1. Arrive at your mediation knowing what you want (and what you don’t).
It’s important to do your homework before you start your mediation.  Have a clear idea of what your priorities are for this mediation, and what you ultimately want out of it.
 
2. But also, come with an open mind.
It’s equally important to come to your mediation with an open mind.  Mediation is about compromise and collaboration, and you’re there to hear what the other side has to say.  You need to keep your mind open so that you can leave the table with the issue settled. 
 
3. Don’t be rushed.  Allow yourself enough time to make important decisions.
This tip may sound obvious, but it is key to take as much time as you and the other party need to resolve the dispute.  You are making big decisions, and you want to reach a full and complete conclusion. 
 
4. Listen, listen, listen! Listening to the other side will ultimately help you be heard.
Emotions are going to play a big role in your mediation which can sometimes make listening difficult.  However, if you listen respectfully and understand the other side’s perspective, the other party is also more likely to hear you and understand your perspective.   
 
5. Think of mediation as a team endeavor, so participate fully!
Mediation is not a solo activity.  It requires active participation from everyone involved.  Make sure that when you show up, you are fully present and ready to participate because that is the only way anything is going to be accomplished.  

Blog by Kate Bauman of Little Falls Mediation

​The process of going through a divorce can seem daunting, stressful, and overwhelmingly difficult.  For most people, a divorce settlement is the biggest negotiation they will ever pursue, and the stakes seem unbelievably high.  Divorcing can create a certain sense of animosity, or tension, which can set the stage for a long and ugly litigation battle.  Mediation, however, provides an alternative route.  It is a voluntary, confidential, and collaborative process in which the parties are empowered to work with a neutral third-person mediator and resolve their dispute by negotiation and mutual consent. 

In terms of personal resources, mediation takes much less time and money than litigation, thereby eliminating important sources of stress from what is already a stressful and difficult situation. On average, litigation can cost anywhere between about $10,000 to upwards of $100,000, while mediation is significantly less expensive, ranging from less than $600 to $4,000 or so.  Mediation can also resolve a dispute in a few days or weeks, while litigation may take months or even years before you see any type of measurable outcome.

Another critical aspect of mediation is that it is entirely confidential.  The details of your dispute remain between you and the other party involved.  In litigation, those details may be  entered into a public court record and so your sensitive information may no longer stay private.  Mediation is an important consideration for preserving the family unit and its dignity, especially when there are children involved.    

For many people, divorce may seem to be synonymous with anger, hatred, or competition.  Litigation often seems adversarial, involving a court “battle” where one party emerges as the “winner.”  Litigation can often be about punishment, or retribution for the past.  Mediation, on the other hand, helps a couple work together cooperatively and diplomatically, preserving the relationship between the two parties. Mediation allows both parties to be heard and ultimately results in a decision where the feelings and needs of both parties are considered. 

Finally, it is important to note that in litigation the ultimate decision is out of your control.  A judge has the final say, and so the outcome is unpredictable and may be unexpected.  Mediation, however, removes that unpredictability.   Because the involved parties are in control of the decision, compliance with the ultimate agreement is typically high, and the stage is set post divorce for future conversations and agreements. Just remember, decision making, even in the case of a contentious divorce, is cooperative if you work together rather than against each other.  Mediation works to resolve disputes!
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Blog and infographic by Little Falls Mediation's Kate Bauman.