Showing up prepared helps your mediator move quickly from intake to solutions.
Think of this as a suggested checklist to help you prepare for your first mediation session—not a pass/fail test. If you can’t gather everything right away, start with what’s easiest and simply begin thinking about the rest. Bringing even a partial set of documents, or notes about where to find them, is a strong start.
The more proactive and organized you are—whether with a simple folder or labeled PDFs—the more efficiently your mediator can identify issues, keep costs down, and move the process forward.
Core identification and case basics
Bring clear, organized copies (digital or paper) and keep originals at home. If you can’t gather everything, bring what you have—your mediator will help you fill gaps.
Government ID for each spouse: Any existing court orders, TROs, or agreements; your marriage certificate; prior marital settlement agreements (if applicable); list of key dates (marriage, separation, home purchase/sale, children’s birthdays); contact info for professionals (accountant, financial advisor, therapist, appraisers).
Income and employment: Last 3–6 months of pay stubs; last 2–3 years of federal and NJ tax returns with all schedules; W‑2s/1099s; year-to-date earnings statements; documentation of bonuses, commissions, equity awards (RSUs, stock options, ESPP), and deferred compensation; proof of any non-wage income (rental income, dividends, K‑1s).
Banking, credit, and day-to-day finances: Most recent 3–6 months of statements for checking, savings, money market, and online/digital banks; credit card statements; Venmo/PayPal/CashApp histories if used for shared expenses; a simple monthly budget of current household expenses.
Real estate and housing: Deeds and most recent mortgage statements (including HELOCs); property tax bills; homeowner’s insurance declarations; recent appraisals or market analyses; lease agreements if renting; records of major improvements (contracts/receipts).
Retirement and investments: Statements for 401(k), 403(b), pensions, IRAs, SEP/SIMPLE, and annuities; brokerage accounts; college 529 plans; beneficiary designations; plan summaries for any pension (useful later for QDRO discussions).
Business and professional interests: For any business ownership: last 2–3 years business tax returns; P&Ls and balance sheets; operating/shareholder agreements; capitalization tables; recent valuations if available.
Debts and liabilities: Auto loans, student loans, personal loans; medical bills; tax liabilities and payment plans; promissory notes; any loans from family.
Insurance and benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance (policy and premium info); disability insurance; COBRA estimates if one spouse may need coverage post‑separation; employee benefit summaries (HSA/FSA, childcare benefits).
Children and parenting: Proposed parenting-time ideas; school calendars; childcare costs; extracurricular schedules and costs; special needs evaluations or IEP/504 plans; communication preferences.
Nuptial agreements and separate property: Prenuptial/postnuptial agreements; documentation for inheritances or gifts kept separate; proof of premarital asset balances.
Tips to streamline
- Label and paginate PDFs
- Bring a simple asset/debt spreadsheet
- Note any missing items
- Prioritize top 3 issues (e.g., parenting schedule, cash flow, home).
- Preparedness shortens timelines, reduces cost, and keeps decisions with your family—not the court
If you have questions regarding divorce, child support, child custody, parenting time, visitation, alimony, asset and property division, or property settlements, our family law team is ready to help. We are intimately familiar with the nuances and pitfalls of divorce litigation, and we’re prepared to use that experience to pursue the best possible outcome for you—whether through mediation or in court.
To speak with one of our Morristown divorce lawyers today, contact us online.
