Preparing For Mediation

Mediation is not like going to court – you do not need formal statements prepared or evidence ready to present. However, taking time to prepare for mediation makes it far more likely that your session will be productive.

Gather Information

What you need to bring with you to a mediation session depends largely on the issues that you need to discuss. At LeBlanc Law & Mediation, we recommend that you consider whether you might need to reference the following information:

Financial statements, such as bank account balances, credit card statements, outstanding mortgage and loan balances or retirement accounts
A list of major asset ranging from real estate holdings, to vehicles, investments and antiques
A list of sentimental items, such as family photo albums, wedding gifts or family heirlooms
Calendars, including information on your children’s extra-curricular activities and days off of school
Your latest tax returns
An accounting of monthly expenses

Consider What You Need And What You Want

Rarely does anyone walk away from mediation with absolutely everything they want. In order for the other party to agree to the resolution, there will likely need to be something in it for them. So, rather than focusing on your dream scenario, take some time to consider what is most important to you and what you can live without.

Think Outside The Box

You may know a number of families who do things a certain way, but that doesn’t mean that you have to. Often, people come into mediation with preconceived notions of what property and custody arrangements have to look like. The beauty of mediation is that you don’t have to follow the “standard” arrangements. You can build a unique plan that works for your family, so be creative.

You Do Not Need To:

Plan arguments: Mediation is not about convincing the mediator that you are right. It is about finding a solution everyone can agree to
Research the law: Understanding your rights is important, but making legal arguments is not. Mediated decisions aren’t about the law, they are about what works for your family.
Put anything into a formal written document: Litigation and arbitration often require you to submit information in a certain form, but mediation does not. Anything you bring along initially is just for your reference.

Contact A Twin Cities Family Mediator

For more information about preparing for a mediation session with a Minneapolis divorce mediator, contact LeBlanc Law & Mediation at 612-337-9530.