How To Prepare For Conflict In Mediation
October 21, 2018 – Polly Tatum
Divorce mediation can be a positive experience if you plan and prepare accordingly. One of the things you should prepare for is conflict between you and your spouse. The structure of divorce mediation lends itself well to an amicable and non-adversarial series of negotiations. The issues you will address during mediation, however, may create conflict between you and your spouse. Your mediator can help you and your spouse work through the conflict productively if he or she is experienced and prepared as well.
One way you can prepare to be productive through conflict is to have a mediation planning session with your mediator before you commence the process. You should discuss your concerns and objectives during this session.
It is important that your mediator is aware of the issues you are sensitive about and understands what your needs are. For example, if you are concerned about discussing alimony with your spouse, let the mediator know so he or she can prepare for facilitating an effective resolution.
Also, make sure your mediator can help you develop a mediation plan with some structure. A good mediator will have strategies to structure the mediation sessions in a way that minimizes room for conflict to take over.
Your mediator can provide you with resolution options for your issues.
In the face of high conflict, having an experienced mediator who has the skills to present alternatives can make a big difference in productivity.
If you and your spouse both meet with the mediator individually, the mediator will have the information he or she needs to suggest constructive alternatives.
Conflict in divorce mediation is not uncommon, but taking the time to prepare and plan can mitigate it. One way you can prepare is to choose a skilled mediator and plan your sessions well. Make sure you prepare yourself emotionally for the experience of divorce mediation. No matter what your expectations may be, the results of your mediation can deviate from them. It may be easier or more difficult to negotiate with your spouse than you expected, so prepare yourself to be resilient and ready for any challenge.
If you have questions about how to deal with conflict during your mediation, contact Mediation Advantage Services for expert help. Experienced in divorce mediation, Law Office of Polly Tatum can help you efficiently mediate your divorce with as little conflict as possible. Based in historic Worcester, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson.
Call our office at (508) 795-1557(508) 795-1557, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free guide for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.
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