Like all aspects of divorce, mediation success comes down to how prepared you are. Proper mediation preparation can take a lot of work, which is why it’s important to get started as soon as you can. After all, you don’t want to leave your success up to chance…
Mediation Preparation: Keys to Success
Get your documents together
Having the right documents ready is a key aspect of mediation preparation. Proper documentation means you’ll be able to strengthen your claims during the negotiations. The more credibility you have, the better off you’ll be during the mediation…
Preparing financial documents will allow you to confidently negotiate financial matters. Using estimations will hurt your case, especially if your partner comes well prepared. If you are negotiating matters involving your children, it also helps to have documents like their school records and medical history.
Plan out your strategy
A common mistake made by those going into mediation is having no real game plan. Some people will try to “feel things out” and go from there. However, it’s much better to have a mediation strategy already planned out.
Figuring out what you wish to get out of your mediation is an important part of the mediation preparation process. You may want a “fair” mediation, but what is fair to you? What does you ex wish to get out of the mediation? Having an initial plan will help you both work towards a compromise.
Get in the right mindset
Having the right attitude is also crucial for mediation preparation. If you have an attitude of “this will never work”, then odds are it won’t! Instead, you have to be open-minded and flexible when working with your ex.
Don’t let your mediation become a place to argue with your ex. It’s better to try to cooperate with them instead. That way, you’ll both get an agreement you’re happy with.
Mediation preparation can determine whether or not you get an agreement that works for you. Proper preparation helps save you stress and money now and in the future. The investment it requires is well worth it when you see what you can get out of it.
