There’s a lot to think about when you decide to get a divorce, especially if you’ve chosen to go through mediation instead of having a courtroom divorce. Preparing ahead of time can help to make the process go smoothly.
Think about what you want out of the divorce. What really is important to you and your survival once things are finalized? Perhaps you’re worried about money. Or maybe custody of the children and pets is your biggest concern. Whatever you are hoping to get out of divorce will be easier to negotiate if you create a list to take with you to mediation.
Write down everything you want to address
The best way to begin is by writing down all of your thoughts and concerns. Start by thinking about your immediate family. Child custody is often a huge sticking point for couples. If you have minor children, you will want to consider what is best for them in the end.
Money is another big topic that needs to be addressed. Are you the breadwinner in the family? If so, what are your thoughts as to how to continue to provide for your children? What about spousal support? Your ex will have their own ideas about this. If you have your thoughts written down clearly and concisely, you won’t get flustered if things get heated in mediation.
What’s the point of mediation?
Mediation is meant to make the divorce process a little less painful. Instead of hurling accusations at each other in a courtroom, the two of you will sit down with an experienced mediator with the goal of working toward an amicable separation. The more thought you put into the divorce mediation process ahead of time, the easier the process will be.