🚪 You’re about to go to mediation and don’t know what to expect
📝 You want to know what documents and disclosures you actually need
😵‍💫 You’re anxious about seeing your ex in the same room
🧠 You want practical tips to mentally and emotionally prepare
⚖️ You want to give yourself the best chance of settling
👀 You’re worried your ex is manipulative or controlling
🎯 You want a checklist of exactly what to do before the big day

Mediation can be one of the most powerful tools in your separation or divorce journey — but only if you’re properly prepared. In this episode, I sit down with my mum Lyn (a seasoned family lawyer) to reveal the top 5 things mediators wish people knew before walking into mediation.

Whether you’re facing property division, parenting negotiations, or dealing with a high-conflict or manipulative ex, we’re giving you practical, real-world strategies to set you up for success. From shuttle rooms to knowing your must-haves vs nice-to-haves, this episode is your ultimate mediation prep guide.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of family and domestic violence.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice for your situation.

00:00 Introduction to Mediation

00:10 Top Five Things Mediators Wish You Knew

01:18 Separate Rooms for Mediation -Do you have to be in the same room with your ex? (Hint: no!)

07:03 Compromise is Key - Why compromise is crucial — and how to prepare for it

11:52 Be Prepared with Documents - Clear goals vs nice-to-haves: how to prep like a pro

17:17 Anticipate Your Ex's Roadblocks

21:53 Navigating Conversations About Your Ex

22:20 Understanding Your Role in Mediation

22:29 Join Our Free Webinar

23:06 The Mediation Experience

24:13 Handling Pressure During Mediation

27:07 Preparing for Mediation -Your must-have mediation prep checklist

29:55 Dealing with Different Divorce Personality Types

34:00 Tips for staying calm and focused with difficult exes

36:26 Managing Manipulative and Controlling Exes

40:26 Where to get free mediation and disclosure checklists

• The 5 things mediators wish you knew

• How to emotionally prepare for mediation

• What to do when you’re dealing with coercive control or narcissism

• Practical tips for organising your evidence and disclosures

• The power of clear goals and flexible thinking

• How to keep calm and avoid being derailed

• The truth about compromise — and how to protect yourself while doing it

• Why you’re still in control, even if you feel overwhelmed

• Using mediation as a tool — even if your ex is impossible

• The role of support people, tech tips, and being emotionally ready

• 🎙️ Can You Mediate With a Narcissist? https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Vjl0I9xXUQruoAQKLVh11?si=pQpMWvz_RHKapxZ07AgkoA

• 🎙️ Mediation or Manipulation? https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P1DjaMtXTq2sbel4qywew?si=EeVPhl6dTDiphTLXhoeTaA

• 🎙️ What Happens After Mediation https://open.spotify.com/episode/00kTon70LllVE97X8zn9vK?si=YPRmwZVQQ7-sakgcA6J7_g

💜 Women’s Shelter Service: 1800 811 811
⚖️ Legal Aid: Visit your state’s Legal Aid website
📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis Support): 13 11 14
👨‍👦 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
👧 Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
🚨 National DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
🖤 Aboriginal Family DV Hotline: 1800 019 123