Consider Your Demeanor and Its Effect on Your Mediation

It is not at all unusual or unexpected for there to be at least some degree of tension during divorces and the mediation process. It is on each party to do their part to minimize that tension so mediation can be as efficient and effective as possible.

Your demeanor and how you carry yourself can have a significant impact on your divorce mediation. This goes beyond what you say, and includes nonverbal communication.

Here are some tips for how you can address your demeanor and set yourself up for success in mediation.

• Stay attentive: Sit with good posture and clearly listen to what your spouse or the mediator is saying. Slouching or appearing uninterested will increase the tension and the room and make it more difficult to resolve your divorce issues.
• Watch your tone: Avoid a tone of voice that is unnecessarily abrasive, accusatory or hostile. Try to be as even-keeled as possible, and avoid getting loud to the point where it could be taken as ranting or yelling.
• Aim for empathy: Attempt to be understanding of your spouse. Repeat their priorities and vocally recognize that you understand what they are saying and you hear them.
• Avoid bringing up fault: There’s no need to bring up past disputes or situations. You are both here to move forward. Never bring up disputes that happened in the past because what’s done is done. Chances are bringing them up would only damage your mediation and make it less efficient.
• Make concessions: It is not weakness to make concessions. If anything, it shows a lot of strength and character and indicates to your spouse that you’re willing to work with them in good faith.

For more tips about how to conduct yourself during mediation sessions, contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Solutions Divorce Mediation.