This Divorce Mediation Checklist lists common topics addressed by separating and divorcing couples. Click here for a PDF of this Mediation Checklist.

PARENTING PLAN

Access to Information & People: Educational and medical records related to the children; Teachers, doctors, etc.
Medical Emergencies: Decision-making, notification, legal consent
Daily Schedule: Children’s living arrangements for a typical week. When will children see each parent?
Holidays: Secular and religious holidays, birthdays, reunions
Vacations: Summer vacations, winter and spring breaks, understandings about travel
Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off arrangements
Parental Change of Residence: Notice requirements to other parent
Decision-making (“legal custody”): Major parenting decisions about education, medical treatment, religion, discipline, safety
Renegotiation: Periodic review of parenting plan, building in flexibility
Conflict Resolution: Structure for settling any future parenting disputes

DIVISION OF PROPERTY

Full Disclosure: Gathering, organizing, and sharing of financial information and documentation concerning assets and debts

Procedure for Division:
Identification of assets and debts
Valuation
Marital or non-marital
Division

Some Categories of Assets:
Bank accounts
Investments, stocks, bonds, mutual funds
Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)
Pensions
Children’s college savings plans
Real estate
Vehicles
Life insurance
Business interests
Account receivables
Patents, royalties, stock options, etc.

Some Categories of Debts:

Mortgages
Bank loans (e.g., car loans)
Loans on life insurance or retirement
Personal loans
Credit cards

CHILD SUPPORT & ALIMONY

Budgeting: Children’s expenses and parents’ expenses
Income: Identifying all sources
Child Support: Calculating basic support level, school tuition, extraordinary medical expenses, childcare expenses, camp fees
Alimony: Amount, duration, and modification
Adjustments: Cost of living, changed circumstances

OTHER FINANCIAL ISSUES

Medical Insurance and Uninsured Expenses
Life Insurance
College Tuition & Expenses
Taxes

Joint or separate returns
Child benefits
Dividing refunds & liabilities