Skip to Content
Call Us 908-735-5161

Critical Checklist for Divorce Mediation

Oct 7, 2015 | Written by: Diana N. Fredericks, Esq. |

Divorce mediation can be an excellent alternative to traditional litigation in many circumstances. However, there are some important factors to consider when selecting a mediator and preparing for the process.

First, divorce mediators are trained in many different styles, and it is important to understand their varied approaches before making a selection.   Mediators can be selected with the assistance of your attorney, the Court’s list of economic mediators[1], and/or Bar Association referrals.

When selecting a Mediator, you should consider…

  • How much experience does the mediator have?
  • What kind of education and training does the mediator have?
  • Will the mediator provide you with references?
  • How will mediation be conducted? Separate rooms? Same Room?
  • Will the mediator give an opinion regarding outcome?
  • Will the mediator provide you with a copy of his/her agreement/engagement in advance?
  • What is the hourly rate and is a retainer required?
  • What are the rules on confidentiality?
  • How long are the sessions?
  • How many sessions will be necessary?
  • Will the mediator review any materials in advance?
  • Does the mediator accept the submission of confidential position statements in advance?
  • What documents do you need to have for mediation?
  • Who needs to attend? Lawyers? Accountants? Experts?
  • How does the mediator handle impasse?
  • Does the mediator draft a Memorandum of Understanding or a Marital Settlement Agreement?
  • How does the mediator communicate the issues and expectations for each session?

Once you have selected your mediator, scheduled a session and understand the process, you need to consider your position on the issues. While you are expected to compromise and may not always get what you want, it is important to have an understanding of the issues you are expected to address (especially if you do not have an attorney) and understand your expectations with regard to those issues.   While it is critical that you have an opinion on the issues, it is equally important that you are also willing to compromise.

Some of the issues to consider and plan for include:

Parenting Arrangements

1. Legal Custody (who makes major decisions about the children regarding education, religion, and major healthcare issues?)

2. Physical Custody (time the children will spend with each parent)

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Childcare plans
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Holidays
  • Birthdays
  • Summers
  • Extended vacation times
  • Travel plans
  • Temporary changes to plan

3. Communication (telephone, email, text)

  • Between parents
  • Between parents and children

4. Spousal Support and Expenses

  • Spousal Support: amount, method, and duration
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance

5. Child Support and Expenses

  • Child support: amount, method, and duration
  • Health insurance
  • Medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Childcare expenses
  • Tax deductions
  • Life insurance beneficiaries
  • School/college expenses
  • Expenses for extras: activities, birthday parties, non-essential items

Equitable Distribution of Property

  • Determine value of assets and liabilities, including:
    • House/property
    • Property expenses (mortgage, utilities, taxes)
    • Household furnishings
    • Motor vehicles (payments, insurance, expenses)
    • Savings/checking accounts
    • Investments/stocks
    • Retirement accounts
    • Credit cards
    • Personal debt
    • Insurance (cash value)
    • Tax refunds or payments due
    • Inheritance
    • Bankruptcy
    • Business
    • Moving
    • Communication
    • Legal expenses
    • Resolving future disputes

Above all, BE PREPARED TO COMPROMISE!!!  Mediation is about settlement, not winning.

 

Diana Fredericks, Esq., is a partner with Gebhardt & Kiefer, PC and has devoted her practice to family-related matters. If you wish to schedule a consultation, contact Ms. Fredericks at 908-735-5161 or via email. In 2015, Ms. Fredericks was named to the NJ Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in the practice of family law by Thomson Reuters, and to the 2015 New Leaders of the Bar list by the New Jersey Law Journal.

[1] http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/family/rosters/hunterdon.pdf


Categories

Year Archives