The Top Three Steps in Preparing for Successful Mediation

People who are new to the process of mediation are often nervous before it begins, not knowing the process or what to expect.  The most important thing to do before beginning mediation is to take a breath, relax and be content knowing that you have made the right decision to mediate your dispute. 

Mediation is a highly successful, cost-effective and time-saving alternative dispute resolution process that is more confidential than litigation and keeps the power of reaching a resolution in the power of the hands of the disputants. 

Beyond that, here are three important tips for ensuring that your mediation will be as hassle free as possible:

1. Spend time organizing all the necessary documents you will need.  These could include bank account      statements, real estate documents, business documents, information      regarding pending lawsuits, retirement account documents, household      expenditure documents, etc. 

2. Keep your emotions in check.Emotions in the middle of      negotiations will only get in the way instead of helping the process      along.  While it is understandable      that people feel emotional about certain topics—particularly those related      to family disputes, divorce or child custody—keeping your emotions in      check will help the mediation process be more successful, and will      guarantee you a more positive outcome and resolution.  Be composed, be rational and leave      highly-charged emotional outbursts or arguments for another time. 

3. Prepare to negotiate.The mediation process is, in many cases,      about reaching a mutually satisfactory compromise.  This means that if      you enter mediation prepared to negotiate, you’ll already be on the path      to resolving the dispute.  Starting      mediation with the idea that you’re going to stick to your demands without      any give will only set you up for a failed negotiation session.