Mediators

How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation (and Why Strategy Matters)

With Melissa Gregg, Financial Mediator + Business Valuation Expert

If you’re heading into divorce mediation, you may already feel overwhelmed by legal fees, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of what’s at stake. But there’s one thing most people overlook that could shift the entire process in your favor:

Preparation.

I'm Melissa Gregg, a financial mediator and business valuation expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. For over two decades, I’ve worked with couples, attorneys, and mediators across the country to settle high-conflict divorces and complex financial disputes. And I’ve seen firsthand: the individuals who show up to mediation with a plan are the ones who walk away with clarity—and a settlement.

🔹 Mediation Is Not a Courtroom. It’s a Strategy Session.

Divorce mediation is your opportunity to take back control. But it’s only effective if you come prepared—with documents, clear communication, and a proposed offer. If you wait for the mediator or the other side to lead the conversation, you may find yourself negotiating under pressure or reacting to someone else’s version of reality.

The best way to avoid that? Show up with a complete settlement offer.

🔹 What Should You Bring to Mediation?

Here’s what I recommend every client prepare in the weeks before mediation:

• ✅ A current Statement of Property (all assets & debts, with backup)

• ✅ A one-page Settlement Offer Summary outlining major issues and proposed terms

• ✅ Supporting documentation: valuations, appraisals, statements, and marital waste calculations

• ✅ A clear list of key issues: business ownership, the house, retirement assets, custody, etc.

• ✅ A mindset prepared to negotiate—but not to settle blindly

Even if your attorney or team isn’t preparing you in this way, you can lead this process. And if the other side shows up unprepared? That gives your strategy even more weight.

🔹 The Most Common Mistake? Waiting.

Too many people delay mediation prep until the last minute—or assume someone else will take care of it. But if you're the one pulling financial documents, reviewing assets, and making an offer, you're setting the tone for the entire negotiation.

In many cases, the spouse with the stronger strategy (not the stronger personality) walks away with a fairer outcome.

🔹 How We Can Help

Our full mediation training walks you through:

• How to build a realistic settlement offer

• How to prepare a one-page summary for the mediator

• What leverage looks like when you have a toxic or controlling spouse

• How to use valuation previews and financial documents to support your position

You’ll also get access to The Divorce Allies, our membership-based support circle that meets weekly to answer questions, share strategies, and keep you moving forward.

🟢 Ready to Take Control of Your Mediation?

You don’t need to do it alone—and you don’t need to wait until your attorney is ready.
Join us at TheDivorceAllies.com or schedule a call at ValuationMediation.com to get started.

Because in mediation, clarity is your power. And strategy is your path forward.