How best to prepare for mediation?

Preparation for mediation (as for litigation) is fundamental to its success. Like any mediator, I advise people to consider carefully what needs to happen for their life to be resumed on the happier trajectory it followed prior to the dispute. Any trainee mediator is taught that people’s first feelings about this are often inaccurate, because needs and wants are not the same.

They must also consider carefully where their red lines (i.e. bottom lines) currently are. There must be confidential clarity about the most that someone will give away, and the least they will accept. Getting these established will set you up well for your first consultation with me. To assist us both, there is a Briefing and Guidance Note in the Documents section of this website which I ask all potential parties to fill out prior to a consultation.