Mediation is an alternative means to resolve your divorce settlement instead of litigating it in court. With a mediator, you get the benefit of resolving the settlement agreement but you minimize the conflict by eliminating the appearance in court.
There are a few tips that can help you get the most from your mediation experience.
Decide what matters most to you
Before you attend your first mediation session, consider the elements that are most important to you. Doing this gives you the chance to decide what you are willing to give up and what you want to fight for. When you are upfront about your wishes from the start, it sets clear expectations.
Be willing to compromise
Compromise is an important part of mediating your divorce settlement. You have to attend your mediation sessions with an open mind and willingness to compromise. If you attend a mediation session and dig your heels in, you will be less likely to resolve the case and may need to litigate it in court.
Leave your emotions at the door
It is easier said than done, but keeping your emotions out of the mediation sessions is important. When you treat mediation as a business transaction and keep your emotional upheaval out of it, it is easier to come to a rational, fair settlement.
Mediation saves divorcing couples significantly in the time spent waiting for a court hearing and helps create a more peaceful, amicable divorce settlement. These tips help you approach your mediation sessions prepared to make the most of the process.