Checklist
Surviving Financially After Divorce: Mediation Creates Stability
Financial stability after divorce doesn’t happen by accident. Through mediation, you can create a realistic budget, evaluate housing affordability, structure workable support agreements, and build a long-term financial plan that protects your future. Divorce doesn’t just end a relationship — it reshapes your entire financial life. One of the biggest fears people face after divorce is simple and very real:
“Will I be okay financially?”
The good news? With thoughtful planning — especially through mediation — you can build a stable financial future rather than reacting to a financial crisis.
Read MorePennsylvania Custody Factors in Mediation
When parents choose mediation to resolve custody, child support, and family law issues, they keep control, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most—their child.
Pennsylvania law outlines 16 custody factors that courts review when determining a child’s “best interests.”
In mediation, we use these factors as a practical guide to help you create a clear, child-centered parenting plan that supports stability, cooperation, and healthy relationships. If you are divorcing or separating, using a clear, written parenting plan custody checklist can help you stay organized, reduce conflict, and focus on your child’s well-being from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation
How long does mediation take? How does mediation differ from court? Does mediation require a retainer?
Read MoreDivorce Preparation: BUDGET
Preparing a divorce budget, often overlooked, is a simple yet crucial step in the divorce preparation process. While it may not be the most enjoyable task, understanding your future needs and expenses will empower you to make informed financial decisions during the divorce process.
Read MoreDivorce Best Practices
Be Prepared: Make a list of your assets, debts, and possessions, and decide on your priorities. You can also create a budget and a list of what is most important to you. Gather bank statements, and start to organize your finances.
Read MoreImportance of a 1st Draft in Mediation
When going through a mediated divorce or separation, one of the most important documents you will need is a written Settlement Agreement or Parenting Plan. These documents outline how assets, debts, child custody, spousal support, and other key matters will be handled post-divorce or separation. But before a final agreement is reached, the first draft plays a vital role in shaping the final outcome.
Read MorePREPARE YOURSELF
The key to a smooth mediation process is preparation. Your mediator may ask you to gather documents to prepare for your session. These documents should include property and debts owned both individually and together.
Read MoreLet’s Talk Co-Parenting
Early during the divorce or separation process, parents will face the issue of how to handle shared parenting time and finances. In most cases, parents strive towards shared parenting time so that the children can spend time with both parents. The key is to take into consideration each parent’s work schedule, the children’s school schedules,…
Read MoreNo-Fault Divorce Mediation
Mediation can be used for any divorce, however, most mediation couples will choose the uncontested, no-fault divorce option. In Pennsylvania, a mutual consent no-fault divorce is the cheaper and faster option. CHOOSE NO FAULT. There are several different types of divorces in Pennsylvania. When a couple makes the decision to end a marriage, the decision…
Read MoreWhy Mediate?
Mediation tends to be peaceful and positive. Most families prefer to make decisions together rather than using an adversarial court process. Mediation encourages cooperation and agreement and is a relatively simple process compared to alternative methods. AVOID COURT! Your family does NOT belong in court. Family matters should be private and confidential. Most parents and…
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