PREPARING FOR MEDIATION
Like many things in life, preparation is key to a successful outcome. Here are a few things you should consider before commencing mediation.
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What do you want to get from the process?
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What are the alternatives if you don’t get what you want from mediation?
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Do you have all the relevant information to make choices and decisions during mediation?
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What are your boundaries, and how do you want to be treated in the future?
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What considerations could you offer to the other party to help resolve the conflict?
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What can you change or do differently to help resolve the issues?
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Take advice from colleagues, friends or even a lawyer.
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Refresh your understanding of practical listening skills.
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Think about how you might respond if certain subjects are raised.
Watch the videos below for some tips on how to ensure you get the most out of mediation.
What happens after mediation?
Mediation might not always result in an agreement, despite our best efforts. In these situations, more formal procedures will likely result. However, if an agreement is achieved, it could result in an informal or formal agreement.
Informal agreement
An informal agreement can take any form, including a simple verbal agreement regarding the steps agreed to resolve the issues.
A formal written agreement
A formal agreement between the parties is a written agreement outlining what has been agreed and what actions must be taken and when.
If there is no agreement
If the issues are not resolved during mediation, another resolution option is taking legal action in the small claims court or Fair Work Australia.