because my time and expertise have value, and free consultations attract people who aren’t serious.

Every service I offer starts with a paid consultation. For mediation, that’s the 2-step Readiness Consultation ($75/person); for coaching and document drafting, that’s the Legal Bearings Consultation ($300). Here’s why that’s non-negotiable across the board:

For mediation: My process doesn’t start with a sales pitch—it starts with making sure mediation is actually safe and appropriate for your situation. That requires real work:

  • Screening for domestic violence and power imbalances
  • Assessing communication styles and conflict patterns
  • Determining whether you’re each genuinely ready to engage in good faith

This isn’t something I can (or should) do in a quick “get to know you” call. It’s a structured, confidential assessment that protects each of you and ensures we’re not wasting anyone’s time or money.

Here’s what the $75 per person gets you:

  • A private 30-minute screening where I can actually understand your situation
  • An honest assessment of whether mediation will work for you (I’ll tell you if it won’t)
  • A clear path forward if it’s a good fit

For coaching and document drafting: The Legal Bearings Consultation confirms the scope of what you need, makes sure you have the right service, and catches anything that might complicate the process before we’re into it. If a consultation reveals you need something different than what you came in for, I’d rather tell you that before you’ve invested in the wrong service.

And here’s what paying upfront filters out across all services:

  • People who just want free legal advice
  • People who aren’t ready to invest in the process
  • People who won’t respect boundaries

Think of it this way: Litigation costs $15-30K+ per person—that’s $30-60K+ combined to fight. Investing in a consultation to confirm you have the right service and the right fit? That’s the smartest money you’ll spend.

Because mediation and uncontested document drafting are built on transparency, and having one-on-one conversations about your case would create the appearance (or reality) of bias.

Here’s the thing: I’m an impartial third party. That means I don’t represent you OR the other people at the table—I help everyone reach agreements together and draft them correctly. If I meet with one person privately to discuss the details of your case, everyone else has every right to wonder: “What did they say? Whose side is she on now?”

The only exception is the Individual Screening for mediation, which is specifically designed to assess safety and appropriateness before we ever meet jointly. Those screenings are confidential and structured to protect each party.

I get it—you’re probably the one doing all the research and legwork (and if you’re a woman in a heterosexual relationship, let’s be real, you probably are). But mediation and uncontested document drafting only work if each person shows up and participates equally. I can’t let one person carry the load while the others coast.

If the other people aren’t on board yet or you’re not sure they’ll participate, here’s what you can do:

  • Check out the rest of my FAQ to get your questions answered
  • Schedule your own Individual Screening—you don’t need anyone else’s permission to start the mediation process, and sometimes taking the first step helps them see this is really happening

Each of you meets with me separately for a confidential 30-minute screening. This is where I assess whether mediation is safe and appropriate for your situation.

What I’m looking for:

  • Domestic violence or power imbalances that would make joint mediation unsafe
  • Communication and conflict styles (can each person engage in good faith, or is one person going to steamroll the others?)
  • Whether you’re each actually ready to do this work (or if someone’s just going through the motions)

This isn’t a “get to know you” chat. It’s a structured assessment that protects each party and ensures we’re not wasting time or money on a process that won’t work.

All screenings must be completed before we move forward to the Joint Discussion.

Your safety is my top priority, which is why I require individual screenings before any joint discussions.

If there’s been domestic violence, that doesn’t automatically mean mediation is off the table—but it does mean we need to proceed very carefully (or not at all, depending on the severity).

Here’s how I handle it:

  • During your Individual Screening, I assess the situation and determine whether joint mediation is safe
  • If it’s not safe to meet together, I’ll let you know and help you understand your other options
  • If mediation might work with modifications (like using a shuttle approach where I meet with each of you separately instead of jointly), we’ll discuss that

Bottom line: I will not proceed with mediation if it puts any person at risk. Your Individual Screening is where we figure that out.

For coaching and document drafting: any domestic violence concerns that arise are addressed during the Legal Bearings Consultation.

“Domestic violence” and “intimate partner violence” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing and the distinction matters for mediation.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers specifically to abuse between romantic or sexual partners: current or former spouses, dating partners, cohabitants.

Domestic violence (DV) is broader. It includes IPV, but it also covers abuse between family members who aren’t romantic partners: parents and adult children, siblings, in-laws, caregivers and the people they care for.

Why does this matter for your situation?

Because power imbalances and coercive dynamics don’t only exist in romantic relationships. A sibling who’s been financially controlling a parent. An adult child who’s been isolating an aging relative. A family member using threats or manipulation to control an estate or business decision. These are domestic violence dynamics—even without a romantic relationship involved.

Mediation requires each person to be able to participate freely and safely. If someone is operating under coercion, fear, or a significant power imbalance, joint mediation isn’t appropriate. That’s true whether the dispute is about a divorce or an inheritance.

The Individual Screening is how I assess whether those dynamics are present regardless of what type of dispute you’re resolving.

Get started here.

After you’ve signed up for services: You’ll get access to my online scheduling system through your client portal for all future appointments.

I work with clients throughout Arizona. All consultations and sessions are conducted virtually for your convenience.

All of my sessions are conducted virtually, so parties don’t need to be in the same room or even the same city. If someone involved in your dispute lives out of state, that’s not automatically a problem.

That said, I only help with disputes where Arizona jurisdiction applies. If the matter would need to be handled under another state’s laws, I’m not the right fit. If you’re not sure how that applies to your situation, reach out and we’ll figure it out before you schedule your Individual Screening.

Very—and that’s one of the biggest advantages over going to court.

Court proceedings are public record. Mediation is private. What’s said in sessions stays in sessions. Financial disclosures, family dynamics, the ugly details you’d rather not have attached to your name in a public database, none of that becomes part of the public record.

This confidentiality is built into Arizona law. It protects each party, and it protects the process.

The exception: I’m a mandatory reporter. If something comes up that involves abuse or harm to a child or vulnerable adult, I’m legally required to report it. That’s not a loophole—it’s the law, and it applies to everyone in my role.

The mediation process itself typically takes 3-4 months from start to finish, including the court process when applicable, depending on your pace and how complex your situation is. Some cases knock everything out in a few sessions over a few weeks. Others need more time to work through financial details, co-parenting plans, caregiving arrangements, business valuations, or other moving parts.

Here’s what affects the timeline:

  • Your schedule: How quickly everyone can meet and how much time you need between sessions
  • Your complexity: A straightforward matter moves faster than one involving custody disputes, businesses, multiple properties, retirement accounts, or contested medical decisions
  • Your homework: The faster you complete disclosures and questionnaires, the faster we move

After mediation wraps up: Once you’ve reached all your agreements, I draft the documents and file them with the court when applicable. Then:

  • For divorces: Arizona has a mandatory 60-day waiting period before your divorce can be finalized. So even though our mediation work is done, you’ll wait about 2 months for the judge to sign off. (But hey, at least you’re not still paying lawyers during that time.)
  • For custody and modifications: Judges have up to 21 days to sign after filing (though it’s often faster).
  • For non-court matters (prenups, postnups, cohabitation agreements, trial separation agreements, estate planning agreements, caregiving plans, family business arrangements, etc.): No court approval needed—we’re done as soon as everyone signs.

Compare that to litigation: 12-24+ months (and $15-30K+ each) just to let a judge make decisions you could’ve made yourselves in a fraction of the time.

Mediation is significantly less expensive than litigation—and you’re not gambling with your financial future. Here’s the breakdown:

Litigation costs:

  • $15-30K+ per person (so $30-60K+ total) and, for probate matters, those fees often come straight out of the estate, meaning less for everyone who inherits
  • 12-24+ months of your life
  • Unpredictable outcomes (you’re at the mercy of whatever judge you get)

Mediation costs:

  • A fraction of litigation (exact pricing depends on your situation—I give you a firm quote after the Joint Discussion)
    • Divorce: Starting at $6,700 (includes court filing fee and e-notary)
    • Custody: Starting at $7,500 (includes court filing fee and e-notary)
    • Modifications: Starting at $3,500 (includes court filing fee and e-notary)
    • Prenuptial/postnuptial and cohabitation agreements: Starting at $4,000 (includes e-notary)
    • Trial separation agreements: Starting at $4,000 (includes e-notary)
    • Caregiving & elder care agreements: Starting at $4,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
    • Guardianship & conservatorship disputes: Starting at $4,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
    • Estate planning disputes: Starting at $4,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
    • Trust disputes: Starting at $4,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
    • Inheritance and estate administration disputes: Starting at $4,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
    • Family business disputes: Starting at $6,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
    • Other family disputes: Starting at $4,000 for two parties ($600 per additional party)
  • 3-4 months typically
  • Outcomes YOU control

The real cost of litigation isn’t just the legal fees—it’s the destroyed relationships, the kids caught in the middle, the family members who stop speaking, and the years of resentment that follow.

Mediation lets you invest in solutions instead of battles. And honestly? That’s priceless.

No, all services must be paid at the time of purchase.

I know that can feel like a barrier, but here’s why: Payment upfront is how I ensure you’re genuinely committed to moving forward—not just exploring options indefinitely. In mediation, it ensures each party is invested and ready to do the work. For coaching and document drafting, it means you’re ready to engage and not just kicking the can down the road.

If cost is a concern: whatever service you need, it still costs a fraction of what you’d spend on litigation or full legal representation. Every dollar you invest here is a dollar you’re not handing to attorneys to fight on your behalf.

Then mediation won’t work, and I’ll tell you that.

Mediation requires each person to show up, participate, and do the work. I don’t chase people for homework. I don’t let one person carry the load while the others coast. If someone’s not holding up their end, we’ll address it directly—and if it continues, we’ll have a conversation about whether mediation is the right fit.

Here’s the thing: If someone won’t engage in mediation (which is cooperative and relatively low-stakes), they’re definitely not going to cooperate in litigation. At least in mediation, you find out early and can pivot to a different approach without spending $30K first.

This is also why I require equal participation from the start. It filters out people who aren’t serious and protects everyone from wasting time and money on a process that was never going to work.

You don’t have to agree on everything to start mediation—you just have to agree to try.

Mediation isn’t about walking in with all the answers. It’s about being willing to have productive conversations, stay transparent, and negotiate in good faith. You’ll disagree. That’s normal. That’s literally why you’re hiring a mediator.

My job is to help you work through those disagreements, clarify your options, and find solutions that work for everyone. Sometimes that means compromising. Sometimes it means getting creative. Sometimes it means one person realizes their position wasn’t as reasonable as they thought.

What mediation DOES require:

  • Each person willing to stay out of court
  • Each person willing to be transparent (no hiding assets, hiding information, or lying)
  • Each person willing to treat the others with basic respect during the process

If you can do those three things, we can work through the disagreements.

Yes, a few things depending on your situation:

For all cases: You’ll need to complete some homework—things like financial disclosures, questionnaires, and gathering documents. This isn’t busywork; it’s what allows us to use our session time efficiently instead of scrambling for basic information.

For divorces cases with minor children/custody: Arizona requires each parent to complete a court-approved parenting class. After I file your paperwork, the court issues an order requiring the class. You must complete it within 45 days of filing. I’ll let you know exactly when the order is conformed and make sure your certificates get properly filed with the court. The judge cannot approve your divorce or custody orders without both certificates of completion on file—so this isn’t optional.

The class covers co-parenting communication, managing conflict, helping kids adjust to separation, and other practical skills. Most people find it more helpful than they expected (even if it feels like a hoop to jump through). Classes typically cost $50-75 per person, and you each pay for your own.

And one more thing: Everyone needs to actually show up and do the work. I won’t chase you. I won’t let one person do everything while the others disappear. Equal participation isn’t negotiable.

It depends entirely on what type of dispute you’re resolving, but the short answer is probably not—at least not in the traditional “show up and argue in front of a judge” sense.

If you can reach agreements on all your issues through mediation, here’s what happens:

For cases where I handle the court process (divorces, custody cases, and modifications):

  • I draft your agreements into the proper legal documents
  • You each sign (with an e-notary when applicable)
  • I file everything with the court
  • A judge reviews and signs off (but you don’t have to appear)
  • You’re done

For cases that involve court but where my role ends at your signed agreement (guardianship, conservatorship, trust disputes, and inheritance disputes):

  • I draft your agreements into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
  • Each of you signs the MOU
  • I provide referrals to attorneys who handle the process from there, which may or may not involve a court appearance

For cases that don’t require court involvement at all (prenups, postnups, cohabitation agreements, trial separation agreements, caregiving and elder care arrangements, estate planning agreements, and family business agreements):

  • No court, no filing, no waiting. I draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or contract as applicable. Once everyone signs, you’re done.
  • Depending on complexity, implementing your agreements may require additional professionals, such as an estate planning or business attorney or CPA, to handle formal drafting or execution after our work together is done.

If you CAN’T reach agreements on everything, then yes, you’ll need to go to court for a judge to decide the remaining issues. But that’s why we’re doing mediation—to avoid exactly that.

You don’t NEED one, but you might WANT one—and here’s the difference:

What I do as your mediator:

  • Help everyone have productive conversations
  • Provide information about Arizona law and your options
  • Draft agreements based on what you’ve decided together
  • Make sure your paperwork is handled correctly

What I DON’T do:

  • Represent any of you individually
  • Give you legal advice about what YOU specifically should do
  • Advocate for your interests over anyone else’s

When you might want a review attorney:

  • If you have complex assets (businesses, multiple properties, retirement accounts)
  • If you want someone to review the agreements before you sign to make sure you’re not missing anything
  • If you just want the peace of mind of having your own lawyer look things over

Think of it this way: I’m the referee helping everyone negotiate. A review attorney is YOUR coach, looking out for YOUR best interests specifically. Both can be valuable, but they serve different roles.

If you decide you want a review attorney, I can help you find one who understands and supports the mediation process (not all lawyers do).

No, I don’t represent any party in court—none of my services involve courtroom advocacy.

My role is to help everyone work together to reach agreements outside of court. I’m an impartial third party, which means I can’t advocate for one person over the others.

If you need someone to represent you in court, you’ll want to hire your own attorney. But honestly? If you’re asking me this question, you might be thinking about mediation wrong. The whole point is to AVOID court and keep control of your own outcome.

If that’s not what you want, mediation probably isn’t the right fit—and that’s okay. I’d rather tell you that upfront than take your money for a process that won’t serve you.

Yes! I help couples create prenuptial/postnuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements that feel like a collaboration, not a legal battle.

Prenups/Postnups:

  • Prenups: For engaged couples who want to have smart financial conversations before they get married
  • Postnups: For married couples who want the same financial clarity a prenup provideswhether that’s catching up on what you skipped, adjusting to new circumstances, or just getting on the same page
  • No court involvement—just you, your partner, and clear agreements about assets, debts, and what happens if things don’t work out

Cohabitation agreements:

  • For unmarried couples living together who want to protect themselves and clarify expectations
  • Covers things like property, finances, and what happens if you break up

Both processes are collaborative, transparent, and way less stressful than the traditional “hire dueling attorneys” approach.

Want to learn more? Get Started.

Yes, I handle modifications for custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance.

If circumstances have changed since your original orders were put in place, we can work together to update them. The process is similar to mediation or uncontested document drafting for an initial divorce/custody case, just streamlined since we’re only addressing specific issues.

Common reasons for modifications:

  • A parent’s work schedule changed
  • A child’s needs changed (school, activities, medical)
  • Someone’s relocating
  • Financial circumstances shifted

As long as both of you are willing to work together, we can mediate the changes and get new orders filed without going back to court for a fight.

Mediation is for when you need help reaching agreements. I facilitate the process and guide everyone through the hard conversations. Coaching is for when you’re handling your own matter and need strategic guidance along the way.

Document drafting is for when you’ve already made your decisions and need the paperwork done correctly. You provide the terms, I draft court-ready documents that reflect them accurately. I’ll explain what things mean and flag anything that looks incomplete, but I’m not advising you on what to decide.

Not sure which you need? Simple test: Have you already agreed on the terms? If yes, drafting may be the right fit. If you’re still working out what you want, mediation or coaching comes first.

Two categories:

Uncontested family law documents – divorce, custody, modifications, prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, consent decrees, and related documents. See the full list and pricing on the Legal Document Drafting page.

Limited estate planning documents – specifically advance directives (Living Will, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Mental Health Care Power of Attorney) and powers of attorney. If you need a will, a trust, or a more comprehensive estate plan, I’m not your person—I’ll tell you that upfront and refer you out.

Yes, and it’s not optional. Every drafting engagement starts with a Legal Bearings Consultation ($300, 60 minutes).

Here’s why: I need to understand your situation, confirm the scope of what you need, and catch anything that might complicate the process before we’re into it. If the consultation reveals you actually need mediation, coaching, or a referral elsewhere, I’d much rather tell you that before you’ve paid for documents that won’t solve your problem.

Maybe—and that’s exactly what the Legal Bearings Consultation is for.

“We already agreed” is the right starting point for document drafting. But “just write it up” skips the part where I make sure what you’ve agreed to is legally complete and won’t cause problems down the road. I’m not transcribing your notes—I’m drafting documents that need to hold up legally.

If you’ve genuinely agreed on everything and the scope fits what I offer, we can move straight to drafting after the consultation. If there are gaps, we’ll catch them before anything gets drafted.

Often, yes, and sooner is better.

If you’re in the early stages of a court proceeding, mediation can still help you resolve the dispute before it gets more expensive and entrenched. Reaching a mediated agreement typically stops the court process in its tracks (or significantly simplifies it).

If you’re further along, it depends on where things stand. Some stages of litigation leave room for mediation; others don’t. The Individual Screening is where we assess whether it’s workable.

One thing I won’t do: use mediation as a delay tactic or information-gathering exercise. If someone’s not genuinely committed to resolving things, I’ll end the engagement.

Then we’re probably talking about an inheritance, estate administration, or trust dispute, and yes, I can help.

When someone dies and the people left behind can’t agree on what happens next (how assets get divided, whether the will reflects what the deceased actually wanted, who has authority over what), mediation is often the fastest and least destructive path forward.

The alternative is a contested probate case, which is slow, expensive, and public. Mediation keeps it private, keeps it in the family’s hands, and keeps the focus on resolution instead of litigation.

One thing to know: for probate and trust matters, my role ends at a signed Memorandum of Understanding. You’ll need an attorney to handle the formal court process, but I can refer you to one who won’t make this harder than it needs to be.

It depends on the situation, and the Individual Screening is where we figure that out.

Mediation requires each person to be able to participate meaningfully: to understand what’s being discussed, express their own views, and make decisions for themselves. If someone’s capacity is significantly compromised, standard joint mediation may not be appropriate.

That said, “aging” and “diminished capacity” cover a wide spectrum. Someone with early-stage memory issues may be perfectly capable of participating with the right support. Someone who’s physically frail but mentally sharp is a full participant. And sometimes the dispute is about someone (a parent whose care is in question) rather than one that requires their direct participation.

The screening is where I assess whether mediation is safe and appropriate for your specific situation. If it’s not the right fit, I’ll tell you and I’ll help you understand your other options.

Not necessarily, and this is one of the biggest misconceptions I run into.

Legal documents set a framework, but they don’t resolve conflict. Families dispute wills and trusts constantly—over whether the document reflects what the person actually wanted, whether it was signed under pressure, whether the language is ambiguous, or whether circumstances have changed in ways the document didn’t anticipate.

Even when the document is clear, the relationships aren’t. A will can say who gets the lake house. It can’t tell you how to handle the fact that one sibling has been paying the property taxes for 10 years and the other hasn’t set foot there since 2015.

Mediation is where you work through the parts the document didn’t settle and reach agreements everyone can actually live with.

Yes. Family business disputes are some of the most complicated conflicts I work with—because the professional stakes and the personal relationships are completely tangled together.

Ownership disagreements. Roles and compensation. What happens when one family member wants out. Succession planning that’s turning into a fight. These are all things mediation can address.

What I can help you do: reach agreements on the relationship and business structure issues. What you may also need: an attorney or CPA to handle formal legal or financial execution after we’re done. I’ll let you know if that’s likely to apply to your situation.

Great question, because people mix these up all the time.

Mediators (like me):

  • Impartial third parties who help people reach agreements together
  • Don’t represent any person
  • Guide the conversation, provide legal information, and draft agreements based on what you decide
  • Work WITH everyone, not FOR one of you

Attorneys:

  • Represent ONE person’s interests only (you OR the other side, never both)
  • Advocate for their client in court
  • Cost $15-30K+ each for a litigated matter
  • If everyone hires attorneys, you’re headed to court unless you settle along the way

Legal Paraprofessionals:

  • Like nurse practitioners for law—licensed to practice in specific limited areas (family law and probate law are two)
  • Represent one person, like an attorney, but typically more affordable
  • Can give legal advice (unlike legal document preparers)
  • Cannot handle QDROs, business/commercial property division, or appeals

Legal Document Preparers:

  • Certified paralegals who draft documents without attorney supervision
  • Very knowledgeable about Arizona law and court requirements
  • Cannot give legal advice—they draft what you tell them to draft
  • Cost-effective if you just need paperwork formalized, but no guidance on whether your agreements are legally sound

Review Attorneys:

  • Attorneys you hire DURING mediation to review your agreements before you sign
  • Don’t litigate your case—they just give you independent legal advice about whether the deal you’re making is fair
  • A smart option if you have complex assets or just want peace of mind

Bottom line: Mediators help you negotiate. Attorneys fight for you (or against the other side). Legal paraprofessionals represent you and give legal advice in specific practice areas. Legal document preparers help with the paperwork. Review attorneys give you a second opinion before you sign. All have different roles—choose based on what you actually need.

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