That LawyerHannah

Mediation works when both people can sit at a table and negotiate, even if they can barely stand each other. It is private, usually faster, and the terms are yours instead of a judge's.

Because the mediator represents neither side, many people keep their own consulting attorney to review the deal before signing. That isn't distrust. It's due diligence.

Mediation is a poor fit when there is a safety concern or a serious imbalance of power. In those cases, say so early.

In custody matters, courts care about which parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Your texts and emails are a running record of exactly that.

Keep it short, factual, and about the kids: pickup times, school, doctors. Save the venting for your friends, and keep it off the group chat.

Save the records, too. A clean, dated log is far more useful than a memory of who said what.

The most important clause in a partnership is often the buy-sell provision. It sets how an owner's share is valued and who can buy it when life happens.

Without one, a partner's spouse, heirs, or creditors can end up in the middle of your company. That is a very awkward board meeting.

Decide the hard questions now: who decides, who can sell, and how the business gets valued.

Bring what you can find: recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements, mortgage or lease papers, and any prenup or postnup.

Write a short timeline too: when you married, when the kids were born, when things changed. It saves time and money.

Don't have everything? Come anyway. Knowing what's missing is part of the plan.