Pacific Northwest Mediation

Online family law mediation

Mediation Ground Rules

  1. We agree to take turns speaking and not interrupt each other.
  2. We agree to call each other by our first names, not “he” or “she.”
  3. We will ask questions of each other for the purposes of gaining clarity and understanding.
  4. We will try to refrain from blaming, attacking, or engaging in put-downs.
  5. We will try to stay focused on the future, and structuring our relationship around the future we would like to create.
  6. We will try to listen respectfully and sincerely, and try to understand the other person’s needs and interests.
  7. We recognize, even if we do not agree with it, each of us is entitled to our own perspective.
  8. We will speak up if something is not working for us in mediation.
  9. 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.
  10. If we feel the mediator is not being impartial, we will say so.