My First Appointment: Mediation Preparation
To avoid gathering documents I don't need, the best approach is for us to develop the document list together during our first introductory Zoom meeting. I need the documentation scanned and sent to me. I will provide a link to a confidential client portal. You should try to collect information on or about the same date (the "Valuation Date"). Typically, this is a date close to your first two-hour meeting with me. Both spouses should be included in all communication and document sharing. Absent unusual circumstances, this is the list we will start with:
1. Please complete the New Client Information sheet (see below).
2. Please provide us with your last two pay stubs. For some families, all W-2s, K-1s, tax returns, and other information may also be requested to verify income and other forms of compensation.
3. Please provide a copy of all account statements for financial accounts, e.g. banks, IRA's, 401K's and brokerage accounts.
4. Copies of car and house titles will be helpful along with loan balances, if any.
5. If there is a premarital agreement, I will likely need to review it.
6. Any information you might have about the cost of health insurance post-divorce for minor children.
7. The cost, if applicable, of work-related daycare.
8. General information on privately owned business interests, including, if available, percentage of ownership, the nature of entity the (LLC, corporation or sole proprietorship), and if premarital, the best estimates of the value of such assets at the time of marriage, please provide.
9. A list of all assets owned before marriage (Premarital) or inherited or gifted during marriage. If available, the value of the assets today and the value at the time of marriage (premarital) or at the time of gift or bequest.
10. A list of any individual debts held at the time of marriage that were discharged or paid off during the marriage.
11. Copies of all credit card statements and other statements reflecting amounts due.
12. List of collectibles or other non financial assets of material value.