Divorce In A Day - Talking with Kate Simonds to explain her “Divorce In A Day” mediation service .

Can an Arizona divorce be settled in one day—and can parents create a workable custody and parenting plan without a prolonged court battle? On this episode of SplitUp, Launi Sheldon speaks with Arizona family law attorney Kate Simonds about her “Divorce In A Day” mediation service. They explore how Arizona couples can resolve divorce, legal decision-making, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division through a focused, carefully prepared mediation process. “Divorce In A Day” begins before the mediation session. The mediators gather financial information, verify income and account balances, identify the issues that must be resolved, and prepare proposed dissolution documents in advance. The spouses then participate in one structured mediation day designed to help them reach informed agreements and sign the necessary paperwork. Kate explains why the process uses two neutral attorney mediators. One mediator works with each spouse simultaneously, allowing questions and proposals to move between the parties without leaving either person waiting and imagining the worst. The goal is to keep negotiations productive, fact-based, and focused on workable solutions. In this episode, Launi and Kate discuss: - How divorce mediation works in Arizona - What “Divorce In A Day” actually means - Arizona’s mandatory 60-day divorce waiting period - Maricopa County’s summary consent process - When a signed divorce settlement becomes binding - Child custody terminology in Arizona - Legal decision-making and parenting time - Creating a detailed, child-focused parenting plan - Calculating Arizona child support - Understanding spousal-maintenance calculations - Dividing assets, debts, businesses, and complex estates - Mediation for unmarried parents and paternity cases - Flat-fee divorce mediation and predictable costs - Safety protocols when domestic violence is a concern - When divorce or custody mediation is not appropriate Kate also explains how mediation can help parents build a strong parenting plan covering schedules, holidays, transportation, communication, decision-making, and other practical co-parenting issues. For some unmarried parents, resolving paternity, legal decision-making, parenting time, and child support may be the primary objective. The episode also addresses safety. Depending on the circumstances, mediation may use separate rooms, staggered arrivals and departures, and virtual participation. Cases involving safety risks, hidden assets, incomplete financial disclosure, coercion, or an unwillingness to negotiate may not be appropriate for this process. “Divorce In A Day” does not eliminate Arizona’s statutory waiting period, guarantee agreement, or mean that every divorce is legally finalized in one day. It means qualifying couples may be able to negotiate their settlement and sign prepared documents during one concentrated mediation session. If you are navigating divorce, child custody, co-parenting, or parenting-plan issues in Arizona, this episode of SplitUp offers a practical look at resolving family-law disputes with less time, expense, and conflict. Subscribe to SplitUp with Launi Sheldon for candid conversations about divorce, custody, co-parenting, parenting plans, mediation, and rebuilding life after separation. What is your biggest question about settling an Arizona divorce or custody matter without going to court? Leave it in the comments. Important: This episode provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Watching or listening does not create an attorney-client relationship. Family-law outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your circumstances