Focus on your child’s needs.
Do not focus on your needs.
Acknowledge your child’s special needs according to his or her age, temperament, and development.
Do not assume there is a standard plan that fits the needs of all children.
Acknowledge the other parent’s strengths and bring up only valid concerns about the other parent’s ability to care for your child.
Do not bad mouth the other parent.
Acknowledge that your child needs time with both of you, in a safe environment.
Go to mediation prepared with one or more proposals for custody and timesharing.
Try and maintain a flexible and businesslike attitude throughout the mediation.
