Preparing for Mediation
The following is provided to help you prepare for your upcoming mediation. Please take the time to consider the potential issues that will be addressed and discussed during your mediation session(s). These questions are designed to start your thinking process about your child(ren)’s needs, interests, and concerns. They are designed to prepare you for the mediation process. You will not be required to share your specific answers during mediation if you are not comfortable doing so.
SIU ADR Clinic has prepared the questions below for use in First Judicial Circuit Court-Referred Mediation Programs:
ISSUES TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO MEDIATION:
1. Living arrangements of child(ren)
2. Child(ren)’s health
3. Child(ren)’s activities
4. Schooling
5. Transportation
6. Religious training
7. Holidays/special family occasions/vacation periods
OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER:
1. What are your wishes for your child(ren) in the next 5-10 years?
2. How has your child(ren) dealt with the current situation (residing in one household; visiting in the other)?
3. How can you make this situation easier for your child(ren)?
4. What is special/unique about your child(ren)?
5. Does the child(ren) have any brothers or sisters, or is the child(ren) living with other children?
6. What daily activities, outside the home, are important to your child(ren)?
7. Describe your relationship with your child(ren):
8. Describe your relationship with the other party to this mediation:
9. Describe your child(ren)’s relationship with the other adults in your home:
10. Describe your child(ren)’s relationship with the adults in the other party’s home:
11. What are your strengths as a parent?
12. What are the other’s party’s strengths as a parent?
13. Do you have any concerns about your child(ren) spending time with the other parent or any members of his/her household? If yes, what are your concerns?
14. What are your needs as the parent of this/these child(ren) in the future?
15. What problems, if any, do you anticipate dealing with any agreement we may reach in mediation?
16. Please list any other concerns or questions you would like to address in mediation: