How can parents prepare to get the most out of a family mediation?

Preparation makes a significant difference in whether a family mediation succeeds. Parents are well served by thinking in advance about their genuine priorities and their children’s needs, rather than only their positions, and by gathering any relevant information — such as schedules, financial documents, or a proposed parenting arrangement — that will be needed to make informed decisions. Approaching the session with a willingness to listen and to focus on practical solutions, rather than re-arguing past grievances, tends to produce far better results. For a virtual mediation, it also helps to arrange a quiet, private space and to test the technology beforehand. A mediator who prepares the parties through advance review of submissions and a pre-mediation conference can help ensure that when everyone comes to the table, the conditions are set for a productive, child-focused discussion.