--- title: Separation and Divorce Mediation Checklist description: Divorce mediation tips and how to cope with divorce and the legal process. image: https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Blog%2013.jpg --- - [Home](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) - [Family Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/) - [Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) - [Business Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/business-law/) - [Contact Us](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/contact-us/) [Conveyancing](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living) ### A blog for easier living Life was meant to be easy Today's world throws us many curveballs. Join us for tips & life hacks that straighten the curves & help you enjoy the ride. Sign up   [Living Blog Home](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living) [Family Law](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/family-law) [Conveyancing](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/conveyancing) [Featured](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/featured) [Business](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/business) # Separation and Divorce Mediation Checklist Sep 18, 2018 8:00:00 AM ![Blog 13](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Blog%2013.jpg) Few things can tear apart a life more than separation and divorce. Along with the emotional devastation it brings, divorce also requires keeping a level head concerning the legal dissolution of the marriage contract. Anyone going through a divorce and mediation needs to understand the process to best protect their rights. **Plan how to communicate** Communication between separating and divorcing parties presents difficulties, but is essential for resolving issues. The two parties may want to set agreed upon terms and conditions of communication. Consider making all communication relevant to the divorce mediation proceedings in writing, whether through text messaging, email, or some other form. This prevents misinterpretations, willful or accidental. Always remember that you are communicating with an adversary, no matter how congenial they seem to be. **Do You Need a Family Law or Divorce Lawyer in this Process?** Do you need one? Not technically. Should you get one? Absolutely. In most cases, an individual separating and divorcing should retain a professional expert in family law. Family Law and Divorce lawyers not only understand the law but also have experience advising people undertaking a very difficult process. They can keep one apprised of their rights while remaining sensitive to the person going through the mediation process on the way to the divorce settlement. **Why Mediation?** Mediation or arbitration provides a less costly and, often, less confrontational means to separate marital assets and come to other important agreements. Once a divorce goes to court, it can become very expensive. Mediation helps both parties reach an agreement instead of having to go to court. It also offers increased flexibility and a less stressful environment. Mediation works best when both parties have agreed on the need for divorce and are willing to communicate. **What You Need to Bring to a Mediation** Family Law and Divorce mediators will ask for briefs to help explain your side of the case. Make sure that the explanations within are clear and concise while stating your case. Do not jam pack them full of emotional pleas. Instead, keep them fact-based. Briefs from both sides must be prepared in advance so that all involved have time to review. Also, bring information or notes that will help you remember important points and details. **Prepare Yourself for any Possibility** One of the most important family law and divorce mediation tips shared by experts is to expect the unexpected. Always remain aware that the other party might introduce new facts or change their strategy or tactics. Understand that in each situation like this, there are known knowns (what you know you know), known unknowns (when you have incomplete information), and finally unknown unknowns. **The last two are what will keep you up at night.** While preparation can focus on known knowns and known unknowns, understand that the unknown unknowns can emerge and remain mentally prepared to work with your attorney to counter the unexpected when it comes up. **Where You Can Find More Information** For those who need more information as part of the divorce support process, please download this helpful guide to divorce and property settlement. Experienced divorce lawyers worked together to create this guide to help you understand divorce step by step. Information and preparation can reduce anxiety and frustration during a stressful divorce or separation. [![ebook on divorce, separation and property settlement ](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4143762/7b348ab3-4b0c-4c6e-8ffb-37d795e56123.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/4143762/7b348ab3-4b0c-4c6e-8ffb-37d795e56123) Share [Return to Blog](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog) ### Archive ##### Archive 2022 [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2022/01) 2021 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/11) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/05) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/02) [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/01) 2020 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/07) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/02) 2019 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/07) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/02) [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/01) 2018 [December](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/12) [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/07) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/02) 2017 [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/07) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/02) 2016 [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/07) 2015 [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2015/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2015/09) - ![Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Domestic-Violence-ebook-Mockup-Web.png) #### Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships ## Whether it is you, a friend or a relative at risk, it is important to know that there is help available. This ebook will help answer some of the common issues surrounding domestic and family violence including: - What is domestic violence? - What are the signs of a controlling relationship? - Where can you get support? [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/domestic-family-violence-ebook-download) - ![Downsizing your home; selling and downsizing tips for Seniors](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECC-Downsizing-eBook-Mockup-Resize2.png) #### Downsizing your home; selling and downsizing tips for Seniors ## This free ebook has downsizing tips for seniors and practical advice if you're thinking about moving home, including:   - When the right time to downsize is - How to calculate your retirement budget - How to find a new home - What you should keep and let go [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/downsizing-ebook-lp) - ![Care and Protection: Know Your Rights and Where to Get Support](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Care-and-Protection-eBook-Mockup-Resized.png) #### Care and Protection: Know Your Rights and Where to Get Support ## Download this guide to find out information on child care and protection services:   Answer questions such as: - What is child care and protection? - When can a child be taken from their parents? - What are your rights as a parent? [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/ecfl-care-and-protection-ebook-lp?hsCtaTracking=0650839b-3d5b-41b5-94e3-2d63abb88d3a%7C8955ac85-c33c-411b-acb8-af786fe0439d) - ![Download our Easy guide to Investment Properties](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECC-Investment-Properties-ebook-CTA.png) #### Download our Easy guide to Investment Properties ## This free ebook can help you turn a big profit with property   Find out more about: - How to find the best properties - How to finance your investment - How to negotiate with agents - How to make profit from your property Fill in your details for instant access to your ebook. [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/investment-properties-how-to-get-the-best-deal-ebook) - ![Property settlement; Know your rights when dividing property assets](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Property-Settlement-ebook-CTA.png) #### Property settlement; Know your rights when dividing property assets ## Helping you navigate the waters of a property settlement with your former partner   Find out these answers and more: - How soon you can get divorced - When you can begin property settlement - How to get a fair outcome Fill in your details for instant access to your ebook. [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/ecfl-property-settlement-ebook-lp) ### Recent Posts ##### Recent Articles [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/divorce-3194994_1920.jpg) How to get a Divorce Jan 13, 2022 11:17:13 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-get-a-divorce) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/con.jpg) What is a Conveyancer? What do they do? When do you need one? Nov 27, 2021 7:13:45 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/what-is-a-conveyancer-what-do-they-do-when-do-you-need-one) [![power_of_attorney](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic%201-1.jpg) What is an enduring power of attorney? Jun 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/what-is-an-enduring-power-of-attorney) [![the_cooling_off_period_australia](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/House_On_Icecream.jpg) Cooling-off period: what home buyers need to know Jun 1, 2021 9:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/cooling-off-period-what-home-buyers-need-to-know) [![Coercive_Control](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic%201.jpg) Coercive Control: What Is It and Where Can I Get Help? May 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/coercive-control-what-is-it-and-where-can-i-get-help) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic10.jpg) Retirement Village Contracts: What You Need to Know May 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/retirement-village-contracts-what-you-need-to-know) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECFL%20-%20Option%202.jpg) How to navigate de facto property settlement Apr 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-navigate-de-facto-property-settlement) [![granny-flat](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECC%20-%20Option%201.jpg) How to establish a granny flat on your existing property Apr 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-establish-a-granny-flat-on-your-existing-property) [![property-inspections](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECC%20March%20Blog%20Post%20Image.jpg) Pre-settlement inspection: what home buyers need to know Mar 1, 2021 1:11:00 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/pre-settlement-inspection-what-home-buyers-need-to-know) [![child-support](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECFL%20March%20Blog%20Post%20Image.jpg) How to ensure your child is in the best situation: Negotiating child support Mar 1, 2021 1:04:43 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-ensure-your-child-is-in-the-best-situation-negotiating-child-support) ###### Never miss an Article ## Get the latest articles straight to your inbox ## See how our other specialised services can help you: [![East Coast law](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/East_Coast_April2018%20Theme/Images/logo.svg?t=1538115486151)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) [![Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/themes/main/images/logo-conveyancing.png)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) [![Family Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/themes/main/images/logo-fm.png)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/) #### Newcastle [02 4920 6511](tel:02%204920%206511) 2/342 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 **PO Address** PO Box 512, Newcastle NSW 2300 #### Maitland [02 4934 1679](tel:02%204934%201679) 38 Elgin St, Maitland NSW 2320 **PO Address** PO Box 34, Maitland NSW 2320 #### Toukley [02 4397 1788](tel:02%204397%201788) Shop C/ 229 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263 **PO Address** PO Box 718, Toukley NSW 2263 #### Port Macquarie [02 6583 7949](tel:02%206583%207949) Galleria Building Suite 3, 128 William St Port Macquarie NSW 2444 **PO Address** PO Box 2625, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 #### Edgeworth [02 4958 5363](tel:02%204958%205363) 3 Aluminium Close, Edgeworth NSW 2285 **PO Address** PO Box 4061, Edgeworth NSW 2285 [East Coast law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. © 2018 East Coast Law Group. [Disclaimer](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/disclaimer/). [Privacy](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/privacy-policy/). - - **Address:** **Phone:** [1300 735 947](tel:1300%20735%20947) Next Previous ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=202366093720199&ev=PageView%20%20%20&noscript=1)