I’m Afraid or Worried
Mediation isn’t appropriate for everyone… even if it’s court-ordered.
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Have you ever been afraid of your partner/your ex-partner?
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Do you think it might be hard to stand up to him/her or say what you really want or think?
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Are you worried s/he might get back at you for something you say or do in mediation?
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If there is a history of hurtful behavior, manipulation, domination, threats, or actual violence, mediation may not be appropriate. Tell your attorney, if you have one, and tell the mediator.
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You can ask the court for an excuse or waiver if you feel intimidated or fear for your safety.
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Or, if you are afraid or concerned about manipulation, etc., but you want to mediate, talk with your mediator about altering the mediation process.
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You can bring your attorney or a support person,
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You and the other person can be in separate rooms, and the mediator will go back and forth, or
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You can mediate by conference call or Skype. You have options. See below for others.
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Helpful Steps
About Mediation
Dealing with Conflict
Select a Mediator
Required Class(es)
FAQs
Forms, Handouts, and Surveys
Over 70% reach an agreement on some or all issues in divorce or custody cases (6th Judicial District of Iowa)
You have more control over the outcome.
You know best what will work for you. In mediation, it is your voice, your decision…your solution.
What Others Had to Say
We explored different options in a calm, neutral environment.
Getting difficult cases settled without the uncertainty and cost of litigation.
Mediation should occur earlier, when people still want to resolve things and before the anger starts to accumulate.
I’m Afraid or Worried
Mediation isn’t appropriate for everyone… even if it’s court-ordered.
-
Have you ever been afraid of your partner/your ex-partner?
-
Do you think it might be hard to stand up to him/her or say what you really want or think?
-
Are you worried s/he might get back at you for something you say or do in mediation?
-
If there is a history of hurtful behavior, manipulation, domination, threats, or actual violence, mediation may not be appropriate. Tell your attorney, if you have one, and tell the mediator.
-
You can ask the court for an excuse or waiver if you feel intimidated or fear for your safety.
-
Or, if you are afraid or concerned about manipulation, etc., but you want to mediate, talk with your mediator about altering the mediation process.
-
You can bring your attorney or a support person,
-
You and the other person can be in separate rooms, and the mediator will go back and forth, or
-
You can mediate by conference call or Skype. You have options. See below for others.
-
Helpful Steps
About Mediation
Dealing with Conflict
Select a Mediator
Required Class(es)
FAQs
Forms, Handouts, and Surveys
Advantages of Mediation
Over 70% reach an agreement on some or all issues in divorce or custody cases (6th Judicial District of Iowa)
You have more control over the outcome.
You know best what will work for you. In mediation, it is your voice, your decision…your solution.
What Others Had to Say
We explored different options in a calm, neutral environment.
Getting difficult cases settled without the uncertainty and cost of litigation.
Mediation should occur earlier, when people still want to resolve things and before the anger starts to accumulate.