Be prepared for divorce mediation.

The following documents are needed in divorce mediation.  Bringing these items below to your first mediation session may save you time later:

Property List. It’s helpful to the mediator to have a list of your assets and debts. Your list can also show how you each propose to divide up assets and debts if you have thought that far ahead. This inventory can save the mediator a good deal of time in understanding your case.

Real Estate Documents. If either of you owns a home or other real property, bring a document that lists the legal description of the property and any documents that note any debt secured by the property.

Vehicle Information. Bring copies of the vehicle identification numbers and titles of the vehicles.

Retirement Account Information. Bring the most current statement of retirement and investment accounts and any information that explains the account or plan and its benefits.

Social Security and Drivers License Numbers. Bring these numbers for yourself, your spouse and your children.

Debt Information. For any debts that you don’t pay off monthly, bring the name of the creditor, the account number, and the balance owing; this includes credit cards, student loans, vehicle loans, and personal loans.

However, if it’s going to take you a lot of time to gather all these documents, you don’t need to delay your first mediation appointment.  You can always bring the documents to the mediator later.