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Difference between revisions of "Family Law Mediation"
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→Things not to do
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===Things not to do=== | ===Things not to do=== | ||
Suspicion and dishonesty will damage the mediation process, sometimes beyond repair. If the mediator doesn't believe you and the other party doesn't believe you, it might be impossible to arrive at a negotiated settlement. Likewise, bitterness, jealousy and resentment can also be triggers that undermine each party's faith in the other and make resolution by a judge at a trial inevitable. | Suspicion and dishonesty will damage the mediation process, sometimes beyond repair. If the mediator doesn't believe you and the other party doesn't believe you, it might be impossible to arrive at a negotiated settlement. Likewise, bitterness, jealousy, and resentment can also be triggers that undermine each party's faith in the other and make resolution by a judge at a trial inevitable. | ||
*Try to avoid letting your emotions get tangled up with your analysis of the problem at hand. Mediation is tough work, and it's normal for emotions to come up. Try to express them in a productive way so that it can actually move you forward rather than keep you stuck. | *Try to avoid letting your emotions get tangled up with your analysis of the problem at hand. Mediation is tough work, and it's normal for emotions to come up. Try to express them in a productive way so that it can actually move you forward rather than keep you stuck. | ||
* Don't hide information, financial or otherwise, on the assumption that the other party won't find out. They usually do, and if they do the process is likely at an end. | * Don't hide information, financial or otherwise, on the assumption that the other party won't find out. They usually do, and if they do the process is likely at an end. | ||
* Don't raise your voice or make comments that are hurtful. | * Don't raise your voice or make comments that are hurtful. | ||
* Don't interrupt. Wait until each person has stopped speaking before you interject, no matter how upset you might feel with what they | * Don't interrupt. Wait until each person has stopped speaking before you interject, no matter how upset you might feel with what they are saying. | ||
* Negotiations are stressful, but don't use drugs or alcohol to calm your nerves. Drugs and alcohol will impair your judgment and reduce your ability to be objective and bargain in your own best interests. | * Negotiations are stressful, but don't use drugs or alcohol to calm your nerves. Drugs and alcohol will impair your judgment and reduce your ability to be objective and bargain in your own best interests. | ||
* Don't feel that you must give an instant answer when you can't. Take a few moments or a few minutes to compose your reply; no one will begrudge a considered response. | * Don't feel that you must give an instant answer when you can't. Take a few moments or a few minutes to compose your reply; no one will begrudge a considered response. | ||