1) Work to resolve all issues and act in good faith.
2) Compromise.
3) Listen when someone else speaks. Avoid verbal attacks and hurtful or insulting comments.
4) Put your child(ren) first.
5) Disclose information relevant to all issues. Relevant information is anything you would want to know if the tables were turned.
6) Show up and be on time for all mediation sessions. Complete all tasks agreed upon in the previous session
7) Negotiate for yourself. Receive independent legal advice or voluntarily proceed without it.
8) Deal with the causes for the marital problems in counseling, through spiritual guidance or otherwise. Accept that marital fault is unrelated to issues that need to be resolved.
9) Litigation hinders mediation. Avoid legal action unless agreed upon in mediation or as necessary such as there is domestic violence
10) Focus on the future and move forward. Avoid dwelling on the past, and blaming.
11) Consider the other person's needs, the needs of the child(ren), and the needs of the whole family.
12) Be honest at all times, with all persons, including yourself.
