Item Text

80. PARENTING CONFERENCE FEE ADJUSTMENT Pursuant to A.R.S. §11-251.08, set a public hearing for June 3, 2009 to authorize and approve the Superior Court in Maricopa County to increase the Parenting Conference fee. The proposed increase will raise the cost of a parenting conference to $300.00 per party, an increase of $100.00 over the existing fee. The additional monies will be attributable to and cover the expense of providing the service for which the fee is assessed. This fee increase will not exceed the actual cost of the product or service being provided. The higher fee will offset increasing costs associated with parenting conferences. Authority for this request is based on A.R.S. 11-251.08. Parenting conferences address a vital component of any family relationship and the ongoing dynamic between the parents when dealing with their child(ren)’s issues and needs. Starting in FY2010, the Court will enter into a new venture to contract these services with outside providers and as a result, the anticipated cost will be higher to secure qualified vendors and to maintain a sufficient level of staff support and contract management. Monies collected are intended for use to offset the material, labor, equipment, and personnel expenses of providing parenting conferences. The fees are deposited by the Clerk of the Court into the General Fund (100) with the Maricopa County Treasurer. Parties will be permitted to request a waiver or deferral of fees using the process that is established and no party will be precluded from pursuing relief solely due to inability to pay these costs. Upon Board approval, the effective date for the new fee will be July 1, 2009. A large number of cases in Family Court seek relief for parenting time arrangements and decisions on child custody matters. The purpose of the non-confidential Parenting Conference is to assist the Court in determining the best interests of the child(ren) by providing information, frequently including recommendations, with respect to the children's residential arrangements, the amount of time they spend with each parent, and how the parents might assume decision-making responsibility for their children. Conciliation Services is projecting 2,149 Parenting Conferences requested or ordered by the Court and completed by members of Conciliation Services in FY2010. Although all parties are required to pay a filing or response fee, these costs were never designed to support the level of services now offered by Conciliation Services. Parenting conferences average one hour of administrative support staff time, three hours of client interview session and five hours of report drafting and preparation prior to submission to the parties, counsel and the court for approval. Upon Board approval, the costs will be assessed to each party or other apportionment as ordered by the Court. (C-80-09-010-2-00)

Item Text

8. PARENTING CONFERENCE FEE ADJUSTMENT Pursuant to A.R.S. §11-251.08, convene the scheduled public hearing to authorize and approve the Superior Court in Maricopa County to increase the Parenting Conference fee. The proposed increase will raise the cost of a parenting conference to $300.00 per party, an increase of $100.00 over the existing fee. The additional monies will be attributable to and cover the expense of providing the service for which the fee is assessed. This fee increase will not exceed the actual cost of the product or service being provided. The higher fee will offset increasing costs associated with parenting conferences. Authority for this request is based on A.R.S. 11-251.08. Parenting conferences address a vital component of any family relationship and the ongoing dynamic between the parents when dealing with their child(ren)’s issues and needs. Starting in FY2010, the Court will enter into a new venture to contract these services with outside providers and as a result, the anticipated cost will be higher to secure qualified vendors and to maintain a sufficient level of staff support and contract management. Monies collected are intended for use to offset the material, labor, equipment, and personnel expenses of providing parenting conferences. The fees are deposited by the Clerk of the Court into the General Fund (100) with the Maricopa County Treasurer. Parties will be permitted to request a waiver or deferral of fees using the process that is established and no party will be precluded from pursuing relief solely due to inability to pay these costs. Upon Board approval, the effective date for the new fee will be July 1, 2009. A large number of cases in Family Court seek relief for parenting time arrangements and decisions on child custody matters. The purpose of the non-confidential Parenting Conference is to assist the Court in determining the best interests of the child(ren) by providing information, frequently including recommendations, with respect to the children's residential arrangements, the amount of time they spend with each parent, and how the parents might assume decision-making responsibility for their children. Conciliation Services is projecting 2,149 Parenting Conferences requested or ordered by the Court and completed by members of Conciliation Services in FY2010. Although all parties are required to pay a filing or response fee, these costs were never designed to support the level of services now offered by Conciliation Services. Parenting conferences average one hour of administrative support staff time, three hours of client interview session and five hours of report drafting and preparation prior to submission to the parties, counsel and the court for approval. Upon Board approval, the costs will be assessed to each party or other apportionment as ordered by the Court. (C-80-09-010-2-00)