Regardless of whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, you will find yourself in at least one mediation session. Mediation is about finding solutions and common ground. Mediation gives couples a unique opportunity to listen to their partner and gain perspective from their spouse’s unique point of view. Mediation can help couples effectively communicate with one another and provides an independent third party to oversee the gathering and provide insight and new solutions to an otherwise struggling marriage.
To make the most of your mediation sessions, read the following four helpful tips.
Set Your Goals
Before your mediation session, take some time to decide what is important to you (not just what you do or do not want your spouse to have). Make a list of what you cannot live without and what you can. Determine your bottom-line goals — what you refuse to walk away without. Think about child custody (if you share kids), assets, and financial decisions. You will be most successful if you keep each of these decisions separate from each other — try to avoid letting one influence your stance on another.
Be Ready to Compromise
Many couples come into mediation to win. If there is even an ounce of hatred, individuals may want to use mediation to “get even” and leave the other party with nothing. In reality, there is no “winning” when it comes to mediation, except when couples are willing to give and take. If you want to have a more successful mediation, you need to be prepared to compromise.
Research Your Mediator
Before you hire a mediator, make sure you take the time to do your research. Not all mediators are skilled at mediation like you might think. Find a divorce mediator with a successful track record and years of experience. As you are finding a mediator, feel free to ask questions like:
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- Did you complete a basic or advanced mediation course? How many training hours did you complete?
- In which areas are you certified? Basic mediation? Family mediation? Other areas?
- Where did you earn your certification? Ask to see the certificates.
- Did you complete an apprenticeship?
- How many sessions have you mediated? How many of those were successful?
Be Rational, Not Emotional
Of course, it is easy to get emotional during the divorce process — you are a human! However, it is best to work through mediation when you put your emotions aside and work towards being rational and practical. When divorcing individuals let their emotions get the best of themselves, they often find themselves in litigation.
Contact The Ault Firm
If you are filing for divorce, you will need a knowledgeable mediation attorney like the professionals at The Ault Firm. Our team of lawyers have years of experience and are skilled negotiators with the track record of providing couples a stress-free forum to discuss their marriage. If you are in the Salt Lake City or West Jordan, Utah area, call the family law attorneys at The Ault Firm today to schedule your case review.
