Preparing for Family Mediation

Parents often ask, "How should I prepare for my family mediation?

In preparing for your mediation, it is important to consider the following:
FOR CHILDREN'S MATTERS:

• Identify the issues that need to be discussed and resolved at mediation
• Consider the underlying needs and concerns that you have in relation to each issue
• Seek independent legal advice about the likely outcome if decided in court
• Think about numerous ways of resolving each issue
• Seek independent advice from a child psychologist concerning guidelines for appropriate care arrangements for children according to their ages and developmental stages

FOR PROPERTY MATTERS:

• Identify all of your assets and liabilities, including debt
• Ascertain the precise values for each of those assets and liabilities
• Seek independent legal advice about the likely outcome if decided in court in terms of percentage division of all assets and liabilities

Although the above serves as a guideline, it is also important not to over-think things before the mediation session. Releasing yourself of any preconceived ideas of how you expect the mediation to go is an important step towards attending the mediation session with an open mind.