How Can I Prepare For Mediation?

When you are dealing with a difficult family legal issue like child custody or divorce, preparation will be crucial in how you resolve the matter. Often, parties will resolve these issues through mediation, not litigation. In other words, you will likely be directly involved in finding a solution. As such, the more you can prepare, the more confident you can feel going into sessions.

While it can be very difficult to ever feel truly ready for such emotional and complex situations, there are ways to prepare for mediation.

Collect your paperwork. Having ready documents like police reports, financial statements, schoolwork and schedules can help you make decisions more quickly and with authority. Without such information, it can take more time to figure out what you need, and the other party may not trust your word about a particular issue.
Make a list of your priorities. Mediation involves compromise and negotiations. In order to stay focused on getting the resolution you want, you should make a list of what is most important to you and what you would be willing to make concessions on.
Bring potential solutions. When making your list of priorities, think about what a realistic and satisfactory outcome would look like. Come up with a proposed settlement or agreement. Not only does this help clarify your expectations, it can also give you a place to start discussions.
Discuss the process with your attorney. It is not necessary to go into mediation sessions alone; you can (and many people do) have an attorney by your side throughout the mediation process. He or she can help you understand what to expect in terms of the process and logistics of sessions and advise you of your rights.

With this kind of preparation, mediation sessions can go more smoothly and you can resolve difficult issues more quickly.

Tags: Collaboration and Mediation