First time going to mediation? Here’s what you need to know.

Mediation is a facilitated negotiation and first step in conflict resolution typically recommended before further litigation. The mediator plays an important role in helping the parties understand each other’s interests and helps them generate options to come to an agreement on how to move forward.

First off, let me acknowledge the difficult situation you’re in. No one goes to mediation because they are happy with their circumstances or they’ve been able to come to an agreement already. You might be preparing for a fight. You might be worried about showing your emotions or being on the receiving end of an outburst from the other party. You might be worried about how things will turn out, or that you’ll be forced to concede too much.

Know that your mediator is there to help. They’re there to give you the space to tell your perspective and help both sides come to a resolution they can live with. Here’s what to expect, and some tips to make the process a little easier for you.

What is mediation?

The Canadian Bar Association defines mediation as “the intervention into a dispute or negotiation by an acceptable, impartial and neutral third party who has no decision making power, to assist disputing parties in voluntarily reaching their own mutually acceptable settlement…