Divorce Mediation Checklist for River North, Lakeview, Streeterville & Surrounding Chicago Neighborhoods

Preparing for mediation? Whether you’re new to the process or just unsure where to start, having a proper divorce mediation checklist in River North Chicago and nearby neighborhoods like Streeterville, Lakeview, and the West Loop is essential to stay organized and confident throughout the journey.

At Resolvium, we guide couples through the divorce mediation process with professionalism and clarity. This checklist outlines everything you need to gather, consider, and prepare before entering mediation—ensuring smoother sessions and faster outcomes across all of Chicago.

1. Financial Documentation

Before mediation begins, you must be prepared to disclose your financial situation. Whether you’re preparing in Lakeview Chicago or the Gold Coast, both parties need full transparency to make informed decisions. Key documents include:

• Tax returns (last 2–3 years)
• W-2s and pay stubs
• Bank statements (checking, savings, investment)
• Credit card balances and loan information
• Mortgage and real estate documents
• Retirement accounts and pension statements

Organizing these records will speed up your mediation and support fair asset division.

2. Asset Inventory

Another crucial item on the divorce mediation checklist in Streeterville Chicago is preparing a full asset inventory. This includes marital and personal property such as:

• Real estate and rental properties
• Vehicles, boats, and recreational assets
• Jewelry, artwork, or collectibles
• Business interests and partnerships
• Household furniture and electronics

Clarity on what’s shared and what’s separate can reduce tension during mediation sessions.

3. Debt and Liability List

No divorce checklist is complete without understanding liabilities. If you’re wondering how to prepare in Gold Coast Chicago or Near North Side, start by listing:

• Credit card debts
• Auto loans
• Student loans
• Mortgage or HELOC balances
• Medical debts

Dividing debts is just as important as dividing assets, and full disclosure leads to balanced outcomes.

4. Monthly Budget & Expenses

Whether you’re mediating in West Loop Chicago or South Loop, estimating current and future expenses is key to determining support needs. Include items like:

• Rent or mortgage
• Utilities and groceries
• Health insurance premiums
• Transportation and childcare
• Education and extracurriculars

This financial snapshot helps determine child and spousal support arrangements with accuracy and fairness.

5. Parenting Plan Considerations

If you have children, this part of your divorce mediation checklist in South Loop Chicago is vital. Think through:

• Custody preferences (joint vs. sole)
• Parenting time schedules
• Holiday and vacation rotations
• School decisions and extracurriculars
• Healthcare and medical decisions

Having these ideas ready allows for more productive mediation around co-parenting and decision-making authority.

6. Spousal Support Goals

If one spouse earns significantly more or left a career to raise children, spousal support may be a topic. Prepare your budget and consider:

• Length of marriage
• Age and health of both spouses
• Education and work experience
• Ability to become self-sufficient

Coming to mediation with realistic expectations for spousal support helps reduce time spent negotiating later.

7. Goals for Property Division

Include your preferences in your mediation checklist. Consider what’s most important to you and where you’re willing to compromise. Whether you’re dividing a condo in River North Chicago or retirement accounts in Lakeview, prioritizing needs over wants streamlines discussions.

8. Communication Boundaries

Divorce is emotional. One overlooked but important item on the checklist is identifying how you’ll communicate during the process. Set respectful boundaries and decide how you’ll manage sessions productively with the mediator’s support.

9. Mediation Session Preparation

Each mediation session will build on the last. Make sure you:

• Bring organized copies of all documents
• Know your priorities for each topic
• Keep emotions in check to focus on outcomes
• Ask questions and request clarification when needed

Being proactive will save time and money while reducing friction between you and your spouse.

10. Legal Questions for the Mediator

Prepare questions ahead of time for your mediator. Common examples:

• What happens after we reach an agreement?
• Is our agreement enforceable?
• Do we still need to go to court?
• Can we change the agreement later if needed?

Our Chicago divorce mediation checklist ensures you enter each session informed, organized, and ready to reach a resolution.

Start Your Mediation Process with Confidence

At Resolvium, we help couples throughout River North, Streeterville, Lakeview, and the entire Chicago metro area use mediation to achieve peaceful, cost-effective separation. Use our divorce mediation checklist in Chicago to stay prepared and in control—every step of the way.

Schedule a free consultation today and take the next step toward a dignified, well-planned divorce resolution.