Divorce Checklist: What You Need For Divorce Mediation

If you are preparing for divorce mediation, it's important to bring certain documents to your lawyer to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here are checklists to help you better prepare for your divorce mediation.

Divorce Checklist: Emotional and Mental Needs

Preparing for your first divorce mediation session can be overwhelming, but having a checklist can help you stay organized and focused. Here are some items to consider adding to your checklist:

Prepare a List of Questions

Write down any questions or concerns you have about the divorce process, such as how to handle child custody or how to divide assets.

Determine Your Priorities

Think about what is most important to you in the divorce settlement. This could be custody of your children, keeping the family home, or ensuring financial security.

Consider Your Ideal Outcome

Consider what your ideal outcome for the divorce settlement would be, and be prepared to compromise and negotiate with your spouse during mediation.

Bring a Support Person

It can be helpful to bring a support person, such as a friend or family member, to provide emotional support during the mediation session.

Be Prepared To Listen

Be prepared to actively listen to your spouse's concerns and priorities during the mediation session, and be willing to work together to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Remain Open-Minded

Be open-minded to different possibilities and solutions that may be presented during the mediation process.

Stay Focused

Stay focused on the issues at hand and avoid bringing up past grievances or disagreements during the mediation session.

Remember that every divorce mediation session is different, and it's important to work with your attorney and mediator to create a plan that works best for your unique situation.

Divorce Checklist: Financial Documents Needed

Financial disclosures are an essential part of the divorce process, and it's crucial to provide accurate and complete information during mediation. Here is a divorce checklist for financial disclosures during divorce mediation:

Income

Disclose all sources of income, including

• salaries
• bonuses
• investments
• rental income
• and other sources

Assets

Disclose all assets, including:

• bank accounts
• retirement accounts
• real estate
• vehicles
• stocks
• and other investments.

Debts

Disclose all debts, including:

• credit card balances
• mortgages
• car loans
• student loans
• and other liabilities.

Tax Returns

Provide copies of your tax returns for the previous three years, including all schedules and attachments.

Business Interests

Disclose any ownership interests in businesses, including:

• partnerships
• sole proprietorships
• and corporations.

Insurance Policies

Disclose all insurance policies, including:

• life
• health
• auto
• and home insurance.

Expenses

Provide a detailed list of your monthly expenses, including:

• rent or mortgage payments
• utilities
• food
• clothing
• and other costs.

Retirement Accounts

Disclose all retirement accounts, including:

• 401(k)s
• IRAs
• pensions
• and other retirement plans.

Property Appraisals

Provide appraisals or valuations of any real estate, vehicles, or other property.

Bank Statements

Provide copies of your bank statements for the previous 12 months.

Review Your Budget

Review your monthly budget to determine what your financial needs are during and after the divorce.

Remember that providing accurate and complete financial information during divorce mediation is essential for a fair and equitable settlement. Work with your divorce mediation lawyer to ensure that all necessary financial disclosures are provided and that your interests are protected.

Divorce Checklist: Settlement Negotiations

Negotiating a divorce settlement during mediation can be complex, emotional, and stressful. Having a checklist of items to consider during settlement negotiations can help you stay focused and organized. Here is a checklist for settlement negotiations during divorce mediation:

Property Division

Discuss how you will divide marital assets and debts, including real estate, vehicles, investments, and other property.

Spousal Support

Determine whether one spouse will pay spousal support to the other and for how long.

Child Custody

Discuss how you will share custody of your children and how you will make decisions about their upbringing.

Child Support

Determine how much child support will be paid and by whom, based on the state guidelines and your specific circumstances.

Tax Implications

Consider the tax implications of any settlement agreements, such as who will claim the children as dependents or how retirement accounts will be divided.

Insurance

Determine how insurance coverage will be handled, including health insurance, life insurance, and auto insurance.

Retirement Accounts

Discuss how retirement accounts will be divided and whether any tax penalties will apply.

Debts

Determine how marital debts will be divided, including credit card balances, mortgages, and other liabilities.

Dispute Resolution

Determine how any future disputes will be resolved, such as through mediation or arbitration.

Final Agreement

Work with your attorney and mediator to draft a final agreement that reflects the terms of your settlement negotiations.

Starting the Divorce Process

Starting the divorce process can be a daunting task, but here are some general steps that can help guide you through the process:

• Consider the options: Before filing for divorce, consider all the options that may be available to you, such as counseling or mediation. If there is a chance to reconcile, it's important to explore it.
• Gather important documents: Start gathering important financial and legal documents such as tax returns, bank statements, deeds, and insurance policies. This will help you prepare for negotiations and protect your assets.
• Hire an attorney: It's important to hire an experienced divorce attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests.
• File a petition: The next step is to file a petition for divorce with the court in your jurisdiction. Your attorney can help you with this process.
• Serve your spouse: Once the petition is filed, your spouse must be served with the divorce papers. This can be done by a process server or by mail, depending on the rules in your jurisdiction.
• Negotiate a settlement: Most divorces are settled out of court through negotiation and mediation. Work with your attorney to develop a settlement agreement that addresses property division, child custody, and support.
• Attend hearings: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court and present your case to a judge.

Remember that the divorce process can vary depending on your specific situation and the laws in your jurisdiction. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.

Tips For Choosing the Best Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Divorce can be a stressful and emotional process, and choosing the right divorce mediation lawyer can make a big difference in how the process plays out. Here are some tips to help you choose the best divorce mediation lawyer for your situation:

• Look for a lawyer with experience in divorce mediation. Divorce mediation is a specific area of law, and it's important to choose a lawyer who has experience in this area.
• Check for qualifications and credentials. Make sure the lawyer you choose is licensed to practice in your state, and has the necessary qualifications and credentials to practice law.
• Ask for referrals. Ask friends and family members who have been through divorce mediation for recommendations.
• Look for a lawyer with good communication skills. Your lawyer should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with you and your spouse, and be able to explain legal concepts in a way that you can understand.
• Choose a lawyer who is neutral and unbiased. A good divorce mediation lawyer will remain neutral and not take sides, and will work to find a resolution that is fair to both parties.
• Consider the lawyer's availability. Make sure the lawyer you choose is available to meet with you and your spouse at times that are convenient for both of you.
• Check for fees and costs. Make sure you understand the lawyer's fees and costs upfront, and ask about any additional costs that may arise during the mediation process.
• Trust your instincts. Ultimately, you should choose a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to represent your best interests.

Divorce Mediation FAQs

Q: What is divorce mediation?

A: Divorce mediation is a process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps divorcing couples negotiate and resolve issues related to their divorce. The goal of mediation is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support, without going to court.

Q: What is online divorce mediation?

Online divorce mediation is a process of resolving issues related to divorce with the help of a mediator using online communication tools, such as video conferencing, email, or messaging. It allows couples to go through the mediation process from the comfort of their own homes, without having to physically meet with the mediator.

Online divorce mediation is similar to in-person mediation, with the same goal of helping couples reach a mutually acceptable agreement on issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support. The main difference is that the process takes place virtually, rather than in a physical location.

Online divorce mediation can offer some unique benefits, such as greater flexibility and convenience, as well as the ability to work with a mediator who is not located in the same geographical area. However, it is important to ensure that the online communication tools used are secure and confidential, to protect the privacy of both parties.

Q: How is mediation different from going to court?

A: Mediation is a collaborative process, where both parties work together to reach a resolution. Going to court, on the other hand, is an adversarial process where each party presents their case and a judge makes a decision. Mediation allows the parties to have more control over the outcome, whereas in court, the judge makes the final decision.

Q: What are the benefits of divorce mediation?

A: Some of the benefits of divorce mediation include:

• Cost savings compared to going to court
• More control over the outcome
• Faster resolution compared to court proceedings
• Reduced conflict and stress
• Improved communication between the parties
• More creative and flexible solutions

Q: How long does mediation take?

A: The length of mediation can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the willingness of the parties to work together. Some cases can be resolved in just a few sessions, while others may take several months.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for mediation?

A: While it is not required to have a lawyer for mediation, it is recommended that each party consult with their own lawyer before and after the mediation process to ensure that their rights are protected and that the agreement is fair and reasonable.

Q: What if we can't reach an agreement in mediation?

A: If the parties are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, they may choose to pursue other options, such as arbitration or going to court. However, many couples are able to reach a resolution through mediation, even if they initially disagree on certain issues.

Q: Is mediation confidential?

A: Yes, mediation is confidential. This means that anything discussed during the mediation process cannot be used in court if the parties are unable to reach an agreement. This confidentiality helps to encourage open and honest communication between the parties.

You Don't Have To Face Divorce Alone- Contact Us Today

Michelle S. Bullock, Law and Mediation PLLC has years of experience successfully mediating divorces. Call today to get started.