Custody Mediation Preparation Checklist (Printable)

Session details

Mediator / program:

Date and time:

Location or video link:

Length and cost:

Confirm beforehand

Same room or separate roomsWhether attorneys attendHow confidentiality works in this courtWhat gets reported to the courtWhat to bring and whether to send anything aheadSafety accommodations, if needed

My goals, in order

What I could accept instead

My limits, and why each protects my child

What I can offer

What to bring (if applicable)

Current orders or written agreementsSchool calendar for the coming yearWork schedules, mine in detailCalendar of parenting time as it actually happenedChild's activities, appointments, and providersWritten schedule proposal, plus a second versionBlank calendar to work onChild-related costs, if discussed

My schedule proposal

Regular rotation and exchange times

Pickups, drop-offs, transportation

Holidays and breaks

Summer and vacation notice

Communication between parents

When a parent cannot use scheduled time

Right of first refusal threshold

Review point

The other parent's likely concerns and my practical answers

The other parent's likely concerns and my practical answers
Concern	My answer
Concern 1	My answer 1
Concern 2	My answer 2
Concern 3	My answer 3
Concern 4	My answer 4

Before I sign anything

I read every lineDates, times, and places match what we discussedNo vague terms like "reasonable" or "as agreed"I know who drafts the order and when it takes effectI know how future changes will be handledI asked for time to review, or had an attorney review