In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
What is conciliation for?
Conciliation is to assist married couples to make an informed and thoughtful decision regarding their marriage. Sometimes one spouse will file for a divorce and the other spouse would line an opportunity to discuss what has happened in the relationship and whether or not a divorce has to occur. Once one individual files a conciliation petition, both parties are court ordered to attend a conciliation session. If there is a divorce case, it will be put on hold until the conciliation case dismissed. If there are safety concerns, both people might now be in the same room at the same time, but information can be relayed back and forth between the parties. Conciliation is a free service through Conciliation Court. You can use this packet to ask for this service. If after you ask for the service you changed your mind, you can file a withdrawal or the petition for conciliation. Only the person who filed the original petition for conciliation can complete and file the withdrawal form.
What is conciliation not for?
Conciliation is not mediation. If you are waiting help in coming up with legal decision-making and/or parenting time plan for your children, you will want to ask about what you need to do to request that service. Conciliation is not to force someone to make a decision, but an opportunity for spouses to communicate with the help of a third person.