Preparing for Mediation: What Parties Should Know

From the Perspective of a Certified Family Financial Mediator

Mediation isn’t just a meeting, it’s a process that begins long before the parties walk into the room. At GHMA | LAW, we’ve seen firsthand how preparation directly affects outcomes. Clients who arrive informed, organized, and emotionally steady are far more likely to reach meaningful, enforceable agreements.

Whether you're attending Family Financial Mediation for equitable distribution, spousal support, or other divorce-related issues, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.

Why Preparation Matters

Mediation is a confidential, structured negotiation where both parties, with the help of their attorneys and a certified neutral mediator, attempt to settle their legal disputes outside of court. The better prepared you are, the more control you’ll have over the process and its outcome.

Unlike trial, where a judge imposes a decision, mediation depends on your ability to participate meaningfully and make informed decisions. That starts with preparation, which can be legal, financial, and emotional.

What to Do Before Mediation

1. Review Your Legal Position with Your Attorney
Before the mediation session, you should have a firm grasp of what’s at issue: what you’re asking for, what you’re willing to compromise on, and what a likely court outcome might look like. Your attorney will help you weigh the costs and benefits of settlement versus trial.

2. Organize Your Financial Information
Your attorney will help prepare a list of marital assets and debts — this is critical in equitable distribution cases. You should also be ready to discuss:

• Bank accounts, retirement and investment accounts
• Real estate and mortgage obligations
• Business valuations (if applicable)
• Vehicle loans and credit card debts
• Income, expenses, and tax considerations

3. Prepare Emotionally
Mediation is not therapy, but it does involve emotionally charged conversations. Expect some tension — and trust the process. Your mediator is trained to keep things respectful and productive.

4. Think Strategically, Not Vindictively
You’re not trying to “win” mediation but instead working towards resolution that allows you to move forward. Focus on long-term solutions, not short-term victories.

What to Expect During the Session

Most family mediations are scheduled for a full day. They may take place in person or virtually and often involve both joint sessions and private caucuses (where each party speaks separately with the mediator).

Your attorney will be present throughout, advising you and helping shape proposals. The mediator will facilitate negotiation, offer neutral feedback, and help reality-test settlement options.

The goal: reach a signed agreement that resolves the issues and avoids trial.

Mediation Services at GHMA | LAW

Whether you're here at the suggestion of your attorney or independently seeking to understand how family law mediation works, the resources on our website are designed to provide clarity, not confusion. At GHMA | LAW, our certified Family Financial Mediators work with parties who are represented by counsel to resolve divorce-related disputes through structured, confidential negotiation.

While our mediators do not typically conduct sessions where one or both parties are unrepresented, we recognize that many individuals research mediation as a potential alternative to litigation. These resources are here to help you better understand how mediated agreements are reached. When divorcing individuals are prepared and supported by legal counsel, mediation often provides a more focused, respectful, and less adversarial path forward.

As Board Certified Specialists in Family Law and Certified Family Financial Mediators, we provide not only dispute resolution, but also clarity, structure, and an environment that honors the emotional weight of this transition. We offer these materials to help you understand the mediation process from both a practical and human perspective. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to speak with your attorney or reach out to us for more information.

Key Takeaways

• Strong preparation improves mediation outcomes — legally, financially, and emotionally.
• Work closely with your attorney to understand your position and prepare documentation.
• Focus on resolution and future stability, not confrontation.
• GHMA | LAW offers structured, effective mediation for represented clients navigating separation and divorce.