In preparation for divorce mediation you should start assembling certain financial documents. Some clients are apprehensive about entering mediation when they suspect their spouse may not be entirely forthcoming. I inform them that full and complete financial disclosure is mandatory so that the process is transparent. Any mediator who does less is not doing his or her job. The following will give you an idea of what I ask parties to provide either at the outset of the process or during its progress.

The past three years of individual or joint tax returns, including W-2s.

The past three years of business income tax returns.

The fair market value of any property owned by the parties, including rentals and business properties.

Values of any expensive personal property such as art, antiques, etc.

Documentation of IRAs, retirement and pension plans, trust, annuities, etc.

Year and make of all vehicles and boats, including fair market value.

Recent bank account statements.

Recent statements for stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.

Amount of life insurance and any cash value of that insurance.

Credit card statements and any other debt.

Aside from transparency, this documentation is necessary to ensure the integrity of the agreement you will eventually sign. Failure to disclose fully can constitute a ground to later challenge and possibly invalidate the agreement

If you wish to schedule an initial consultation, please contact me at 212-605-0435 or 516-280-3123.