Divorce Mediation Checklist for Easton, Scranton, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Wilkes-Barre, PA: What You Need to Know

Divorce is a significant life change, and the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, divorce mediation offers a peaceful and collaborative way to resolve issues and move forward. If you’re in Easton, Scranton, Allentown, Bethlehem, or Wilkes-Barre, PA, preparing for divorce mediation can help streamline the process and ensure you are ready to tackle the important issues at hand.

In this blog, we will guide you through a divorce mediation checklist, detailing everything you need to prepare before beginning the mediation process. Whether you’re dealing with property division, child custody, or spousal support, having a clear plan in place will make the process smoother and more efficient.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process where a neutral third-party mediator helps a couple resolve disputes related to their divorce outside of the courtroom. Instead of fighting it out in court, couples can work with the mediator to agree on critical issues such as:

Property division
Child custody and visitation
Child support
Spousal support (alimony)

The goal of mediation is to reach a fair, mutually acceptable solution that works for both parties while avoiding the costly and stressful litigation process.

Divorce Mediation Checklist: What You Need to Prepare

Before you begin the mediation process, there are several important steps you need to take to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of things to gather and consider before starting divorce mediation in Easton, Scranton, Allentown, Bethlehem, or Wilkes-Barre, PA.

1. Financial Documentation

A major part of the mediation process involves property division and other financial matters. For the mediator to help you come to an informed decision, it’s essential that both parties provide full financial disclosure. This includes the following documents:

Income statements (pay stubs, business profits, tax returns)
Bank statements (personal and joint accounts)
Investment accounts (retirement accounts, stock portfolios)
Property documentation (real estate deeds, mortgages, valuations)
Credit card statements
Debt records (student loans, car loans, personal loans)
Tax returns for the last 2-3 years

These documents provide a clear picture of your financial situation and will allow both parties to make informed decisions regarding the division of property, assets, and debts.

2. List of Assets and Debts

Both parties should create a comprehensive list of assets and debts to present during mediation. This list includes all property, personal belongings, bank accounts, investment accounts, debts, and any other financial assets that need to be divided. Consider:

Real estate: Primary residence, vacation homes, rental properties
Vehicles: Cars, boats, RVs
Personal property: Jewelry, artwork, collectibles, and furniture
Business interests: If either party owns a business, this will need to be valued and divided accordingly

Being fully transparent with this list ensures that both parties can agree on a fair division of assets.

3. Child Custody and Support Information

If you have children, child custody and child support will be important topics of discussion during mediation. Before entering mediation, gather the following:

Parenting plans: Do you have a custody arrangement in mind? What are the preferred visitation schedules for both parents?
Child support calculations: Understand the Pennsylvania guidelines for child support and how they apply to your case. You may also want to gather financial documents related to your children’s needs.
Childcare arrangements: Will one parent be the primary caregiver, or will both parents share responsibility? Be prepared to discuss how the child’s daily needs, including schooling, extracurricular activities, and healthcare, will be addressed.
Health insurance and medical expenses: Determine how you will divide medical expenses and provide health insurance for the children.

The mediator will work with you to create a fair and workable parenting plan that puts the children’s best interests first.

4. List of Desired Outcomes

Before mediation begins, take some time to think about your goals and what you hope to achieve during the process. Consider the following questions:

What kind of custody arrangement do you want for your children?
How do you want to divide property and assets?
Are you asking for spousal support or alimony?
What is your ideal child support amount?
Do you want to maintain communication with your spouse for co-parenting or financial matters?

Having a clear understanding of your priorities will help you stay focused during mediation and guide your decisions as you work with the mediator to reach an agreement.

5. Emotional Readiness

Divorce can be an emotional process, but it’s important to approach mediation with a clear and open mind. Mediation requires cooperation, patience, and a willingness to listen to your spouse’s concerns. Consider the following:

Are you ready to be open to negotiation and compromise?
Are you able to set aside emotions and focus on finding a practical solution?
Are you prepared to work collaboratively, even if you disagree on certain points?

Approaching mediation with a cooperative mindset can make all the difference in the outcome.

6. Mediation Agreement

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and have a clear understanding of your goals, both spouses will need to agree to proceed with mediation. Both parties should understand that mediation is voluntary and that either party can terminate the process at any time. Your mediator will work with both of you to outline the specific terms of the mediation agreement.

Conclusion: Preparing for Divorce Mediation in Easton, Scranton, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Wilkes-Barre, PA

The divorce mediation process can be an excellent alternative to traditional litigation, allowing couples to reach fair and amicable solutions without the stress and cost of court. By following this checklist and preparing for mediation with Easton, Scranton, Allentown, Bethlehem, or Wilkes-Barre in mind, you can set the stage for a smooth and successful mediation process.

At Resolvium, we specialize in helping couples navigate divorce mediation in Pennsylvania. Our experienced mediators are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you reach a fair resolution for both parties.

Start Your Divorce Mediation Today

Contact Resolvium to schedule a consultation and begin your divorce mediation journey with an experienced mediator.

✔ Child Custody & Parenting Plans
✔ Spousal Support & Property Division
✔ Private, Confidential Mediation Sessions
✔ Court-Approved Final Agreements

💡 Contact us now to begin your divorce mediation journey.