There are many alternative methods to resolve disputes, whether those revolve around a court case or whether they are completely private.  Within the context of court rules in Arizona, there are provisions for required mediation, a generally confidential process to reach compromise.  Other ADR techniques are simply negotiating, or in court-related matters, conducting a settlement conference around a table with the other party(ies) and any involved attorneys.  Within the context of family law cases in Arizona, there is a new court rule effective January 1st, 2016.  The family court rules already allow a “stay” or halting of proceedings through a “reconciliation petition” (requesting a meeting to discuss saving a relationship with a skilled court-appointee) for 60 days and even up to a half year in some instances.  The new rule, however, opts out of litigation entirely when both parties agree.  Please feel free to read the essay by Ms. Weecks on the new collaborative family court rule, which took effect January 1st, 2016.

When ethically appropriate, Ms. Weecks would consider serving as a third party neutral for mediation services.  While some professionals are actually purely in the business of mediation and attend many classes on this skill, there are many models for parties to disputes to decide how to proceed.  Mediation is a process whereby a third-party attempts to assist those with a dispute to resolve the dispute in a manner that is acceptable to both.  Effective mediation may avoid litigation and is a very appropriate path for many people, whether choosing a non-professional or professional.

Please enjoy the essay by Ms. Weecks which introduced the new Collaborative Family Law Rule at a three-hour continuing legal education seminar on April 8th which Ms. Weecks assisted to organize and on which she served as a panelist.  Collaborative Court Rule — Overview by Debbie Weecks