Be Prepared to Discuss in Mediation:

Issues Relating to Children

____ Child support

 

____ Child custody (legal)

 

____ Child custody (physical)

 

____ Time with the other parent

 

____ Grandparent visitation

 

____ Visitation with stepchildren

 

____ Health insurance for children

 

____ Dental insurance for children

 

____ Uninsured health care costs

 

____ College education

 

____ Residence in the marital homestead

 

____ Beneficiaries of life insurance policies

 

____ Claiming children as dependents for income tax purposes

 

____ Religious upbringing of children

 

Property Issues

____ Equity in homestead

 

____ Other real property

 

____ Home furnishings

 

____ Business assets

 

____ Professional practices

 

____ Professional degrees

 

____ Retirement benefits (pensions, IRAs, 401(k) plans)

 

____ Motor vehicles

 

____ Recreational vehicles

 

____ Personal property

 

____ Savings accounts

 

____ Stocks, bonds, and funds

 

____ Compensation for contributions as homemaker

 

____ Hidden assets

 

____ Debts

 

Spousal Support Issues

____ Entitlement to support

 

____ How much?

 

____ How long?

 

____ Continued health care coverage through COBRA

 

Other Issues

____ Domestic violence

 

____ Order for protection

 

____ Child abuse

 

____ Parental kidnapping

 

____ Restoration of maiden name

 

____ Post-divorce nonfinancial support

 

____ Attorney’s fees and expenses

 

Mary Sanger is a trained mediator in divorce and family mediation.