The Steps

1

Talk with your spouse about deciding your own future rather than leaving it up to strangers, lawyers and judges. Educate yourself about the mediation process (OR READ ON!)

2

Gather all the financial information that you can before coming to your first mediation. Here are some examples of what you should bring (OR CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORMS):

  • a) home mortgage information and present market value.
  • b) bank, brokerage, and retirement account information.
  • c) loan and credit card information and balances due.
  • d) car loan, insurance costs, and car values.
  • e) childcare costs, child health insurance costs, special needs costs.
  • f) if self employed, valuation of your business.
  • g) valuables and approximate current value.

This will make the mediation much more cost effective and time efficient! Also, if you can, talking with your spouse about division of assets, debts, and child visitation before you come in will minimize how long it takes. But don’t worry, if that is too difficult, we will help you learn how to respectfully discuss these issues during the mediation process.

3

Call 678-985-8858 and set up your FREE 30 MINUTE consultation. Since this process requires a neutral mediator both you and your spouse must attend. If you both want to continue, the mediation process will begin that same day. Plan on another hour and a half.

RELAX! Your mediator knows this is a stressful time and will help guide you to make practical decisions that will work both now and also for the years ahead.

4

You will meet with your DIVORCE MEDIATOR approximately 2 to 6 times, depending on how complex your situation is. During this time it will be important to consult with accountants, financial advisers, and legal professionals. Your mediator will remind you if issues exits that are best discussed with other professionals. The process and time in between each session is up to you. You set the pace so that you feel comfortable with the decisions you are making.

5

Once the decision making phase is completed, your DIVORCE MEDIATOR will write up a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) clearly detailing all the agreements you have made. Each of you will be given a rough draft of the MOU to review on your own and to use for consultation with an attorney or any other professional you wish to give you feedback.

6

Your DIVORCE MEDIATOR will make all the corrections or changes or re-mediate any remaining or new issues. Then you and your spouse will meet to sign the final copy of the MOU. Each party will have an original signed copy for their records.

7

You are now ready to file your Divorce with the court in your county of residence. You can do this yourself or with the help of an attorney. We offer a list of mediator-minded attorneys who are willing to process your MOU through the court on behalf of one client, usually for a flat fee, or you can choose your own.

8

That’s it. However if at any point you have a new issue or need a revision, you can always choose to mediate rather than litigate!