Conciliation Court Services

Conciliation Counseling is offered by the Superior Court for married parties who are considering or who are in the process of divorce or legal separation. The focus of this brief counseling is to assist parties in making an informed and thoughtful decision regarding their marital relationship.

This counseling is initiated by the filing of a Petition for Conciliation with the Clerk of the Superior Court in either Prescott or the Verde Valley Judicial District. It is not necessary to have a divorce or legal separation pending to file the Petition for Conciliation. Once a Petition for Conciliation has been accepted, neither party may file for legal separation or dissolution for a period of 60 days. If such an action was filed previous to the acceptance of the Petition for Conciliation, the case may not be advanced until the 60 day “cooling off” period has expired.

When jurisdiction of the Court has been invoked by the acceptance of a Petition for Conciliation, both parties are required to attend the scheduled conferences. These conferences are conducted by professional counselors, are held in private, and are confidential. During the counseling process, no coercion is used to try to force reconciliation. The final decision regarding the marriage is made by the spouses themselves.

Mediation is offered by the Superior Court. Mediation provides an opportunity for parents to make their own decisions about their children following separation or divorce. In Yavapai County, mediation of legal decision-making and parenting time disputes is encouraged by the judges. In fact, it is required in most Domestic Relations actions where disputes over children are involved.
In post decree matters, parties themselves may request mediation by submitting a Petition for Mediation or they may be ordered by the Court to attend. Although parents may be ordered to attend mediation, they will not be pressured to reach an agreement.
The mediation process directly involves both parents in developing a parenting plan which addresses decision-making responsibilities and how children will spend time with each parent. The focus of mediation is on the future rather than the past. While not every family will resolve all disputes regarding the future care of their children, most parents find mediation useful in defining their ongoing relationships with and responsibilities for their children.
Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. Parents can make their own plans and decisions while continuing to receive legal advice from their attorneys.

The Superior Court in Yavapai County has implemented a Parent Education Program pursuant to A.R.S. § 25-351 and 352 to provide information to divorcing parents, or parents involved in other domestic relations actions, concerning what their children may be experiencing during this emotionally difficult period
Completion of the Parent Education Program is a requirement for all parents involved in a divorce, legal separation, or paternity case in which a party requests that the Court determine legal decision-making, specific parenting time, or child support. Parties involved in other types of domestic relations actions, such as modification or enforcement of legal decision-making or parenting time, as well as child support matters may also be ordered to attend the Parent Education Program at the Court's discretion.
Pursuant to ARS §25-355 and Administrative Order 2006-07, the fee for the Parenting Education Program class is $50.00 per person payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court in Prescott or the Verde Valley Judicial District. Parents may not attend the same class.

1. Fact Sheet
2. Judge’s Letter for Handouts