Preparation for Family Mediation

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

In preparing for your mediation, consider the following:
FOR CHILDREN'S MATTERS:

• Identify the issues that need to be discussed and resolved
• Consider the underlying needs and concerns for each issue
• Seek independent legal advice
• Think about numerous alternatives in resolving each issue
• Seek independent advice from a child psychologist for guidelines regarding appropriate care arrangements for children according to their ages and developmental stages

FOR PROPERTY MATTERS:

• Identify all of your assets and liabilities
• Ascertain the precise value for each of those assets and liabilities
• Seek independent legal advice about percentage division of all assets and liabilities

Although this serves as a guideline, it is also important not to over-think things before your mediation. 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.