How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation Like a Pro
What Is Divorce Mediation and Why Should You Prepare?
Divorce mediation gives you a chance to avoid court and settle major issues—but only if you’re prepared. Many women walk into mediation hoping to "figure it out." That’s not a strategy.
A strategy includes:
A written settlement offer
Clear financial documentation
A plan to handle tough issues like business valuation, marital waste, or custody
If you’re dealing with a toxic ex or controlling spouse, preparation is your only protection.
How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation
1. Create a Statement of Property
Start with a full list of:
Assets (bank accounts, home, business interests)
Debts (credit cards, mortgages, loans)
Retirement or investment accounts
💡 Ask your attorney: “Do we have an updated spreadsheet of our assets and debts?”
2. Identify Your Top 3 Conflict Areas
Ask yourself:
Is there a business that needs valuing?
Are there missing funds or financial abuse?
Is someone claiming separate property?
Are parenting arrangements up for dispute?
List out the 3 most important areas that must be addressed.
3. Draft Your One-Page Mediation Summary
This is the most powerful tool you can bring.
Include:
Your top 3 issues
Key facts (ex: $150K moved without consent)
Your ideal outcome and key offers
Keep it factual, simple, and strategic. This is your leverage document.
4. Send a Settlement Offer Before Mediation
Time it right: 1 to 7 days before mediation. This gives the other side—and the mediator—time to process your position.
Your offer should include:
Your proposed division of assets
Parenting plan
Business or property valuations (even if preliminary)
Documentation of marital waste, if applicable
Let them respond to you—not the other way around.
Pro Tip: Mediation Favors the Most Prepared Person in the Room
Don’t assume your attorney or the mediator will “handle it.”
You are the expert on your own life.
Use the mediator as a tool—not a savior. Give them facts, documents, and direction so they can communicate effectively with the other side.
What If Mediation Doesn’t End in a Settlement?
Mediation is not pass/fail. You’re still gaining:
Insight into the other side’s stance
Feedback on your position
Leverage for the next round
Documentation to prep for court if needed
If anything, mediation is a rehearsal. So make the most of it.
Your Divorce Power Move Starts With a Plan
If you want to walk into mediation confident, calm, and in control, you need a plan—and the tools to build it.
Download the Guide: Power Moves in Divorce
Your DIY Guide to Creating a Strategic Divorce Settlement Offer
This guide includes:
A sample one-page mediation summary
A checklist for asset gathering
Tips to anchor the deal with your own valuation
Negotiation language to use during mediation
Templates you can copy and customize
