🎧 Listen to this episode if… 💬 You've got mediation coming up and don't know where to start. 😰 You're feeling stressed or unprepared to face your ex about custody or property. 📑 You want to know what to bring and how to prepare your documents. ⚖️ You need tips for negotiating calmly and confidently. 🚩 You're dealing with a high-conflict or manipulative ex. 💸 You want to avoid costly mistakes and stay out of family court. 🧠 You just want to feel ready and in control on the day. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and situations that may feel unsafe. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. You're about to head into mediation and the very thought of it makes your palms sweat. Maybe someone just mentioned "mediation" and now you're spiraling — wondering what to say, what to bring, and how to keep calm. This episode is for you if you want to feel confident, organised, and prepared (instead of panicked) before you sit down at that mediation table. Mum ( a family lawyer with over 35 years experience) and I walk you through the Top 5 things you need to do before mediation — practical, emotional, and strategic prep that will make a huge difference on the day. These aren't just lawyer tips — they're the real-world insights we've seen help countless people get through mediation feeling calmer, clearer, and more in control. We'll talk about what to do if your ex is high-conflict, avoidant, manipulative, or genuinely amicable; how to prepare your documents and disclosure; and why it's so important to have a plan for both success and failure. Plus, we touch on how to handle mediation safely if there's been family violence Free Disclosure Checklist https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist ⏱️ Episode Timeline – Mediation Preparation Tips 00:00 – What Is Mediation in Family Law? A clear introduction to how mediation works in divorce and separation cases. 01:24 – Meet the Hosts: Family Law and Divorce Experts Get to know your guides as they break down practical mediation strategies. 01:44 – Listener Stories and Divorce Mediation Experiences Real listener insights and why mediation can be both powerful and stressful. 03:18 – Understanding the Mediation Process in Divorce What happens during family law mediation — and how to get the best outcome. 05:17 – How to Prepare for Mediation: Know What You Want (and Don't Want) Tips for identifying your priorities before stepping into the room. 14:27 – Creating Your Divorce Negotiation Plan Learn how to build a negotiation strategy based on your goals and your ex's personality type. 23:06 – What Documents to Bring to Mediation Essential paperwork and evidence to prepare for property or parenting mediation. 24:09 – Court-Ordered Mediation and Section 60I Certificates Explained What happens if mediation is required before going to court. 27:24 – How to Write a Confidential Case Outline for Mediation Preparing your case outline to stay focused and calm. 28:28 – Preparing for Financial Disclosure in Mediation How to gather, label, and present financial documents effectively. 33:30 – Planning for Mediation Outcomes (Success or Failure) What to do if mediation works — or doesn't. 41:59 – Mediation and Family Violence: How to Stay Safe When to use shuttle mediation, safety plans, or legal support. 45:13 – The Top 5 Tips to Prepare for Family Law Mediation Our biggest takeaways to help you walk in calm and confident. 48:41 – Final Thoughts, Resources, and Next Steps How to keep moving forward after mediation — whatever the outcome. Resources Central Practice Directions https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/fl/pd/fam-cpd Free Disclosure Checklist https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist Episode Links MEDIATION OR MANIPULATION https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P1DjaMtXTq2sbel4qywew?si=t8swCVk2SoG6xaqE9I-D9Q Can you really mediate with a narcissist https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Vjl0I9xXUQruoAQKLVh11?si=MlD8Ku1FS02PjjLjjnlokw Do you need a lawyer for mediation? https://open.spotify.com/episode/37Zn59zn6sVlBIU0kePY7K?si=8Ih-0c5cRLuCKOPbzVVrqw When Mediation goes wrong and what you can do next https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WQhunLQVtWn02k5FT7Mpv?si=h9rJo77PR3qG7_YV9obAuQ What happens after mediation - what if you change your mind https://open.spotify.com/episode/00kTon70LllVE97X8zn9vK?si=EmjV30k1SQWp7IcqX9Yz4Q 🚨 Support Services: 1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia) Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia) ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and situations that may feel unsafe. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.