Mediation is set in your divorce case. How do you set yourself up to have a successful mediation? Here are the top tips to ensure you make the most of your time and money at mediation:
- COMPROMISE AND CONCESSIONS ARE NECESSARY.
If neither you nor your spouse are willing to move from your point of view, your case will inevitably end up in the hands of the judge. Remember, mediation is a voluntary process wherein you and your spouse maintain total control of the outcome of your divorce. You own the process and own the outcome.
- BE PREPARED.
Have your financial documents with you at mediation. Remember, it’s impossible to resolve financial issues without written documentation. Be prepared to show the mediator and your spouse through statements. Don’t expect them to believe it just because you say so.
- BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
Set your goals appropriately. Remember, there is never a time that just one-party walks out of mediation with everything they set out to get.
- BE COOPERATIVE, NOT COMPETITIVE.
Look for your common shared interests. Look for the win/win.
- BE OPEN MINDED.
Be prepared to listen to your spouse and consider their point of view. An agreement today can result in improved capacity co-parent in the future. Once again, a win/win.
- DON’T PLAY THE BLAME GAME.
The mediator doesn’t want or need to know the details of why you are seeking a divorce. The mediator is a neutral third party assisting you in getting to a resolution. The “what happened during our marriage” conversation is not necessary.
- GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME.
Enter into mediation with the mindset you are here to fully engage in the process, to get resolution in your divorce, and to walk out of mediation starting your new life.
- WATCH YOUR WORDS AND YOUR TONE.
If your true goal is to reach settlement, then be careful what you say and how you say it. This is not marriage counseling, a trial, or the time to hash out your differences.
Mediation empowers couples. Set aside your anger and frustration, your need to win, and your need to blame. If you are able to do so, you will walk out of mediation with a durable agreement that satisfies both you and your spouse. And, you will have maintained total control of the outcome of your divorce. Parties who reach their own agreement are much more satisfied than parties who hand the power over to the judge.
- DIVORCE AGREEMENTS BASED ON FAIRNESS
When attorneys listen to their clients and work together to create a fair settlement, contested divorces can be effectively settled through negotiations and alternative dispute methods. When possible, Schmitt Law, PLLC focuses on resolving divorce and child custody matters through mediation or collaborative divorce methods. These alternative dispute methods allow you to have complete control over the outcome of your future.
Contact Schmitt Law, PLLC today by completing our online contact form, or calling us at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation.
