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.