I know my ex: they won’t negotiate.

Most people who go through mediation know each other well. They know what is important to the other parent, and unfortunately, they usually know what will set them off. It is an unfortunate fact that the people who we know well seem to know how to push our buttons.

It is understandable that some people are hesitant to attend mediation when they expect that the other parent will not make any genuine effort to negotiate. Fortunately, helping parents focus on what their children need, rather than their conflict, is what we are trained to do.

The purpose of mediation is to seek what is in the best interests of the children involved. Sometimes, there may be one or both parents who are so caught up in the conflict that this becomes impossible. While this is not the norm, it certainly happens. If that is the case, after attempting mediation, the matter may need to progress into Court. However, the Court expects that parents will attempt mediation for parenting issues, short of a few exemptions.

If you would like to know more about how mediation can work in your own situation, please contact our office for a free fifteen minute phone consultation.