MORE ON SEPARATION MEDIATION
Since my recent posting on Separation Mediation, I’ve been asked for more information.
Typically, one party takes the initiative to introduce the concept of mediation and its advantages. It is advisable to suggest the process, rather than a specific mediator. While mediators are neutral, some might say suggesting one is an attempt to control the process.
Most Divorce Mediation is face-to-face, but in no way is that required. If one party feels intimated by the other, the mediator could conduct the session as a go-between, moving from one participant to the other. The mediation can also be conducted telephonically or online.
Divorce Mediation provides the opportunity to negotiate a settlement on all the issues that must be settled, including financial, social, emotional, and personal ones, such as what to say to co-workers and families.
The information I recommend gathering before the mediation includes:
Background Information: Birth date and occupation; time living together; length of marriage; and start of living separately.
Real Estate: Deeds, mortgages, tax information, and home appraisal, if available.
Tax Returns: Past three years, if possible.
Vehicles: Registrations, loan information, and Blue Book values.
Bank and Credit Card Statements: Most recent one or past two years.
Nonmonetary Accounts: Frequent flyer miles, for example.
Insurance Policies/Investment Records/Retirement and Pension Funds: Current value.
Loans: Current amounts due.
Businesses Owned: Total worth.
Estate Planning Documents: Wills, trusts, prepaid funeral arrangements.
Personal Property: Antiques and collectibles.
And don’t forget the pets!
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Fred Jandt is the author of “How to Survive a Mediation,” available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.