Tips On How To Prepare For Divorce Mediation
If you are looking to avoid going to trial in a divorce case, you and your spouse may be attempting to attend mediation and work out a settlement on your own. This helps you to avoid costly litigation expenses, helps you both to move on from the marriage faster and can help you both to keep the items that are most important to you. If you have a mediation date scheduled, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to prepare for the big day. Here are a few tips on how you can prepare for divorce mediation.
Get Your Finances in Order
Before you head in to mediation, take the time to get your finances in order and list it all out. Make a list of all of you and your spouses financial assets, including bank accounts, investment accounts and retirement accounts. Then make a list of all of the debts that you may have, including car payments, IRS debt, house payments and outstanding credit card debt. When you settle a divorce, you need to determine how assets and debts are divided, so listing out exactly what assets and debts the two of you have helps to ensure no assets or bills are forgotten.
Make a List of What You Want
Another tip on how to prepare for divorce mediation is to sit down and make out a list of what you want in the divorce. This may include certain property or assets. If you know what you want, you can go in and fight for the items that are most important to you. It also gives you time to really think about what you want and prioritize the items that are most important to you.
Learn Relaxation Techniques
The last tip to help you prepare for divorce mediation is to learn relaxation techniques. Divorce mediation can be stressful and emotional. Staying as calm and level-headed as possible helps ensure the best outcome. Learning breathing techniques or relaxation techniques for when you feel overwhelmed or stressed out during the process can help you to remain calm and focus on negotiating a settlement.
If you are getting ready to go to mediation for a divorce, it is important to consult with a family law attorney, if you have not already done so. A family law attorney can help advise you on what to expect during the mediation process or help you determine if your expectations are fair. Before signing any mediation documents, they can look over the agreement and ensure that you are not giving up more than you are legally entitled to. If you are preparing for divorce mediation, speak with an attorney in addition to getting your finances in order, making a list or what you want and learning relaxation techniques.
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