MEDIATION CHECKLIST
When you’re ready to attend a mediation on your legal matter being prepared is the key to success. Having the right attitude, information, and objectives is important to bring your mediation to a beneficial and productive conclusion.
Information
Information is the key to success and conclusion. More is better.
- Your mediator will need full names of all involved, addresses of you, your spouse, and your children; and a copy of any premarital agreement.
- All available financial data, including: at least three (3) months of bank, retirement and investment statements, income tax returns from the past three (3) years; last three (3) months of pay stubs; the major assets and liabilities of both Parties; insurance policies (inclusive of the breakdown for employee, employee/spouse, employee/children & family); and credit card statements.
Goals
Writing down the wants and expectations of the mediation may help you determine your final outcome.
- What are your goals with this mediation?
- Separate between what may be essential and any “wish list” goals.
- What do you think the other side’s goals are?
- Separate between what may be essential and any “wish list” goals.
Attitude
Attending your mediation you should be willing to look past emotions and, in a spirit of cooperation, find the best solution for your unique situation. Mediation is not a cure all, however it can create a future where you are able to give input and make decisions you can live with for the duration of the agreement. For it to be successful, there must be some communication or at least a willingness to focus on the issues rather than on emotions. You both must be willing to make concessions and compromises, in order to find a workable solution.
