What is mediation, and why prepare?
Mediation is a collaborative process where you and the other parties work together, with a neutral mediator, to reach an agreement. Because you shape the outcome, the effort you put in beforehand directly affects what you walk away with. Preparation turns a stressful unknown into a process you can steer.
Before the day: get clear on your goals
- Separate what you genuinely need from what you'd merely prefer.
- Think about the other person's likely concerns — understanding them helps you find solutions.
- Consider realistic outcomes, not just your opening position.
- Jot down the key issues you want to cover so nothing gets missed.
What to bring
- Relevant documents — for property matters, financial records, valuations and statements.
- A written list of the issues and any proposals you've thought about.
- For parenting matters, a sense of the arrangements that would work for your children.
If you're anxious about facing the other person
That's completely normal — and easily managed. Tell us in advance and we can run 'shuttle' mediation, keeping you in separate rooms with the mediator moving between you. You never have to be face to face.
On the day: how to get the best outcome
Focus on the future, not on re-litigating the past. Listen as much as you speak. Stay open to creative solutions you hadn't considered — mediation often produces options a court never could. And remember the mediator is neutral: they're there to help everyone reach agreement, not to judge.
A note on safety
If your situation involves family violence or concerns about safety, mediation may not be appropriate, and other steps may be needed first. If you're in a crisis or immediate danger, contact emergency services. Tell us about any safety concerns in your consultation and we'll advise the right path. Some matters qualify for exemptions →