Here to help you understand your Mediation Options, courtesy of Centennial Business Solutions and BaiMei, your bilingual mediation specialist.

Family Law Mediation Preparation Checklist

A. What to Prepare Before Mediation

1. 📄 Legal Documents

1. • Marriage certificate or divorce filing

   • Children’s birth certificates

   • Property and debt lists

   • Court orders (restraining order, custody orders)

   • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements (if any)

2. 🧾 Financial Information

2. • Bank account summaries

   • Property appraisals or mortgage info

   • Tax returns, pay stubs, income proof

   • Retirement accounts, insurance policies

3. 🧠 Personal Goals & Boundaries

3. • Do you want full or shared custody?

   • What property matters most to you?

   • Where are you willing to compromise?

4. 👥 Additional Readiness

4. • Will you have legal counsel present?

   • Are you open to flexible agreements?

   • Any history of domestic violence or imbalance?

B. Tips to Keep in Mind During Mediation

1. Stay calm and respectful—no interrupting or blaming

2. Speak clearly and state what you need specifically

3. Focus on resolving issues, not revisiting old fights

4. Keep the children’s well-being as the top priority

5. It’s okay to take breaks or request private talks with mediator

6. Don’t sign anything unclear or unfair to you