Am I Ready to Mediate my Divorce?

To prepare yourself for divorce mediation, it is important first to get your emotions under control. This is not the time to be hurtful, cruel, rude, etc. A successful mediation will be done in the most positive light that both parties can bring. Don’t be afraid to consult with a therapist.

A good mediator will ask you to express your particular needs, wants and desires. Don’t be afraid to put your concerns on the table. You could do this in writing. In fact, it’s recommended. Just because you’re not looking to argue doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come with a list of things that you strongly believe you shouldn’t back down from.

A good mediator will help you to negotiate, not argue. Arguing is not going to get either party anywhere. Prepare your thoughts and let the mediator help you negotiate.

You can ask to speak privately with the mediator. If you have concerns that you can’t share in front of your spouse, you have options. Don’t let that get the best of you, but rather, ask to speak to your mediator individually. A good mediator will recognize, too, when it is appropriate to separate both of you and speak individually about what’s on your mind.

Simple Steps to Prepare for Mediation:

• Educate yourself on the divorce process.

• Bring organized financial documents if you can. Your mediator will guide you on what you need to collect.

• During mediation, you will work on planning a post-divorce budget. If you don’t know how much money you need and how much you spend, it will be hard to have a solid understanding of what you’re negotiating for.

• Ask your mediator for a list of mediation-friendly attorneys to advise you and help you learn about your rights and obligations. Choose a family divorce attorney who will have your best interest in mind and fully understands your goal is having a short, inexpensive stress-free divorce process.