Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences that a person can face in their lifetime. It's an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. One of the most contentious issues during a divorce is the division of property. Dividing assets can be complex and difficult, especially when it comes to high-net-worth divorces. In St. Louis, Missouri, couples who choose to go through divorce mediation have the opportunity to maximize their property division.

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that enables divorcing couples to reach agreements about the division of their property, assets, and debts. In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between the spouses and assists them in finding common ground. This process can be more efficient, cost-effective, and less adversarial than traditional litigation.

If you're going through a divorce in St. Louis, Missouri, and considering mediation, here are some tips to help you maximize your property division:

1. Know Your Assets and Debts

Before going to mediation, it's important to have a clear understanding of your assets and debts. This includes everything from real estate properties, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property. You should also have a detailed understanding of your debts, including credit card debts, loans, and mortgages.

By knowing your assets and debts, you can better negotiate a fair division of property during mediation. You can also avoid surprises or misunderstandings that could derail the mediation process.

2. Prioritize Your Goals

In any divorce, it's important to identify your priorities and goals. This includes what's most important to you in terms of property division. For example, you may prioritize keeping the family home or securing certain assets that hold sentimental value.

During mediation, you can negotiate with your spouse to ensure that your priorities and goals are met. By prioritizing your goals, you can also avoid unnecessary conflict and focus on finding a solution that works for both you and your spouse.

3. Be Willing to Compromise

Mediation requires both of you to be willing to compromise and work towards a common goal. During property division, you may need to give up certain assets or make concessions in order to reach an agreement. This can be difficult, especially if you feel like you're losing something valuable.

However, it's important to remember that compromise is often necessary to reach a fair and equitable property division. By being open to compromise, you can maximize your overall property division and avoid costly litigation and years of your life.

4. Consult With a Mediator Who Is Familiar With St. Louis DIVORCE Law

In St. Louis, Missouri, divorce laws can be complex and nuanced. Therefore, it's important to work with a mediator who is familiar with the local and state laws and regulations. A mediator who is familiar with St. Louis divorce law can help you navigate the mediation process.

5. Don't Let Emotions Cloud Your Judgment

Divorce can be an emotional and stressful experience. However, it's important to keep your emotions in check during mediation. Letting emotions cloud your judgment can lead to irrational decisions and unnecessary conflict.

During mediation, it's important to approach property division with a level head and a willingness to compromise. By staying calm and rational, you can maximize your overall property division and avoid unnecessary conflict.

6. Consider the Tax Implications of Property Division

When dividing assets during a divorce, it's important to consider the tax implications of property division. Certain assets, such as retirement accounts and investment properties, may have significant tax implications. It's important to work with a mediator who is trained and knowledgeable about divorce and finances (such as a mediator who is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) and, if needed, support professionals such as a tax expert or financial planner to ensure that your property division agreement takes into account any potential tax consequences.

7. Hire an Experienced Mediator

Choosing the right divorce mediator is crucial to a successful mediation. An experienced mediator can help both parties reach an agreement that maximizes the property division and addresses the goals and priorities of each spouse.

Nicole Davis is a professional mediator and experienced Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She has over 20 years of experience as a financial expert and she’s been working with St. Louis families since 2015 to help them reach satisfactory and sound property divisions through mediation and other out-of-court settlement processes.

Reach out to her if you are seeking additional information regarding the St. Louis divorce mediation process and how she may help you and your spouse maximize your property division in a Missouri divorce. Nicole offers a free 30-minute consultation. Schedule directly to her calendar here.