Here are some suggestions of what to prepare and bring with you to a mediation
A willingness to listen
Parties cannot be listening if they are too busy planning what they are going to say next. You never know what you’re going to hear, so don’t assume you know what the other person will say.
An open mind
Bring creative ideas to the mediation table, and be open to the ideas of others. Be ready to put the past in the past and to find ways to form effective solutions for long-lasting neighborhood peace. Think: anything is possible!
A summary and chronology of events
For the sake of time, it is recommended that parties condense their thoughts and experiences on paper beforehand, so that they can be as direct and succinct as possible during the mediation session. A timeline of events is very useful.
Any necessary paperwork, pictures, etc.
Although the outcomes of mediation sessions do not depend on physical evidence (mediators are not judges or arbitrators), it is sometimes handy for parties to have a visual reference when dealing with certain types of disputes (such as property maintenance or land lord-tenant conflicts). This includes leases and other agreements parties may have entered into prior to mediation. Also bring any relevant records, such as police reports, land surveys, and/or judicial materials such as court orders.
A positive attitude
You get out of mediation what you put into it. Coming to the mediation table with a hopeless attitude (“We’re never going to find a solution”) will as easily produce a negative outcome as thinking “We’re going to try our best to make this situation better” will bring about positive results. Despite past feelings and experiences, your attitude is your choice and is under your control.