Family Dispute: How to Find a Solution

By making an agreement, you will save a lot of time and money since you won’t have to go to court. In this article, we will show you six essential steps on how to get the most out of this process.

Be prepared for mediation

Mediation is your chance to claim your legal rights and get an outcome which will suit your needs and preferences. You probably won’t get another chance, so it is wise to get the most out of it. Prepare yourself thoroughly, and spend your time and energy to think about your approach, and make notes. Consider all possible options and outcomes, and keep in mind all “what if” scenarios. Going to the court will cost you a lot of money, time, and stress as well, so it is far better to make an agreement with the other side during mediation.

Bring the support

Bringing a support person to your family law mediation might be crucial. In Australia, it is the most common thing to do during the process. Your lawyer is not the same as your support person. Lawyers are professionals who are there to advocate for you and give expert advice. Hiring the best family lawyers in Sydney is one of the wisest decisions you can make. On the other hand, a support person should be there for you emotionally, without giving any opinion on the matter. Inform your mediator if you want to bring a support person, and be aware that he/she, most likely, won’t be able to be present in the rooms during discussions. Mostly because of confidentiality.

Focus on arguments instead of blaming

Keep in mind that mediation serves to solve issues for the mutual satisfaction of both sides. As we mentioned, it is far better to come up with solutions during negotiation instead of going to the court. However, if you want to be entirely focused on problems, you should not use blame or guilt during the discussion. Your marriage is over, and all your small issues and arguments don’t matter anymore. Remember, you and your spouse came to mediation to solve problems regarding children, house, etc. Focus on that and arguments regarding crucial issues instead of blaming and talking nonsense. Not only will you not make an agreement that way, but such behavior can also backfire against you.

Don’t get nervous

Similar to the previous step, keep your cool and don’t lose your concentration or get tense. For instance, your spouse might be late for mediation, which was also an issue during your marriage. You will, most likely, get triggered because of it, but it would’ve been a severe mistake. First of all, you have to stay focused on real problems, and something minor like that shouldn’t affect you at all since you are not in that relationship anymore. Second, maybe your spouse has a valid reason, you can’t be sure. And finally, his/her late appearance will make you look like a more reliable person, and you don’t even have to say anything to confirm it.

Always bring food and drink

Whenever you have to stay concentrated and effective for a long time, you have to eat and drink properly. The same applies to the mediation process. Fatigue can become an issue after a few hours, and you have to refresh yourself with some snacks and water. Also, in most cases, there will be tea or coffee available during mediation, and you should not hesitate to take a cup. Keeping your energy on the highest levels is essential for exhausting processes such as mediation.

Take care of your children

The mediation process can take a whole day, and therefore, you have to arrange childcare. It might be your parents or any other alternate person who can take care of your children during that day. Be aware of the fact that you might lose the whole day, so prepare all arrangements a day before.

Keep in mind that mediation is your best chance to make an agreement with your ex-spouse. Mutual satisfaction is the best, although it is impossible in some cases. However, be well prepared, stay focused, and find the best lawyer and support.