Helpful Tips for Communication During Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation can save you a lot of time and money—so long as both you and your spouse negotiate in good faith and practice positive communication. If you don’t know how to communicate effectively, you will likely experience a lot of stalls and setbacks in the mediation process.

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you communicate well with your spouse during mediation sessions.

• Avoid blame or judgments: Try to avoid using “you” statements that place the blame on your spouse, even if you truly believe they are to blame. Assigning blame doesn’t help anyone during mediation—it only serves to make the other person feel bad, or you feel superior. You are there to resolve the issues of your divorce and move on with your lives, so getting caught up in these conflicts will only make the process more difficult than it needs to be.
• Manage your emotions: It’s understandable and normal to feel strong emotions about and during your divorce. However, you must be able to set those emotions aside during mediation sessions. Stick to the facts of your case, and deal with your emotions outside of mediation.
• Consider non-verbal communication: Much of your focus will likely be on what you’re saying verbally during mediation, but pay attention to what your body is saying as well. How is your posture? Are you crossing your arms or legs, indicating discontent or anger? Are you projecting or mumbling? Are you making eye contact or looking at the table? These nonverbal methods of communication can say just as much as the words that come out of your mouth.
• Rely on your mediator: Your mediator is someone who is a professional at guiding communication and breaking down barriers. Let them do their job and help you find ways to negotiate issues in a productive, positive manner.

Work with an experienced Long Island attorney at Solutions Divorce Mediation to navigate your divorce mediation as efficiently as possible.