Spousal Support, which is money paid from one spouse to the other after separation or divorce, is not a given. There are several factors that must be considered to determine whether you receive support. Though the amount of Spousal Support to be received is often based on the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG), which is NOT law, the amount of spousal support can be negotiated and resolved by the parties in mediation.  

Negotiation breakdowns can occur for various reasons, and understanding these causes is key to preventing or resolving them. Here are some common causes and what to do about it.

Preparing for your mediation is essential for successful outcomes and agreement. Follow some of these key tips to help you achieve success: maintain an open mind, identify your priorities, ask thoughtful questions, and address challenges respectfully. Stay calm and focused to facilitate understanding and resolution.

Patience is key in Mediation: Why Rushing to Solutions Can Be Counterproductive

Mediation is a strategic process that requires patience, preparation, and a willingness to compromise. When parties come to the table, they bring a lot with them - their emotions, histories, expectations, positions, etc. Rushing to solutions can undermine the mediation process, leading to less sustainable agreements or even complete breakdowns in negotiations.

When conflicts or disagreements escalate, our first impulse is often to think "I want to sue!" This knee-jerk reaction is fueled by anger and hurt, making the idea of having a rational discussion with the other party seem unfathomable in the heat of the moment. 

What's more, many people may not even be aware of the option of mediation, a highly effective method for resolving disputes without the exorbitant costs and prolonged timelines associated with litigation, court proceedings, or arbitration where the outcome is decided by someone else.

Conflict and disputes occur for many reasons—miscommunication, differing values and interests, misunderstandings, false assumptions, etc.  If left unresolved, disputes and conflicts can result in negative impacts to you and others, such as damaged relationships, poisonous environments, increased stress, poor health, staff turnover, decreased revenues, etc. and even litigation.

Mediation is a quick, efficient, conflict resolution process that is a significantly less costly alternative to litigating, quitting a job, or leaving a relationship.