how do i prepare and succeed in mediation?

Question

regarding family courts

Answer 1

As a mediator or as a party?

As a party, all you need to do is have a clear understanding of what you're trying to accomplish (what, not how). And a willingness to be open to understanding and participating in the mediation process.

As a mediator, it's not your success. The mediator is the guide. The parties pick the destination, and the course. But to be effective, a mediator needs to be able to remain unentangled in the client's emotional issues, keep close reigns on the mediation process, and not allow the process to be hijacked or distorted.

The goal of a mediator is to be neutral, and assist the parties to accomplish what the parties want to do, within the bounds of fairness. Success is measured not by settlements reached, but in how effective you are at helping them to move past their emotional entrenchment, and make progress toward their goals.