Mediation is a continuation of your previous negotiation efforts, using a more structured process with a neutral mediator Prior to the mediation you should consult with any advisors and fully understand all the legal aspects of your dispute Determine how much your dispute has cost you to date, and what the costs will be if you have to go all the way to trial, and what the possible outcomes of the trail could be Familiarise yourself with the mediation process and the various stages Be prepared and know all your facts! Be prepared to listen to the other parties. There are usually some unknowns and some surprises Be prepared to identify and address the emotional issues associated with the dispute. Determine the range of your options. Consider what would be your best outcome, the most likely outcome, and the worst possible acceptable outcome before you walk away from the mediation withno agreement. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments most likely to be presented by the other parties Consider the implications if you do not reach an agreement during the mediation process. Be open minded, rational and objective. There may be some options leading to a solution which you have not considered so you may need to be flexible and change your mind during the mediation process Be prepared to make smart or wise decisions. Mediation empowers the parties to reach their own agreements, however this requires you to be responsible for making decisions to achieve a solution. Trust the mediator and the process. He or she is neutral and the process has a high success rate.