Helping Hands Document and Mediation Services  

Coming to mediation prepared is absolutely necessary!  It is very difficult to mediate a case when the parties are not prepared!   What shall I bring, you ask?  It’s simple.  What information do you think I need to help you resolve your disputes?:)  In case you’re having trouble,  here are the basics:

Basic information on parties:  names, addresses, children, if any, seperated, living together, etc.

Basic information about children:  with whom living, current support arrangement, etc.

Whether there are any protective orders in place–It is very rare that I will mediate such cases.

Whether you have an attorney and whether he/she will be attending the mediation: If you have one  I welcome them to attend.  I like to know if attorneys will be present, as I like to speak with them prior to your mediation and when attorneys are involved, I communicate through them prior to the mediation, not to the parties directly. a brief  confidential statement of your issues  – If you have an attorney, he/she can prepare this statement.  If not, you can prepare your own statement, detailing what you view as the key issues and any proposed resolutions, if you so desire.  This statement is optional and confidential and will not be shared with the other party.

Last three-four pay stubs for both parties, last 3  year’s income tax returns

Information regarding pension plans, IRA's , Pensions, stocks  (Latest statements)

Any prior child support orders

Whether there are any subsequent children

Information regarding any outstanding debts, a detailed excel spread sheet is best.

Information regarding any personal and/or real property, including any business valuations and/or home appraisals

Information regarding any bank accounts, stocks, options, securities, life insurance policies,  etc.

Any prenuptial agreements involving either party

Projected post-separation/divorce expenses  –  childcare costs, health insurance, education/tuition costs, childeren’s extracurricular activities, etc.

I may have forgotten something, SO ANYTHING THAT YOU THINK WOULD BE HELPFUL, BUT ISN”T ON THIS LIST–BRING IT TOO!

Whew!!  I know that seems like a lot, but if you are prepared with the above, your mediation will certainly go more smoothly!

Email me if you have any questions about any of the above