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Baumann, Doyle, Paytas & Bernstein, P.L.L.C. offers a full range of legal services concerning divorce and family mediation in the following areas:
- Divorce or legal separation
- Paternity
- Enforcement of court orders for visitation or child support
- Modification of child support
- Modification of custody or visitation
- Relocation of parents and child(ren) outside the state of Arizona
- Annulment
- Complex property and debt issues
- Spousal maintenance/alimony modifications and enforcements
- Parenting time/visitation issues (including modifications & enforcements)
- Grandparent rights
- In Loco Parentis (custody by a non-parent)
- Pre-marital and post-marital agreements
Separation and divorce are sad, but they don’t have to be financially and emotionally devastating. Mediation is highly effective, affordable and stress reducing, a proven alternative using two separate lawyers. There are a range of legal services available including mediation, settlement negotiations, arbitration and document preparation services.
Attorney Robert L. Baumann is a professionally trained Family Law Mediator and is available to conduct family law mediation and use other methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Our fees for these services vary depending on the complexity of the case. Our mediation services are billed at an hourly rate requiring a minimum advance payment or fee of $500, also known as an “initial retainer.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING FAMILY & DIVORCE MEDIATION
| Question: |
What is divorce mediation? |
| Answer: |
Mediation is a proven method for resolving all of the issues involved in separation or divorce without resorting to adversarial legal tactics. These issues include division of assets (such as real estate, personal property, and retirement benefits), allocation of debts, child and or spousal support, and parenting arrangements for minor children. |
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| Question: |
What does a mediator do? |
| Answer: |
Mediators have differing backgrounds and experience. With our experience in law psychology and business, we help couples fully understand all of the legal, financial, parenting and other issues involved in their situation. We also help couples communicate, negotiate and explore alternative ways of resolving disagreements, and deal with the anger, sadness and other emotions common in these situations. After a couple has reached full agreement, we draft a comprehensive and legally binding settlement agreement. |
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| Question: |
How does mediation differ from court-based divorce? |
| Answer: |
In mediation, divorcing couples decide what’s best for them, rather than surrendering control to lawyers or a judge. They reach agreements based on their particular relationship and circumstances. This takes place in a collaborative environment, significantly less stressful than the adversarial, win-lose procedures involved in using two separate adversarial lawyers. |
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| Question: |
How much does mediation cost? |
| Answer: |
Mediation is affordable; in fact, it is inexpensive compared to using two separate lawyers. Most lawyers want a retainer of $2,000 to $7,500. That means that you and your spouse will together have to come up with $4,000 to $15,000 – just to get started! With BDPB you pay as you go, avoid all costly and stressful legal proceedings, and typically spend 75% less, saving thousands of dollars. After we learn about your particular situation, we’ll give you a detailed estimate. |
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| Question: |
How does mediation benefit children? |
| Answer: |
With our backgrounds in psychology, and having children of our own, we strive to help parents focus on the best interests of their children, now and in the future. In this way, mediation fosters increased communication and reduced anger between parents, resulting in a more cooperative, flexible, and long-lasting parenting arrangements. |
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| Question: |
Are there times when it is not appropriate to mediate? |
| Answer: |
When one spouse is in physical danger, or is unwilling to participate in good faith, mediation would be an inappropriate choice. |
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| Question: |
What if we already agree on lots of issues? |
| Answer: |
That’s terrific! These agreements can serve as a foundation for resolution of other issues and overall agreement, expediting the mediation, further reducing the cost. |
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| Question: |
What if we don’t reach an agreement? |
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Should you be one of the few couples who do not reach full agreement, under Arizona law anything said or prepared for mediation is strictly confidential, barred from being used as evidence in court. |
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| Question: |
What are the chances for success? |
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We are very proud of our success rate: over 90% of the couples who mediate with BDPB reach full agreement. |
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| Question: |
What are my options and how do they compare? |
| Answer: |
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Mediation |
Separate
Lawyers |
Do-It-Yourself
Divorce Companies |
| You Maintain Control |
YES |
No |
Sometimes |
| You make the financial decisions |
YES |
No |
Sometimes |
| It’s totally private and Confidential |
YES |
No |
Sometimes |
| It’s cost efficient (saves you money) |
YES |
No |
YES |
| It’s time efficient (can be done quickly) |
YES |
No |
YES |
The process guarantees safe and respectful
Communications and negotiations |
YES |
No |
No |
| It reduces your levels of fear, stress & hostility |
YES |
No |
No |
It helps you create long-lasting, practical parenting
Plans |
YES |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
It addresses the emotional and psychological
aspects of a divorce (in addition to the legal
and financial aspects) |
YES |
No |
No |
| It equalizes power and information imbalances |
YES |
No |
No |
It has the highest post-divorce compliance rate
(with both parties keeping their agreements) |
YES |
No |
No |
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