To prepare for divorce mediation, it is helpful to gather as many financial and other relevant documents as possible. This will help you and your mediator to have a better understanding of your assets, debts, and income, which will make it easier to reach a fair and equitable agreement.
Here is a list of documents you may need to have ready:
- Financial documents:
- Individual and business income tax returns for the past three to five years (federal, state, and local)
- Proof of your current income
- Proof of your spouse’s current income
- Prenuptial agreement (if any)
- Postmarital or partition agreement (if any)
- Separation agreement (if any)
- Bank statements
- Certificates of deposit
- Pension statements
- Retirement account statements
- Trusts
- Stock portfolios
- Stock options
- Mortgages
- Property tax statements
- Credit card statements
- Loan documents
- Utility bills
- Other bills (e.g., school tuition, unreimbursed medical bills, music lessons for children, etc.)
- Monthly budget worksheet
- Completed financial statements
- Employment and benefits documents:
- Employment contracts
- Benefits statements
- Insurance policies:
- Life insurance policies
- Health insurance policies
- Homeowner’s insurance policies
- Automobile insurance policies
- Appraisal reports:
- Personal property appraisals
- Real property appraisals
- Lists of property:
- List of personal property (including home furnishings, jewelry, artwork, computers, home office equipment, clothing and furs, etc.)
- List of property owned by each spouse prior to marriage
- List of property acquired by each spouse individually by gift or inheritance during the marriage
- List of contents of safety deposit boxes
- Other documents:
- Wills
- Living wills
- Powers of attorney
- Durable powers of attorney
- Advance health care directives
If you have any questions about which documents you need to bring to mediation, please contact your mediator.
Insights has mediators trained in divorce and family mediation. We can help you and your spouse to resolve your divorce peacefully and efficiently.