1. Come prepared to the mediation session with all financial documents germane to the negotiation. 2. Be prepared and willing to compromise. Mediation is not a "zero-sum" game. It is about understanding the positions of the other side and reaching an agreement that works for both parties.

1. From the Desk of Jeff Weissman:
Tips for Successful Family Mediation

2. Introduction
• 1. Come prepared to the mediation session with all
financial documents germane to the negotiation.
2. Be prepared and willing to compromise. Mediation is
not a "zero-sum" game. It is about understanding the
positions of the other side and reaching an agreement
that works for both parties.
3. Put your children’s needs first. Consider potential
issues such as living arrangements before you come to
mediation. Think about your child’s particular health
care needs, educational requirements, plans for holidays
and other special events, discipline, and religious
training.

3. Tips
• 4. Be polite, honest, and respectful. Pay close
attention and listen to what the other person has to
say. Avoid rude behavior or body language such as
rolling your eyes or sighing. Do not threaten or raise
your voice. Request a short break if you become too
emotional to think or speak clearly.
5. If you do not understand a comment, ask for
clarification. If necessary, repeat what the person
said and request confirmation. If you do not agree,
calmly explain your reasoning. Be realistic.

4. Conclusion
• 6. Get plenty of rest the night before mediation and eat a
nourishing meal so that you can think clearly during the
mediation session. Dress comfortably. Arrive on time,
because showing up late may set up an adversarial
atmosphere before the mediation session begins.
Attorney Jeff Weissman maintains board certification in
marital and family law and operates as a Florida
Supreme Court Family Mediator. A Juris Doctor
recipient from the University of Pennsylvania Law
School, Mr. Weissman serves as a Partner with
Gladstone & Weissman, P.A., Legal Services in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida.