90
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Difference between revisions of "Family Law Mediation"
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→Things to do
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===Things to do=== | ===Things to do=== | ||
The following points boil down to just a few central ideas: respect yourself and the other side; be flexible and avoid taking absolute positions; and, be honest and open. When you go into the mediation session, try to have a few options prepared, a few other alternatives that you might be happy with, rather than a single fixed, rigid goal. | The following points boil down to just a few central ideas: respect yourself and the other side; be flexible and avoid taking absolute positions; and, be honest and open. When you go into the mediation session, try to have a few options prepared, a few other alternatives that you might be happy with, rather than a single fixed, rigid goal. Think not just about what specific outcomes you would like, but why those outcomes are important to you. Think about what you hope for as it relates to your future finances and your future parenting relationship, and also what your biggest worries are as you transition into a two-home family. There may be a creative option that you and your ex have not thought about that meets both of your underlying goals. | ||
* Be honest. Trust is essential to the mediation process. | * Be honest. Trust is essential to the mediation process. | ||
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* Ask for a break when you're feeling too wound up or upset to continue, rather than abandoning the session. | * Ask for a break when you're feeling too wound up or upset to continue, rather than abandoning the session. | ||
* Dress comfortably and be prompt. | * Dress comfortably and be prompt. | ||
* If you disagree with something, say so. You must respect, and express, your own thoughts, opinions and feelings. | * If you disagree with something, say so. You must respect, and express, your own thoughts, opinions and feelings. Agreeing simply to keep the peace on matters that are important to you can sometimes result in either hitting a wall later on in the mediation or ending up with a settlement you later regret. | ||
* Bring the documents you were asked to bring. If you don't, matters will only be delayed and the other side may be irritated by the inconvenience. | * Bring the documents you were asked to bring. If you don't, matters will only be delayed and the other side may be irritated by the inconvenience. | ||
* Watch your body language! Making disgusted grunts, rolling your eyes, or slamming your fist on the table won't help anything. | * Watch your body language! Making disgusted grunts, rolling your eyes, or slamming your fist on the table won't help anything. | ||