My First Appointment: Mediation Preparation
Often times, clients spend too much time gathering documents that I end up not needing. So, the best approach is for us to develop the document list together at our first meeting. Here are some things you can do:
1. When we confirm your appointment, we will email you two forms. They are also set out for you, below. It's best if you can fill them out and scan them to us before we meet. If not, please bring with you.
2. Discuss interim financial arrangements before you commence mediation and agree that no unusual expenses will be incurred without an agreement.
3. Unless you are in agreement on your respective incomes, assemble all W-2s, K-1s, tax returns and other information so that incomes can be verified for at least the last two years.
4. You should be prepared to provide a preliminary list of your assets and debts.
5. If there is a premarital agreement, I will likely need to review it.
6. Credit cards are expensive for the vender (me). That's why I prefer a good old-fashioned check. Some law firms charge a fee to process a credit card. I don't do that, but I do charge for my time. It may only take me five minutes to process your credit card, but at my hourly rate that is costing you about $33.00. So, do us both a favor and bring a check if you can.
Thank you for taking the time to do a bit of mediation preparation before we meet!