What can I do to do to prepare for mediation?
You may have an attorney advising you in preparation for mediation and should follow the advice of your counsel. Still, it is helpful to come to mediation prepared with recent financial statements and lists of any items or issues of particular importance to ensure your goals are met during negotiations. Please see the links below to learn more about the items you may need at mediation, depending on the issues in your case.
DIVORCE CASES
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
CHILD SUPPORT CASES
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
CHILD SUPPORT CASES
DIVORCE CASES
Parties to a divorce must divide all assets and debts, so it is helpful to have most recent statements handy to streamline settlement negotiations. Current income information will also be needed in cases involving claims for alimony or attorney's fees, as well as to calculate child support. The following is a list of items parties to a divorce should gather in preparation for mediation:
assets
- A verified Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (see sample under Resources below)
- A balance sheet itemizing all assets and debts
- Statements for all liquid accounts (ex: Checking, Savings, Money Market, CD, Brokerage Accounts, ApplePay, etc.)
- Statements for any Investment Account, including virtual and cryptocurrency, 529 account, etc.
- Statements for all Retirement Accounts (ex: 401(k), 403(b), IRA's)
- Statements for any Pension
- Real Estate Valuations
- Personal Property Valuations (ex: Vehicles, Boats, Horses, Jewelry, Artwork, etc.) and a list of any personal property you desire in the divorce, including furniture, etc.
- Business Valuations
- Documentation reflecting any Deferred Compensation
- Documentation reflecting any Stock Options or RSU's
- Statements reflecting any Whole Life Insurance Policy or Annuity
- Documentation supporting any claims to separate property
income
- Tax Returns (Federal and State)
- W-2's, 1099's, K-1's, etc.
- Pay Stubs
- Documentation reflecting any other form of income
LIABILITIES
- Mortgage statements
- Credit Card statements
- Documentation reflecting any other loans or debts
CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME CASES
If you have minor children, you will need to create a Parenting Plan detailing living arrangements, decision-making for your children and other parenting decisions while at mediation. In preparation for mediation, you should consider the following, taking into account what will work for you and your family's schedules:
PHYSICAL CUSTODY
- Where the children will primarily live
- When the children will visit each parent
- How parents will divide holidays and school breaks
* See sample parenting schedule options under Resources section below.
LEGAL CUSTODY
- How parents will decide major decisions for their children (ex: educational decisions, medical decisions, religious upbringing, extracurricular activities).
CHILD SUPPORT CASES
If you have minor children, you will need to complete a Child Support Worksheet detailing division and payment of expenses for the children while at mediation. In preparation for mediation, you should gather the following documentation to assist in settlement negotiations:
INCOME
- Tax Returns (Federal and State)
- W-2's, 1099's, K-1's and any other documentation of income
- Pay Stubs
CHILDREN'S EXPENSES
- Documentation reflecting health insurance costs for the children
- Documentation reflecting any major expenses for the children such as private school tuition, work-related childcare, extraordinary medical expenses, etc.
See link to Georgia Online Child Support Calculator: https://csconlinecalc.georgiacourts.gov/
Copyright © 2023 Devine Divorce Mediation - All Rights Reserved.
No attorney-client relationship formed. Any information or materials found on this website are for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice of any kind whatsoever. Use or access of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship with Devine Divorce Mediation or Lauren Devine. No person viewing or accessing this website should act or refrain from acting based on any information contained herein and should seek appropriate legal counsel from an attorney licensed in the viewer's jurisdiction.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.