How to Prepare for Divorce and Child Custody Mediation

(Below is a transcription of this video)

Hi, my name is Tim Colgan. I’m a divorce and custody mediator with Colgan
and Associates.

Preparing for Divorce and Child Custody Mediation

Parties that I work with in mediation services often ask me how can
we be prepared to begin our mediation process so that we make the most
efficient use of our time. Here are a couple of things that you can do in
preparing for mediation to help you.

Gather Financial All Information

First, begin to compile and gather as much financial information as you
can. You’re going to need information regarding bank statements,
retirement accounts, the value of your home, the balance owed on your
mortgage, any debts that you might have, any other assets of any value.
That information is going to be very helpful and informative to both of you
as you move through the mediation process and will help the mediator
understand who the two of you are and the issues that you need to address.

Think About Your Forward Looking Needs and Interests

Second, if you can, begin thinking about your forward looking needs and
interests. Mediation is a process that allows parties to begin thinking
about where they want to be a year from now, five years from now, 10 years
from now. In this process, you have the ability to examine your own goals,
needs, and interests and in doing so evaluate those goals, needs, and
interests against possible options for resolution. In doing that, it’s a
very powerful process that allows you to really make a very tailored and
long lasting resolution for yourself.

Determine Any Priority Topics

Finally, determine if there are any priority topics that you need to deal
with during the first mediation session. Mediation is a great process
because it allows the parties to control and decide what issues they need
to discuss first and foremost.

For instance, do you need to address a schedule for the upcoming school
year for your kids? Do you need to address who’s going to pay bills once
you’re no longer living in the same home? If you give some thought ahead
of time to any priority topics that need to be addressed, the mediator will
be able to hone in on those issues and be able to work with you first and
foremost to be able to get resolution on those particular topics.

Want to Learn More About Mediation for Divorce and Child Custody?

If you’d like more information about divorce law or if you just want to give
me a call to discuss any matter related to family law in general, property
division, child custody, or support, please give us a call at 717-502-5000
or check out our website at cmlaw1.com.

About Colgan & Associates

At Colgan & Associates, LLC, we take your legal matters as personally as you. Our goal is to help clients preserve, restore and move forward with their lives. Call us today to book a consultation with one of our trusted attorneys.