For property and financial mediation
| Document type | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Real estate | Recent property valuation or agents' appraisals; mortgage statements with current balance |
| Superannuation | Most recent member statement for all funds (both parties) |
| Bank accounts | Statements showing current balances for all joint and individual accounts |
| Debts | Current balances on credit cards, personal loans, car finance |
| Income | Recent pay slips or tax returns for both parties |
| Business interests | Recent financial statements, tax returns, any valuation |
For parenting mediation
- A clear description of the current parenting arrangements (what is actually happening day to day)
- Your proposed arrangements — written out in specific terms (days, times, handover locations)
- A list of your children's activities, school, and commitments
- Any existing court orders or parenting plans that are in place
- Contact details for the children's school and doctors (if relevant to the dispute)
Know your priorities before you arrive
Before the session, spend time thinking about:
- What outcome matters most to you — your must-haves
- What you would be willing to compromise on
- What you think is important for your children (for parenting matters)
Parties who arrive with clear priorities tend to reach agreement faster. Those who arrive without a clear picture of what they want often spend the first half of the session working this out.
What not to bring
- Text messages or social media posts you plan to present as evidence — mediation is not a hearing. Bringing a folder of grievances can derail the process.
- Your children — children are not present in mediation sessions.
- Unrealistic expectations — knowing the range of outcomes a court might order (from legal advice) helps you negotiate from an informed position.
Use our free preparation tool to organise everything before your session.
Sources