How to Prepare for Your Mediation Session
Practical tips to help you feel ready, organized, and confident before you arrive at your mediation.
How to Prepare for Your Mediation Session
Practical tips to help you feel ready, organized, and confident before you arrive at your mediation.
Good preparation can make your mediation session more focused and productive. Here are simple steps you can take before you arrive.
Gather key information
Write down the main issues you'd like to address.
Collect any important documents (contract, emails, notices, timelines, etc.).
Think about what has already been tried to resolve the situation.
Clarify your goals
Ask yourself: "What would a good outcome look like for me?"
Identify your top priorities (for example: time, cost, relationships, privacy).
Consider where you might be flexible and where you are not.
Plan how you want to communicate
Focus on explaining how the situation affects you, rather than blaming.
Be ready to listen to the other person's perspective, even if you disagree.
Make a short list of points you want to be sure to mention.
Take care of logistics
Confirm the date, time, and location (or video link) of your session.
Allow enough time so you don’t feel rushed arriving or leaving.
If you have questions or special needs (accessibility, breaks, etc.), let the mediator know in advance.
Bring a calm, open mindset
Remember that mediation is voluntary and collaborative, not a trial.
You don’t have to agree to anything you’re not comfortable with.
The goal is to explore options and see if there is a solution everyone can live with.
Good preparation can make your mediation session more focused and productive. Here are simple steps you can take before you arrive.
Gather key information
Write down the main issues you'd like to address.
Collect any important documents (contract, emails, notices, timelines, etc.).
Think about what has already been tried to resolve the situation.
Clarify your goals
Ask yourself: "What would a good outcome look like for me?"
Identify your top priorities (for example: time, cost, relationships, privacy).
Consider where you might be flexible and where you are not.
Plan how you want to communicate
Focus on explaining how the situation affects you, rather than blaming.
Be ready to listen to the other person's perspective, even if you disagree.
Make a short list of points you want to be sure to mention.
Take care of logistics
Confirm the date, time, and location (or video link) of your session.
Allow enough time so you don’t feel rushed arriving or leaving.
If you have questions or special needs (accessibility, breaks, etc.), let the mediator know in advance.
Bring a calm, open mindset
Remember that mediation is voluntary and collaborative, not a trial.
You don’t have to agree to anything you’re not comfortable with.
The goal is to explore options and see if there is a solution everyone can live with.
Ready to talk about your situation?
Ready to talk about your situation?
Guiding conversations. Building understanding.
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