10 Mediation Must-Knows That Can Make or Break Your Case

Divorce is never an easy process, and when both want to leave it on a friendly level, by sitting at the table to discuss the details, the mediation process will be much less stressful. It’s possible to start walking into that room without being prepared and end up with the results you didn’t anticipate.

Whether you’re about to go into mediation to work out a divorce or other problems of family law, it’s always good to know the ten things to remember when attending mediation to make you more prepared about the problems or issues that you’ll have to face. 

Know what you want (and what you can drop)

Consider what matters to you before conducting mediation. What do you want first – custody of children, the family house, retirement plans? Also, tell yourself the truth when asking yourself what you are willing to submit.

Know the law and your rights

Power depends on knowledge. Knowing the state law about your divorce makes a difference, particularly, parenting time, support, and asset sharing so that you can make a wise decision and not accept what isn’t equitable.

Don’t think that you’ll lose

Mediation is not a competition between winners and losers, but in searching for middle ground. When you go to your spouse thinking of beating him or her, it’s not easy to agree on something. Strive to achieve a balanced solution.

Stay calm and respectful

Divorce is a situation that evokes emotional feelings, yet this isn’t where one should express his or her feelings during mediation. Remain calm, maintain a listening ear, and talk courteously even when your spouse does the opposite. You may affect the cooperativeness of the process with your behavior.

Bring all appropriate papers

Come to the meeting with whatever documentation your lawyer advises you to bring in – tax returns, income statements, mortgage information, retirement accounts balances, and other things as applicable. Having the correct figures helps the process along the way and doesn’t lead to confusion.

Be financially honest with each other

Any attempts to conceal resources or underestimate revenue will only backfire at a later stage. Mediation is founded on trust and disclosure, and when the other party discovers that you were not honoring this, then the entire settlement might be disintegrated.

Questioning when you don’t get it

Financials and legal jargon are difficult to handle. Don’t feel afraid to stop the process and request clarification. It concerns your future, so make sure that you’re familiar with everything stated in the contract.

Understand what a mediator can and cannot do

A mediator has no sides; he/she is an outside party, not your lawyer, and not a judge. They don’t decide things on your behalf or act on your behalf. This is why many people feel the need to have their attorneys help them out before and after mediation.

Avoid hurrying 

When you are tired or emotional, you prefer to accept it. Yet, there is a long-term impact of decisions taken in the process of mediation. Sit down to figure it all out, even to the point of booking another session.

Get a lawyer you trust most

Mediating isn’t meant to be related to the court. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility to conduct such a process without legal advice. A Grand Rapids Family Law Mediation Attorneys dealing with divorces on a regular basis would simplify the process by advising you on how to prepare and what your rights are, also revise any deal presented to you before you sign it.