In my online course, "How to Prepare for Divorce," I go in-depth on how to prepare for divorce and mediation, specifically, if that's the process you choose to use. At a high level, here is a brief divorce mediation checklist to help you prepare for your first appointment.
Make a list of questions that you have for the mediator. Before agreeing to use the mediator, both you and your spouse should have an opportunity to speak with him/her. You'll want to ask about:
Make a list of all of your concerns. You may not address them in your first appointment but it's important to start writing them down. To keep yourself organized, try to cluster your concerns about a specific topic. For example, make a list of all of the concerns you have that are about your shared parenting agreement separately from concerns you have about dividing retirement accounts. To get you thinking, here are some topics to consider:
Collect and organize all of your financial documents. Bring them with you to each appointment. Below is a list of documents to get you started (some may not apply):
Here's a list of some of our other posts about mediation that you may find useful:
3 Mindset Shifts to Make as You Prepare for Mediation
The Best Kept Secret of Mediation
5 Mediation Strategies to Get What You Want
How to Ask Your Spouse to Mediate Your Divorce
Can Pre-Mediation Coaching Really Make a Difference?
How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?
Bridge the Divide: Negotiations in Mediation
Divorce Mediation Tips for Handling Your Emotions
For more information about how to prepare for divorce and to learn to negotiate with confidence, contact us.
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