How Should I Prepare For Mediation?
March 18, 2016 by West Coast ADR
When you are going through a divorce that involves children, you might end up using mediation to sort out what is going to work for you and your ex regarding the child custody matters. There are several benefits associated with mediation. If you go through mediation, you should make sure that you are ready for the process.
How do the children benefit from mediation?
Children can benefit from mediation because their individual needs can be addressed. If the children are able to express their views, the children can even have a say in the arrangements. The children also have the benefit of seeing that adults can work together even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
How should I prepare?
The most important thing you can do before the mediation begins is to remember that you must have an open mind. You might have some issues that you feel strongly about, but mediation is only possible if you and your ex are willing and able to compromise on the issues at hand. It is usually best for you to have several different solutions in mind when you are heading to mediation.
What else should I know about mediation?
Mediation sessions can get tense at times. In those times, you should be sure to remember that putting your child first is the key to making mediation work.
If you have questions about mediation or need to find out about specific concerns, you should get the answers you need prior to the start of the mediation. Being informed about the entire process might make it a bit easier as you go through it.
Source: Parenting After Divorce, “Tips to Prepare for Child Custody Mediation,” Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D., accessed March 18, 2016
When you are going through a divorce that involves children, you might end up using mediation to sort out what is going to work for you and your ex regarding the child custody matters. There are several benefits associated with mediation. If you go through mediation, you should make sure that you are ready for the process.
How do the children benefit from mediation?
Children can benefit from mediation because their individual needs can be addressed. If the children are able to express their views, the children can even have a say in the arrangements. The children also have the benefit of seeing that adults can work together even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
How should I prepare?
The most important thing you can do before the mediation begins is to remember that you must have an open mind. You might have some issues that you feel strongly about, but mediation is only possible if you and your ex are willing and able to compromise on the issues at hand. It is usually best for you to have several different solutions in mind when you are heading to mediation.
What else should I know about mediation?
Mediation sessions can get tense at times. In those times, you should be sure to remember that putting your child first is the key to making mediation work.
If you have questions about mediation or need to find out about specific concerns, you should get the answers you need prior to the start of the mediation. Being informed about the entire process might make it a bit easier as you go through it.
Source: Parenting After Divorce, “Tips to Prepare for Child Custody Mediation,” Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D., accessed March 18, 2016