Mediation Ground Rules
- We agree to take turns speaking and not interrupt each other.
- We agree to call each other by our first names, not “he” or “she.”
- We will ask questions of each other for the purposes of gaining clarity and understanding.
- We will try to refrain from blaming, attacking, or engaging in put-downs.
- We will try to stay focused on the future, and structuring our relationship around the future we would like to create.
- We will try to listen respectfully and sincerely, and try to understand the other person’s needs and interests.
- We recognize, even if we do not agree with it, each of us is entitled to our own perspective.
- We will speak up if something is not working for us in mediation.
- While in mediation, we will try to avoid going to court (except in the case of an emergency). If there is a problem that needs to be resolved, we will try to work it ourselves or with the help of the mediator.
- If we feel the mediator is not being impartial, we will say so.