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Below are thoughtful answers to the most common concerns, offered to give you clarity and peace of mind before beginning the process.

ivorce raises difficult questions - many of which are shared by nearly every client we meet.

Q:How is spousal maintenance calculated in AZ?

A: Effective September 1, 2025 Arizona has adopted new Spousal Maintenance Guidelines. These updates give couples and the courts more structure in calculating support, but they don’t replace the need for professional guidance. Every family’s situation is different, and the numbers alone rarely tell the whole story.

Key changes in the new guidelines include:

Updates on how higher incomes are handled.
Couples who agree on spousal maintenance must confirm they reviewed the state’s guidelines and calculator.
Clearer rules on how overtime income is counted.
Monthly mortgage principal payments are no longer factored in.
Adjustments to the standard duration range for marriages over 16 years.
New rules for temporary orders, including how shared household expenses and reimbursement claims are addressed.

Arizona Spousal Maintenance Calculator:

The Arizona Supreme Court now provides an online calculator to estimate possible support ranges. It’s a helpful starting point, but keep in mind that judges also weigh additional factors beyond the numbers.

AZ SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE CALCULATOR

If you’re facing questions about spousal maintenance, I can help you understand how these new rules apply to your unique situation and build a strategy that protects your financial future.

Q:What if my spouse and I can’t agree on everything?

A: That’s normal. Co-mediation isn’t about a perfect agreement from the start—it’s about creating space for solutions. If you reach an impasse, you still retain the option of pursuing legal avenues, but most couples are surprised at how much progress can be made with guided conversation with two neutrals.

Q:Is mediation legally binding?

A: The mediation agreements themselves are not legally binding. Once finalized, they are filed with the court to become enforceable. This ensures both the integrity of the process and your legal protection.

Q:How is co-mediation different from working with one mediator?

A: With co-mediation, you benefit from two trained neutrals—one focused on the financial landscape and the other on communication and family dynamics. This balance ensures neither voice is drowned out and that solutions are both practical and sustainable.

Q:How does a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) fit in?

A: A CDFA® brings clarity to the financial picture—projecting long-term outcomes of different settlement options, identifying tax implications, and ensuring assets are valued fairly. It means you’re making decisions with strategy, not guesswork.

Q:What is we already have attorneys? Can we still co-mediate?

A: Yes. Attorneys can complement mediation. Many couples choose to mediate first to preserve control and reduce costs, and then have attorneys review the agreements. Co-mediation and legal counsel can work hand-in-hand.