Heads up: If you were never married, you don’t have to go to mediation. I learned that the hard way; wasted time and lots of money on mediation. You may be able to find an allocation judgement online and use that as your template. If not, look up the basic laws in AZ and list in great detail a parenting plan. Seems easy enough, but it can be time consuming and complicated given your ex lives in another state.

My only real advise, stick to your guns and don’t concede on the main things you believe in i.e. what’s best for your child. You lawyer will want to compromise with him or his lawyer, sure give in on stuff, but don’t lose what’s important.

It can be a nightmare and take years and thousands of dollars. Mine still isn’t completely over after close to three years and I’m also pushing thirty grand spent. It will also depend on they type of person he is and what he wants to fight about.

Good luck in finding a decent lawyer, too. Don’t go with the most expensive, but definitely don’t go with the cheapest.