Assess Your Divorce Mediation Readiness
Evaluate your strong points, areas of disagreement, and potential red flags before entering mediation.
Mediation Assessment
Strong Points
These will help move mediation forward quickly
Points of Disagreement
The mediator will focus on these areas
Potential Red Flags
Flagging these helps the mediator prepare
Readiness Assessment
Communication Level
Asset Complexity
Safety Concerns
Mediation Readiness Score
85%
AI Organized Dispute Topics
AI Mediation Agenda Draft
Based on your assessment inputs, here is a suggested mediation agenda: 1) Property and asset division (60 min), 2) Parenting schedule review (45 min), 3) Financial support discussion (30 min), 4) Final agreement review (15 min). This agenda prioritizes the areas most likely to reach quick consensus.
Refine AgendaWhen Mediation Works Best
- 1
Both Parties Are Willing
Mediation requires good-faith participation from both spouses.
- 2
Communication Is Possible
Spouses should be able to discuss issues, even if difficult.
- 3
Power Balance Is Roughly Equal
If there's significant financial or emotional power imbalance, consider litigation instead.
Is Divorce Mediation Right for You?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses negotiate and resolve the terms of their divorce — property, debt, spousal support, and parenting arrangements — without going to trial. Divorce mediation is generally faster and significantly less expensive than contested litigation, and it gives both parties more control over the outcome.
Before entering divorce mediation, it is important to understand your own readiness. The three pillars of a successful divorce mediation are: a basic level of communication between spouses, a willingness to negotiate in good faith, and the absence of serious power imbalances or safety concerns. This readiness tool helps you map out where you stand on each of these dimensions before your first divorce mediation session.
Preparing a clear list of agreed and disputed points before divorce mediation saves time and reduces conflict in the session itself. Most divorce mediation processes move through four topic areas: real property and asset division, retirement and financial accounts, spousal support, and child custody and parenting plans. Knowing which of these areas you already agree on — and which remain contested — allows the mediator to prioritize effectively.
Divorce mediation is not appropriate in every situation. If there is a documented history of domestic violence, significant financial concealment, or a large power imbalance between the parties, traditional divorce litigation with separate legal representation may better protect your interests. When in doubt, consult a family law attorney before committing to divorce mediation.
This tool is a free educational resource and does not constitute legal advice. Use your divorce mediation readiness assessment as a starting point for discussion with a qualified mediator or attorney.