The top ten reasons to consider relational mediation when resolving family law disputes:
- Don't presume its a total loss. Stop and think for a second. You most likely had a relationship with one another prior to the marriage. You were friends you communicated and worked through good times and bad. You may not be able to stay married but you can still co-parent, right?
- Stay Present in the moment: Emotions matter. Relational mediations can be just the right technique to move people past the hurt and anger of a divorce to focusing on issues that are facing you both in the divorce process. Being mindful of your own feelings and have empathy for what your ex is going through. I'm not saying its easy!
- Goals Matter: Many divorcing couples have a goal to co-parent after the divorce. How you mediate, how you resolve your differences during the divorce process matters. Relational mediations give you the power to have a voice and be heard. Relational mediations give you the opportunity to listen understand and respond to your children's other parent. Relational mediations empower you to move forward not backward.
- Win-Win Solutions are Possible: The relational approach is going to have you focus less on positions than problems that you are both facing in the divorce. You may be surprised that a collaborative approach allows you to be flexible which results in win-win solutions for you both.
- Stay on the Yellow Brick Road - This form of mediation is going to require multiple sessions - saying that stick with the rules of engagement. Use OFW to communicate and implement BIFF techniques to help reduce conflict.
