How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is a constructive and cost-effective way to navigate the dissolution of a marriage, but proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient process. By gathering necessary financial documents, considering living arrangements, and thinking through parenting plans, you can make the most of your mediation sessions. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Organize Your Financial Information

Mediation requires full financial disclosure, whether you and your spouse are dividing your assets or waiving your rights to some of all of your spouses assets. Before your first mediation session, gather all relevant financial statements, including:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, money market, etc.)
• Brokerage and investment accounts
• Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, pensions, etc.)
• Debts (mortgages, home equity lines of credit, credit cards, car loans, personal loans, student loans)

If some of your retirement assets are pre-marital and therefore not subject to division, try to obtain statements showing balances on or around the date of your marriage. In some cases, consulting a financial professional may be necessary to help quantify the pre-marital assets.

2. Consider Living Arrangements

One of the most important decisions in a divorce is determining future living arrangements. Key considerations include:

• Where will the children primarily reside?
• Will the marital home be sold, or will one spouse buy out the other?
• If you are keeping the home jointly, how long will this arrangement last (e.g., until the children graduate high school, college, or some other arrangement)?
• What are your anticipated housing costs for living separately?

3. Prepare Monthly Budgets

Understanding your post-divorce financial situation will help you make informed decisions during mediation. Prepare separate monthly budgets that account for your anticipated living expenses, including housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, childcare, and other recurring costs.

4. Think About Parenting Schedules

If you have children, it’s helpful to consider a parenting schedule before mediation. Think about:

• How will parenting time be divided during the week and weekends?
• How will holidays and vacations be shared?
• What arrangements will be made for transportation and school schedules?

5. Maximize the Efficiency of Mediation

While all of these matters can be worked out during mediation, preparing in advance will make the process more efficient and productive. Having documentation and preliminary ideas ready can help you focus on resolving issues rather than gathering information during the sessions.

Reach Out for Guidance

At Peacemaker Divorce Mediation, we understand that preparing for mediation can feel overwhelming. If you need guidance or have questions about the process, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about how mediation can work for you!