DIVORCE CONSULTATION/MEDIATION CHECKLIST: THE FOLLOWING IS
1. What is the history if any of prior litigation between the parties?
Has you or has your partner filed for divorce before? Have there been any domestic violence proceedings between you and your spouse? If you are interested in representation for a post-judgment matter such as an alimony or child support modification, obtain your divorce judgment and agreement or any order that is the subject of the current matter. It is important to detail your past history of litigation between the two of you so that your attorney or mediator is aware of it to help you move forward effectively.
2. Income Information
Gather your tax returns for the last three years together and provide these documents to your mediator at the earliest possible time.
3. Gather Debt and Asset Information
Make a list all debt that you have acquired during the marriage including credit cards, loans, personal debts, etc.
Make another list of any assets that you have acquired during your marriage, for example real property with values and locations.
4. Summarize Employment and Salary History of the Parties
Write down the employment history and earning/salary history for each party.
5. Children
Write down the following information concerning your children and provide them to your mediator:
a. names and dates of birth of the children and their ages;
b. If your child attends post-high school training school or college provide the names and locations of colleges, tuition and method of payment of same.
c. If your child is not yet enrolled in college, write down any plans for college your child may have.
d. List any bank accounts or funds set aside for payment of college tuition that were set up during the marriage.
e. Write down any special needs your child may have.
6. Prepare a List of Questions
It is always a good idea to bring a list of questions to your first consultation. This list will allow you to gather your thoughts regarding the legal process and what to expect. You may have more questions that come up during the consultation that may distract you from the ones you had before coming so having these questions written down will allow you to get most out of the consultation.