When working through the details of a divorce, it can be difficult to come to agreement. Dividing assets and financial resources, making decisions about child custody and determining financial support are decisions that can be divisive. Having a neutral third party guide you through negotiations can help you reach agreeable terms and retain control of the details of your divorce settlement.
Coming prepared can save time and money
A mediator does not represent either spouse. They work with the couple to help facilitate agreement and clarify misconceptions. It is important to come to mediation with the necessary documents to help the process move as quickly and smoothly as possible. Some items to bring include:
- Pay stubs and related W-2s and 1099s
- Most recent tax returns
- Business real estate valuations
- Current finance statements for checking, savings and money markets accounts
- Statements for both retirement and non-retirement accounts
- Statements for credit accounts including loans and credit cards
It is also important to consider what your budget will be after the divorce so you can make informed decisions about what you may want to negotiate for during the mediation process.
There are many benefits of mediation in divorce
Unlike court records, which are public, mediation is confidential and tends to be less confrontational and can reduce the negative emotions that so often cloud the divorce process. By retaining control of the outcome, couples typically feel better about the final terms of their divorce. Ultimately, coming into mediation with an open mind is one of the most important things to bring to your mediation session.