Examples of Ground Rules Used During Mediation

During the first mediation session you attend for your divorce, your mediator will likely either work with you to establish some ground rules for the session or lay out a set of such rules for you. The point of these rules is to ensure everyone feels they can speak and be respected during discussions.

Here are a few examples of some common ground rules used by mediators:

• Both parties will take turns speaking and avoid interrupting each other.
• Both parties will ask helpful questions to understand each other’s position, not to attack.
• Both parties will listen carefully and respectfully, and practice empathy to understand each other’s perspectives.
• Both parties are entitled to their own perspectives, even if they do not agree.
• Both parties will refer to each other by name.
• Both parties are allowed to request a break if they feel it would be beneficial.
• Both parties have the right to point out if they feel the mediator is not being impartial in their guidance.
• Both parties will speak up if they feel a mediation strategy is not helpful for them.
• Both parties agree to sincerely attempt to avoid arguing or venting and to focus on the future rather than the past.

Ground rules will vary from case to case, and they can be customized to your needs. It is good to establish these rules from the outset of your case so you will both be playing with the same rules.

For more information about what to expect from your mediation sessions, contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Solutions Divorce Mediation.