How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation in New York City
Divorce mediation is a collaborative approach to divorce in which a neutral third-party aka mediator assists couples who are planning to divorce come to an agreement on divorce matters. They can help those that are divorcing come to agreements on difficult divorce topics such as child support and custody, division of assets, parenting plans and more. The more prepared you are for your first session of divorce mediation; the better the outcome may be. Learn how to prepare for divorce mediation in New York City with the tips below.
How Does Divorce Mediation Work in NYC?
In order to prepare for divorce mediation, it is helpful to have a good understanding of what it entails. Divorce mediation is less adversarial than divorce litigation. The mediator will help facilitate divorce discussions in a private setting. The mediator does not make the decisions on your behalf; instead, they focus on helping things move in the right direction by assisting with which matters need to be discussed in a divorce.
Prioritize What is Important to You
Divorce requires compromise so it is important to identify what is really important and what you are willing to forgo. Divorce requires division of assets, and you may not get 100% of what you want, therefore; make a list of your top priorities. When you are making a list of things to prioritize, make sure that you remember to evaluate each category: child support and visitation, spousal support, division of assets and debts.
Gather All Pertinent Documents and Account Statements
Make sure you request all financial statements from your bank and 401k, stock investments, etc. Also, have a copy of your tax returns, real estate appraisals, and records of all assets and liabilities.
Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally
The divorce process can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. It is important to have a support system to lean on when needed. Do not try to handle it all alone. Even if you don’t have close friends or family to lean on, you can seek the help of a therapist or counselor.
Communication is Key
Communication is the key to preparing for divorce. This means communicating with your divorce lawyer, your soon to be ex-spouse and any other parties that may be involved in the divorce process. Delaying getting information to your divorce attorney or prolonging coming to decisions with your soon to be ex will only complicate matters and delay the process.
Make a List of Questions to Ask Your New York Divorce Mediator
Part of being prepared is to make a list of all of your divorce-related questions. It is best to write them down, so you don’t forget to ask something. A divorce mediation session can go by very fast as there are lots of things to discuss.
Need Help With Your Divorce?
Consider divorce mediation to sort through the difficult issues of divorce. Contact Sabra Law Group today at (646) 472-7971 to schedule a mediation session.