Going through a divorce is never an easy process. When you and your partner have tried everything to make it work and you finally make the decision to separate, it can be very difficult for everyone involved. While the process of divorcing from your significant owner will be challenging for the couple involved, it can often be a much more harrowing experience if there are children involved.
Family mediation can help you and your ex make plans for the future and agree on what will work best for you as you separate, without the need to go to court. Not only does mediation save time and money, but it can also make the entire process easier on all parties involved. Family mediation will give you an opportunity to take the time you need to consider what is important for your children after your breakup and come to an amicable solution with your ex as to how you can achieve these goals. However, first, it’s important to understand your role in the mediation process.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can best prepare for the family mediation process.
Children’s Feelings First
Regardless of how you and your ex feel about each other, you need to ensure that you put the needs and feelings of your children before your own. The future well-being of your children and your future relationship with them will be affected by how you approach the family mediation process. Children are unfortunate victims of a relationship ending and as a parent, it’s important that you show your kids that you love them, care about their needs and give them the opportunity to continue to see both of their parents after your separation has been finalized.
The Right Attitude
While the mediation process can be stressful at times, everything will go much smoother if you approach it with the right attitude. Entering the session in a combative, argumentative stats, looking for conflict, is one way to ensure that your mediation will be more difficult and stressful than necessary. Instead, go to your mediation session with a positive outlook and an open mind. Remember that the point of mediation is to negotiate to find a solution, not to fight with your ex.
Be Honest And Open
In your role in the family mediation process, you need to be prepared to listen and take the views of your ex-partner under consideration. It’s important to listen to their point of view and ideas with the same respect and attention that you would like them to show you when it is your tie to speak. Be open and honest throughout the proceedings and give yourself every chance of reaching a resolution that all parties can be happy with.
Focus On The Future
Mediation is all about moving on from the past in as positive a manner as possible for everyone involved. Trust in the process and remember that this is not the time to be bringing up problems from your past. Instead, focus on your new future, how that will work and what you and your ex need to do to find a solution that you can both agree to. Your mediator will be there to help keep the discussions on point and to steer you away from any irrelevant conversations. However, in your role in the mediation process, you need to keep in mind that the past is behind you and you need to focus on the future now.
Look Forward To Successful Family Mediation
When you and your ex make the decision to go your separate ways, family mediation can be a much better solution than going to family court. With the right approach, you can be sure that you and your partner will reach a solution that will be agreeable to everyone and you can both move on with your lives, knowing that you have made the best of a difficult situation.
