Preparing for a Fair Mediation

The foundation of a successful settlement is a clear and accurate list of assets. During this phase, your goal is to identify what exists and provide a realistic estimate of its current value. Use this guide to help you navigate the process.

1. What counts as an “Asset”?

In mediation, we look at everything of value. This generally includes:

• Fixed Property: Homes, holiday houses, or land.
• Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, trailers, or boats.
• Financials: Bank accounts, shares, and retirement funds (pension/provident).
• Household Content: Furniture, appliances, and electronics.
• Valuables: Jewelry, art, or specialized collections (e.g., coins or tools).
• Business Interests: If you own a portion of a company or a side business.

2. How to Estimate Value

When entering a value, we use Fair Market Value. This is not what you paid for the item five years ago, but what it would reasonably sell for today in its current condition.

• For Property: Use a recent municipal valuation or look at “sold prices” for similar homes in your area on property portals.
• For Vehicles: Use a reputable online “Book Value” tool or check listing sites for the same year and mileage.
• For Households: Think “second-hand value” (what you would get at a local auction or online marketplace), not the replacement cost of a brand-new item.
• For Debt: If an asset has an outstanding loan (like a bond or vehicle finance), enter the Full Value of the asset first. There is a separate section to capture the debt (the “Liability”) associated with it.

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

You don’t need to list every fork and spoon. Generally, household items are grouped together (e.g., “Kitchen Appliances” or “Lounge Furniture”). Only list items individually if they have a significant value (e.g., an expensive painting or a high-end sound system).

4. Why Accuracy Matters

Remember, other parties will also be providing their estimates.

• If values are close: It builds trust and speeds up the process.
• If values are far apart: Your mediator will help the group discuss why. This is a normal part of the process and often leads to an agreement to get a professional appraisal.

5. Helpful Tips for a Smooth Process

• Gather your documents: Have your latest bank statements, pension fund statements, and vehicle registration papers nearby.
• Be Transparent: Listing an asset now—even if you aren’t sure of the value—is better than “discovering” it later in the process, which can cause delays and friction.
• Notes are Your Friend: Use the Notes section to explain how you reached a value (e.g., “Based on recent sale of neighbor’s house” or “Estimated from online car sales”).

Your Privacy is Protected

As a reminder, other parties can see the names and values you enter so that everyone is talking about the same items. However, your proposed splits (who you think should get what) are kept private until the mediator-led session begins.

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