Going through a divorce can be a very stressful process and is filled with a broad range of strong emotions. Often, litigating your divorce can escalate that stress and emotional roller coaster. Divorce mediation is a positive alternative to litigation as this alternative dispute resolution method gives all parties an informal venue to work though difficult issues. It further saves all parties involved a significant amount of time and money. In addition to the flexible and client focused nature of the mediation process, parties who have children involved in their divorce often find that mediation allows them to achieve a more positive, successful and most importantly, sustainable co-parenting plan. Mediation does require all parties involved to be active participants in the process in order for a successful outcome. Here are a few tips to help prepare you for entering into the mediation process.

Tips to Make Mediation Work

That being said, it isn’t always easy. Here are some tips to make mediation work:

Go in with an open mind. 

Go in with the understanding that your participation in the process is essential to it being successful. Mediation is not litigation, it’s an informal open communication process that your mediator will guide you through. The mediator will help you identify, understand, discuss, negotiate and resolve all the issues pertaining to your divorce. The goal of the mediator is to assist you in reaching a settlement agreement that both parties find fair and are able to work with. However, the mediator is not representing any party, providing legal advice, or telling any party involved what decisions to make. The mediator will act as the facilitator, while you and your spouse will work together to navigate the process and reach equitable decisions.

Be willing to compromise.

Mediation is not a tool that can work without the understanding that both parties will need to compromise in order for a fair and equitable agreement to be reached. If your determined to approach the process with a right fighting attitude and are unwilling to compromise, you should reconsider using mediation as an option to resolve your dispute.

Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Take care of yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally during your divorce regardless if you decide to mediate or litigate. Divorce is a difficult event in life and it can take a serious toll on your overall health and well being. The extreme level of stress that is often experienced when going through a divorce can sometimes mean a loss of sleep, not eating properly and a high level of anxiety. Aside from not being good for your overall health, not taking care of yourself can lead to poor judgement when making decisions. Mediation can help reduce your level of stress as it’s non adversarial approach is designed to create a calm and informal environment that allows each party to be heard and participate in an open discussion in order to reach mutual agreements. It’s important to surround yourself with a good support system of family, friends, and if necessary, medical professionals so that you are able to participate fully in your mediation.

Contact us if you believe that mediation is going to be the best for you.