Before Coming to Mediation
If you have never been to a mediation session, it is helpful to have some idea of what will happen and how to prepare
What to expect
Prepare your thoughts
Mediation is not about presenting and defending your arguments in order to "win" your case. It is definitely helpful to have thought about how you want to approach the meeting and in doing so think what might be not only your best outcome but also a realistic outcome. These might be financial but also practical or emotional needs.
Who are you bringing with you?
You may want to come on your own but often it is helpful to have someone with you. This could be a relative, friend, lawyer or someone who will be able to support you, talk to you about your thoughts and options. Remember, the mediator won't be able to suggest solutions or give advice to you. If they are not formally on your agreement to mediate, we will need to add them with a confidentiality agreement.
Get in the right frame of mind
At mediation you are looking for a solution that you and the other participant can expect. It is not adversarial, it is a shared outcome. That might mean that you will need to be prepared to compromise within a range of solutions that will work for you.