Parenting Conference

FAQs

What is a Parenting Conference?

A Parenting Conference is a non-confidential, court-ordered process designed to help the Court gather relevant information to make decisions regarding legal decision-making and parenting time in the child’s best interest. The process considers the statutory factors outlined in A.R.S. §25-403.

Can’t I just go through the Court?

Yes—but you have options. If the Court orders a Parenting Conference through Conciliation Services of the Maricopa County Superior Court, you may request to use a private provider instead.

Choosing a private parenting conference offers several advantages:

  • Doctoral-level, licensed psychologist

  • Advanced training in forensic psychology

  • Extensive experience with high-conflict custody cases

  • In-depth understanding of family systems and child development

  • Compassionate, ethical, and professional approach

What does the process include?

A standard parenting conference includes:

  • A three-hour joint meeting with both parents to identify concerns

  • Child interviews, if appropriate

  • Review of relevant collateral records

  • A written report summarizing findings and recommendations

The goal is for parents to reach a reasonable, child-centered agreement. If this is not possible—or if the agreement is not in the child’s best interest—Dr. DiCarlo will submit a report outlining relevant concerns and recommendations to assist the Court.

Assuming full cooperation and availability, the report is typically submitted within 30 days of Dr. DiCarlo’s appointment.

How much does it cost?

The Parenting Conference is charged as a flat fee of $800, which includes:

  • Up to three hours of in-person conference with the parents

  • Child interviews (if applicable)

  • Report writing

  • Review of up to 100 single-sided pages of documentation from each party

Can I submit documents or other information?

Yes. Each party may submit up to 100 single-sided pages of documents relevant to the parenting conference. Guidelines include:

  • Submissions must be relevant to the scope of the parenting conference.

  • All documents should be submitted through your attorney and copied to opposing counsel. If self-represented, submit directly.

  • Submissions must be received before the start of the parenting conference.

  • Submissions during or after the conference will not be reviewed unless specifically requested by Dr. DiCarlo.

Examples of acceptable documents include:

  • DCS reports

  • Police or incident reports

  • School/academic records

  • Behavioral health or medical records

  • Evaluations and prior parenting conference reports

  • Emails, text messages, agreements, or photographs

Audio/video files must be submitted in a universal format (e.g., .mp4) and must include a full transcript (does not need to be professionally transcribed but must be shared with the other party).

Do not send documents to Dr. DiCarlo’s office until specific instructions are provided after the appointment is confirmed.

Is a Parenting Conference the same as a “P.C.” (Parenting Coordinator)?

No. A Parenting Coordinator (PC) is typically appointed in a longer-term, quasi-judicial role to help resolve ongoing parenting disputes. A Parenting Conference is a brief, evaluative role, usually involving one or two meetings and a single written report to the Court.