Tips for a successful mediation
Practical preparation steps that help families reach durable agreements faster.
Mediation works best when both people arrive prepared, calm, and focused on outcomes. A little preparation can save hours of session time — and significant cost.
Before the session
Gather the documents your mediator asks for: recent pay stubs, tax returns, account statements, a parenting schedule, and any prior agreements. Write down the three or four issues that matter most to you, and for each one note what a workable outcome would look like.
Think about interests, not positions. "I need stability for the kids" opens more options than "I want the house." The more clearly you understand what's driving your asks, the easier it is to find creative solutions.
During the session
Listen as much as you speak. Take breaks when emotions rise. Ask the mediator to slow things down if you need time to think. Nothing is final until you sign — you can always say "let me sleep on it."
After the session
Review the Memorandum of Understanding carefully, ideally with independent legal advice, before turning it into a binding agreement. A durable agreement is one you understand fully and can live with.