Mediation Divorce Checklist

This article was written by Freya Robbins

The new year is just around the corner and with all the holidays wrapping up, it can be easy for you to put things off until after the holidays. But now that they’re coming to an end, it’s time to get back to reality and address some things that have been on the back burner. The “D word” that has been lurking in the back of your mind, “divorce.” Making the decision to divorce is tough all on its own, but what about the mediation process, what does that look like? What do I need to have prepared? I would suggest if you haven’t looked at our free booklet 7 things to know before separating and divorce to do that first. Next my team and I have put together a checklist of questions for you to ask yourself and assess in order for you to have a better picture of what might lie ahead during the divorce process, after all I’ve been there before and know the feeling.

Divorce Mediation

This can give you a “peek over the fence” of what life might look like if you decide to go the route of divorce. But what exactly does that entail? Life together or separate, everyone has a different set of unique situations. Is the grass really greener on the other side? That’s what you can determine as a couple with the help of a neutral party at Zollinger Mediation. We picked a few to start with, these will help you to being to look at the financial aspect of divorce. The questions and topics listed below are things that frequently come up in the mediation process for you to assess your current situation.

Who pays taxes on divorce settlement?

• Who claims children on taxes after divorce?
• Are your taxes and your spouses’ taxes all up to date and filed?
• Do you have your most recent W2s?
• Do you own a business jointly or separately?
• Are the business taxes and books up to date?
• How did you file last year?
• Do you have access to all the documents listed above?

What is one benefit of a dual-income household?

• Is one spouse a stay-at-home caretaker?
• What is your current income?
• Spouses’ current income?
• Do either of you have disabilities?
• Are either of you receiving disability pay?
• Is there more than one source of income?
• Are either of you self-employed?
• Are either of you on Medicare or Medicaid?
• Do you have documentation of the information listed above?

What if spouse quits job during divorce?

• What if you or your spouse changes jobs?
• What if your spouse needs to get a job?
• What if either of you get laid off?
• Do you work from home?
• Travel frequently for work?
• Do you or your spouse receive disability or VA benefits?
• Are one or both of you unable to work?
• Work overnights or other odd hours?
• Will you need childcare for your children?

Selling house during divorce?

• Is one of you moving and one of you staying in the family home?
• Are you currently still living in the same home together?
• Do you own or rent?
• Whose name is the mortgage in?
• Who’s name is on the deed?
• Is your home paid in full?
• Do you still owe money on your home?
• Do you know how much money you owe on your home?
• What is the interest rate you are paying for your home?
• What are your monthly payments?
• Have you looked at refinancing already?
• Will you both still live in the same area?
• Can you qualify to buy another home?
• What can you afford in monthly rent & household bills?

How does divorce affect income/savings?

• Do you have a savings account?
• Is the account a joint or separate savings account?
• Do either of you have a 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, Pension Plan or other retirement account?
• Do either of you have investments or stocks?
• Is there an inheritance?
• Do either of you have trust accounts?
• Do you have any safety deposit boxes?
• Do you have a prenuptial agreement?
• Do either of you have pre-marital money?

Keep your eyes open for next month’s blog on more of the topics and questions to consider when thinking about divorce and the mediation process. If you are ready to talk with an expert please call our office at 941-366-0202.