The following issues are often discussed in a mediation involving a separation or a divorce. Please bring any relevant information with you to the mediation to help with decisions (i.e., information regarding bills, debts, value of assets, retirement plans, insurance, etc.).

Parenting Arrangements:

1. Legal Custody(who makes major decisions about the children regarding education, religion, and major healthcare issues)
   2. Physical Custody(the times the children will spend with each parent)
   • Weekdays
   • Weekends
   • Childcare plans
   • Extracurricular activities
   • Holidays
   • Birthdays
   • Summers
   • Extended vacation times
   • Travel plans
   • Temporary changes to plan
   3. Communication (telephone, email)
   • Between parents
   • Between parents and children
   4. Spousal Support and Expenses:
   • Spousal Support: amount; method; time
   • Health insurance
   • Life insurance
   • Pension plans
   • Educational expenses
   • Housing expenses
   • Legal expenses
   5. Child Support and Expenses:
   • Child support: amount; method; time
   • Health insurance
   • Medical expenses not covered by insurance
   • Childcare expenses
   • Tax deductions
   • Life insurance beneficiaries
   • School/college expenses
   • Expenses for extras: activities, birthday parties, non-essential items
   6. Equitable Distribution of Property: 
   • Determine value of assets and liabilities
   • House/property
   • Property expenses (mortgage, utilities, taxes)
   • Household furnishings
   • Motor vehicles (payments, insurance, expenses)
   • Savings/checking accounts
   • Investments/stocks
   • Credit card and other consumer debt
   • Personal debt
   • Insurance (cash value)
   • Tax refunds or payments due
   • Inheritance
   • Bankruptcy
   • Business
   7. Other
   • Moving
   • Communication
   • Legal expenses
   • Resolving future disputes