Help Clients Avoid These 3 Common Mediation Mistakes

Send Us a Message (include your contact info if you'd like a reply)Mediation is becoming more and more popular as a means for couples to negotiate their divorce and co-parenting agreements. And many courts are now requiring mediation before hearing or trial dates can be set. But clients who aren’t properly prepared for mediation often make common mistakes that are obstacles to successful negotiation. Today we want to talk about a few of these mistakes and how you, as a divorce coach, can help set your client up for a better mediation experience.Mistake #1: Not understanding the process or the role of the mediatorSOLUTION: Divorce coaches can help clients understand that the mediator is a neutral facilitator and their role is to provide a fair process, not a fair outcome. Clients don't need to "make their case" to the mediator or worry that the mediator will "like" their spouse better. We support our client to identify what kind of mediation process they want, participate in selection of the right mediator, and prepare for engaging effectively in the process.Mistake #2: Letting emotions run the showSOLUTION: We support our client in developing skills that allow them to respond strategically rather than react emotionally including tools to tolerate distress.  We work to help them focus on solutions and the future rather than problems and the past. And we do some reality testing around the idea of emotional justice.Mistake #3: Being unprepared to negotiateSOLUTION: Divorce coaches can help clients identify underlying interests (both their own and those of the other party) to avoid engaging in positional bargaining. We assist with flexible thinking and proposal development and well as strategic language and decision making. If you'd like to learn more about helping clients be more prepared for mediation, join the waitlist for the next session of Pre-Mediation Divorce Coach training - a 6-week intensive to get you ready to support clients through the process.You can learn more about DCA™ or find out about any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/divorcecoachesacademyLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/divorce-coaches-academyEmail: [email protected] Learn more about DCA® or any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.comInstagram: @divorcecoachesacademyLinkedIn: divorce-coaches-academyEmail: [email protected]

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