How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation: What to Know Before You Sit at the Table

Divorce is never easy—but mediation can make the process more collaborative, less costly, and less emotionally taxing than battling it out in court. At Georgia Family Mediation, we serve families across Henry County, McDonough, Clayton County, Jonesboro, and the greater Metro Atlanta area by helping them make thoughtful decisions during one of the most difficult transitions of their lives.

If you're preparing for divorce mediation, especially without the representation of an attorney, the best thing you can do is come in ready—with clarity, flexibility, and a realistic sense of what’s at stake.

Start With a Simple But Powerful Exercise

Before your mediation session, create three lists:

Areas Where You’re Flexible - These are the topics where you’re open to compromise. Maybe it’s the division of certain household items, or perhaps you're okay with alternating holidays with the children.

Areas Where You Already Agree - Pinpoint any areas where you and your spouse are already on the same page. This could be as simple as joint legal custody or agreeing to keep the kids in their current school district. These agreements help you preserve time and energy for the harder conversations.

Areas Where You Are Not Willing to Compromise - These are your non-negotiables. That said, come prepared to discuss why they matter to you—and understand that compromise doesn’t mean giving in, but finding common ground.

This exercise helps you anticipate where mediation will likely be most productive and where it may require more time and care.

The Power of Mediation

One of the greatest benefits of mediation is that it puts the decision-making power in your hands—not in the hands of a judge. In court, a stranger makes choices that will impact your parenting, your finances, and your future. Mediation offers a more dignified alternative: it allows both parties to be heard, consider solutions, and walk away with a mutual agreement.

This is particularly valuable when children are involved. Mediation allows you to center the best interests of your children, which is often lost in adversarial settings.

Topics You Should Be Ready to Discuss

Below is a checklist of key areas that may come up during divorce mediation. Take time to reflect on each and consider your position—this is especially helpful if you're coming to the table without legal counsel.

Parenting & Custody Matters

Child Support

Legal and Physical Custody

Medical Insurance and Other Coverage

Visitation/Parenting Time Schedules

College Education Contributions

IRS Dependency Deduction

Spousal & Financial Support

Alimony/Spousal Support

Life Insurance as Security

Social Security Benefits (if applicable)

Property & Asset Division

Business Interests (Assets & Liabilities)

Marital Home and Other Real Estate

Household Furnishings & Personal Property

Pension Plans/Retirement Accounts

Savings, Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds

Vehicles

Liabilities & Tax Matters

Division of Debt

Tax Returns and Filings

Legal & Administrative Considerations

Attorney’s Fees

Mediation Costs

Future Modifications (how they will be handled)

Wills and Estate Considerations

In the Metro Atlanta region and searching for a divorce mediator near you?

Schedule a Free consultation here.