Financial Mediator & Valuation Experience
Melissa Gragg- Divorce Financial Mediator
Business Valuation Expert
It all started when I realized…
Divorce isn’t good or bad—it’s a choice.
And everyone deserves the right to make that choice with clarity, dignity, and without losing everything in the process.
Over the years, I saw that most people don’t want a war. They want a way to separate peacefully, to still co-parent, and to keep the money they’ve worked hard to build. But the system doesn’t always make that easy.
I was often brought in as the valuation expert—the one neutral person both sides trusted to determine the value of a business. But I quickly realized there were far more numbers involved than just the company. There were bank accounts, debts, retirement plans, future expenses, and support needs. And most people had no idea how to make sense of it all.
That’s when I stepped into the role of divorce financial mediator—to help couples see the full picture.
Divorce means dividing one life into two. That takes more than spreadsheets. It takes strategy, support, and someone who can stay calm when emotions run high. I help individuals and couples understand what their new life will cost, what they can afford, and how to make agreements that actually work.
I work with clients across Missouri, Illinois, and nationwide, using secure online tools and video conferencing to support you wherever you are.
Because divorce shouldn’t bankrupt you—or break you.
It should be a turning point.
Let’s make it one that brings you peace.
Mediation Training Completed
Domestic Relations Mediation Training - 24 hours - 2017
General Civil Dispute Mediation Training - 16 hours - 2017
How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation (and Why Strategy Matters)
With Melissa Gragg, 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 Gragg, 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 consulting packages and settlement offer spreadsheet templates (with video tutorials & training) walks you through:
How to build a realistic settlement offer
How to prepare a one-page summary or Position Statement for the mediator
What leverage & timing looks like when you are negotiating with a toxic or controlling spouse
How to use preliminary valuations, mortgage analysis and parenting plans along with the financial settlement 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.