Divorce Mediation Checklist: Tips and How to Prepare

Divorce mediation offers a path toward navigating family issues and the court process with dignity, respect, and mutual agreement. At Family Mediation Center, we believe in empowering couples with education, guidance, and the support of our experienced mediation team. Preparing for mediation is crucial for a smooth, efficient process that considers both parties' emotional and financial well-being. 

This blog post provides a comprehensive checklist for those considering divorce mediation, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right mediation team and preparing effectively for the journey ahead.

Understanding Your Options

It’s crucial to understand the different divorce process options available to make the best choice possible for you and your family. At Family Mediation Center, we provide no charge initial phone calls with a lawyer mediator and a joint legal education meeting of up to two hours for a flat fee of $250.

If helpful, consider interviewing alternative mediators. It’s essential that you feel comfortable as you’ll be sharing personal information and relying on their expertise to restructure your family and your finances. Divorce does not have to be emotionally or financially destructive, but it is important you get the best help possible as you navigate this challenging time and make decisions that affect the rest of your life. 

Choosing Your Team

Selecting your lawyer mediator is the first step toward a constructive divorce process. A skilled lawyer mediator provides legal education, facilitates communication, and helps you and your spouse find common ground and reach equitable agreements. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, a mediator does not make decisions for you but works to help you understand your options and reach mutual, well-informed agreements.

Divorce is not just a legal issue. For a more holistic mediation process, consider a team that includes financial and child/family specialists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of your divorce, from asset division to child custody are addressed with the most skilled professionals in each field. If children’s issues are at the forefront, you may wish to start your process with a child specialist. Call Family Mediation Center or refer to our website for referrals.

Preparing for Your Mediation Meetings

At your first joint meeting, you will review the legal documents and decide on a time for filing your court action.  You will also review the financial homework necessary for the court Financial Disclosure Statement and the complete financial picture needed to make decisions for your final agreement.

A comprehensive financial snapshot is crucial for informed decision-making during mediation. Information will include pay stubs, bank statements, investment accounts, retirement benefits, recent tax returns, and information and values or appraisals for any other assets or debts. At subsequent meetings you will discuss all of the information and decide on allocation of income, expenses, assets, and debts.

Equally important is preparing yourself mentally and emotionally. Going through a divorce can be emotionally taxing, so consider strategies to help you manage stress and stay focused. You may have many friends and family giving advice, and having professional support to clarify your goals can be helpful. Approaching mediation with a constructive attitude, open mind, and readiness to negotiate can help keep the process on track toward final resolution.

If you have children, their needs should be central and a child specialist can help you jointly decide how best to support them through separation, divorce, and beyond. Support from a mediation professional skilled in child development, co-parenting techniques, and options for family transitions can assure your agreements are focused on your children’s best interests.  

The mediator will help you consider all information needed and options to consider before you make final agreements. It is essential you both are well-informed so you can create a durable agreement that works now and avoids future returns to court.

Agreements Needed for a Final Divorce

The number of meetings needed to finalize your divorce depends on the extent of your issues and your mutual cooperation. You can discuss your personal process in your free first call and flat fee joint meeting.

To conclude a divorce in mediation you need to reach agreements in three key areas:

1. Financial Arrangements: This encompasses the division of assets and debts, determining any spousal support, and, if children, child support and expenses. You will need to consider each party's financial needs post-divorce. It's essential to approach these discussions after full financial disclosure, understanding the legal and financial impact of options, and a willingness to negotiate fairly.
2. Child Custody and Parenting Plans: For couples with children, creating a parenting plan is their paramount responsibility. This includes placement time with each parent, how parenting responsibilities will be shared or divided, and how decisions about the children's welfare and activities will be made. The children's best interests should always be the guiding principle in these discussions. A child specialist can help you decide on co-parenting terms and draft your court-required plan.
3. Future Communication and Dispute Resolution: Establishing guidelines for how future communication will be handled and how any potential changes will be resolved help you avoid future financial or family conflicts, especially if children are involved. Mediation can be a helpful resource and alternative to court.

In each of these areas, the goal is to achieve mutually acceptable agreements that respect the needs and interests of all parties involved, laying the foundation for a positive future.

Considering Divorce Mediation? Contact The Family Mediation Center Today

Divorce mediation is a path toward resolving disputes with dignity, respect, and a focus on the future. By choosing the right process and professionals and preparing thoroughly, you can navigate this challenging time with greater ease and confidence. The Family Mediation Center is here to support you every step of the way, offering the guidance and expertise needed to reach amicable agreements that serve the best interests of your entire family.

Contact us today for a free consultation. ​