Mediation: Be Penny Wise and Not Pound Foolish

Mediation can sometimes be an art form as getting two parties who wish to divorce and are at opposite ends of the agreement spectrum can be quite a feat but I am proud to say in 97% of the cases we see, we manage to come to an agreement each party finds fair and equitable. Naturally that leases us with the proverbial 3%… This is the couple who for some reason or another thinks they can get a better deal litigating or throws down the gauntlet and says “I’m not doing that – over my dead body.” Not only is that unproductive, it’s unrealistic as usually the demand that precedes a statement like that is something minor. Perhaps a couple agreed how to split $2 million in assets yet are arguing over a toaster. The idea here is to be penny wise and not pound foolish when it comes to divorce mediation. While I understand there are lines in the sand one must draw and not allow others to cross, all I ask is that each of you consider the demands you’re making and think to yourself: “if I go to court to fight this out, will it be worth it?” In the end compromise is about getting some and giving some so by following that simple rule as your guide, your mediation will go much better than my friends who really, really, really love that toaster…