Begin with clear financial information

A productive financial discussion needs more than estimates. Both participants need to share relevant information openly so that proposals can be considered on an informed basis. During intake and preparation, we discuss the information required for the issues you want to address.

Depending on your circumstances, that may include income records, tax information, details of children's expenses and existing support agreements or orders. Self-employment, variable earnings or incomplete records may require additional work and advice. Tell us about gaps before the session so they can be addressed.

A mediator can organize the discussion and identify missing information. Your own lawyer provides advice about disclosure obligations, support entitlement and the legal effect of a proposed arrangement. Financial or tax professionals may also be needed where specialist advice is required.

Discussing child support and additional expenses

Parents may need to work through questions about income information, support payments and particular expenses for their children. Child support is subject to applicable legal rules. Mediation is not a way to avoid those obligations or trade away a child's interests.

Shared expenses can generate practical questions even when parents agree in principle. How will an expense be raised? What information will be provided? When will receipts be shared? How will a proposed activity be discussed? Making these expectations clearer can help you assess a proposal before it becomes a recurring source of disagreement.

We can also help you see where financial arrangements interact with a parenting plan, while keeping the legal and practical purpose of each discussion clear.