| A successful mediation for the parties is one in | | | | pension, IRAs, and regular investments, and the |
| which they resolve all their disagreements and | | | | balances of each |
| proceed to an uncontested divorce hearing. | | | | - bank account (both checking and savings-If you |
| Benefits of a mediated divorce settlement | | | | and your spouse have children, include college |
| agreement include lessening emotional and financial | | | | accounts, doctors' bills, etc. (Note: child support |
| stress, and an agreement both parties can live | | | | calculations are made based on your income |
| with because they are the one who chose the | | | | recent pay stubs-it's a good idea to bring at least |
| resolutions of their issues. | | | | at the last 3 months worth of pay stubs); |
| This checklist will help parties avoid forgetting | | | | - health insurance information, including the cost |
| important issues and information during the | | | | for one, and the cost of health insurance for the |
| mediation. Ideally, you have met or spoken with | | | | children alone if you and your spouse have |
| your family mediator prior to the date of | | | | children from the marriage; |
| mediation and provided some of this basic | | | | - any other document that is important to you |
| information. Regardless, it is always a good idea | | | | and you wish to discuss with your spouse. |
| for you to have these with you, even if you will | | | | 2. A list of the things and questions which are |
| be attending the mediation with your attorney | | | | important to you to talk about and resolve. |
| and have previously provided these items to him | | | | 3. An open mind. Regardless of what has taken |
| or her: | | | | place before this point, no one can change the |
| 1. Have basic information with you, including date | | | | past, including the mediator. It is best to look to |
| of marriage, and the following documents for | | | | the future and what you want to come out of |
| easy reference during the mediation: | | | | the mediation so that you can evaluate the |
| - a list of real and personal property and what | | | | alternatives discussed during the mediation. |
| you believe is the fair market value of it; | | | | 4. Be on time for the mediation. Even if your |
| - debt, including credit cards, mortgage | | | | divorce mediation has been scheduled for the |
| statements, etc., and the balances on each; | | | | entire day, being on time will let you take |
| - investment accounts, including retirement, | | | | advantage of every minute. |