Texas Mediation Topics Checklist
Before You Begin:
1. Have each party sign Agreement to Mediate and date it
2. Collect your money – cash, money order – no personal checks
3. Go over ground rules & ask if there are any questions
Grounds for divorce – usually “no fault”
Property Division
Must disclose all debts/assets for MSA to be valid
Household belongs, clothing, jewelry, etc.
Everything is valued at garage sale prices – bed is worth approx. $50 – purchase price is irrelevant
When will the spouse pick up all belongings at the residence?
(specific date & time of pick up needed)
Have specific list of what is being picked up on the agreed exchange date
[After ____ all property not pick up will belong to the spouse in possession and ___ forfeits all
ownership interest in the property.]
Vehicles & Debts
(If in both names, a power of attorney for motor vehicle needs to be executed)
Need a date certain when POA will be signed and delivered to the party keeping the vehicle
Separate Property
Community Property - presumed
Credit Cards & Balance Due
All banking accounts
Cemetery Plots
Airline Mileage
Utility bills – whose name are they currently in?
Real Estate & mortgage info.
Party leaving must turn over all remote controls, keys, surveys, bills, etc. in their possession
Is property owned in both names?
(Even if only on a deed, a real estate form needs to be prepared, signed & filed with Harris County
Real Property records in order to clarify the title for future ownership)
If both names are on mortgage, no judge can remove this liability.
Mortgage company will report this debt on both parties’ credit report.
What happens if party cannot make the payments and foreclosure occurs?
Stocks & Other Investments
Retirement & IRA & 401(k)
Business Investments
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