Many family law matters, including divorce and child custody, are handled through mediation if both parties can work together to come to a mutually agreeable resolution. If you are going into this situation, you must ensure that you are ready for what’s to come.
Getting ready for the meetings with the mediator doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips to help you:
- Gather any documents you might need. This can include the child’s schedule for school and other activities. You should also grab your own work schedule since this might impact the parenting time plan.
- Write down your concerns. These meetings can get heated and stressful. By having your main concerns in writing, you can make sure that you address them during the meeting. Remember that your ex will have a list, too.
- Be prepared to compromise. You aren’t going to get your way on every matter. Check your list of concerns and mark down which ones you feel strongly about. Those are the ones you need to focus your efforts on during the mediation.
- Think about your children. Even when there is a solution that seems to be the right answer in your mind, you have to be prepared to think about other options. Keeping an open mind while thinking about the children instead of yourself can be beneficial during these meetings.
- Keep your cool. Sometimes, an ex might go into a meeting with the intention of ruffling your feathers to get their way. Remaining calm can thwart this effort. Remember that you can always ask to speak to the mediator in private if necessary.
Always know what legal options you have for your case. This can help you to protect your rights going into the mediation session.
