Deborah Lynn Zutter, A Vancouver family lawyer and divorce mediator

"Be prepared" is a familiar motto. But if you're going through divorce, preparing for mediation is especially important, says Deborah Lynn Zutter, a Vancouver, BC-based lawyer, mediator, and author of the newly revised book, Preparing for Mediation: A Dispute Resolution Guide (2^nd edition). Being prepared for mediation helps take the fear out of the divorce process; it can also smooth the way for a successful resolution because you'll no longer feel passive and helpless. And if those reasons aren't compelling enough, preparing for mediation will also, ultimately, help you get on with your life.

Disputes are part of the human experience. But as Deb notes, most people approach resolution with trepidation. From her 25 years experience in the dispute resolution field, and the research she conducted for her Master of Laws degree, Deb realized that fear of the unknown in mediation was incredibly counter-productive. So she decided to do something about it: she wrote a groundbreaking book to help individuals understand and prepare for mediation.

If you've been encouraged or directed by the courts to resolve your dispute through mediation, Preparing for Mediation will help you demystify the process and be clear and organized about your settlement goals, so you can go on to a successful resolution. "When you open the door and shine a light on the process, your energy is no longer focused on dealing with the unknown," explains Deb. "Instead, there's a commitment and confidence about resolving the conflict because you know what you're supposed to do." Mediation also leads to compassion. You've focused on the dispute instead of on your anger with each other. Because you have considered each other's needs when reaching the resolution you are more likely to create an agreement that will work. If you're going through divorce, and are about to enter the mediation process, Preparing for Mediation was written for you, with these goals in mind.

Using Preparing for Mediation

Preparing for Mediation is a valuable tool for disputants and their lawyers as well as students training as dispute resolution professionals. It can either be read and used in its entirety as a comprehensive guidebook or picked up as a quick reference to answer a specific question or concern. Deb suggests that people involved in dispute start by looking at the index of the book. "Go there first," she says. "Also, be sure to use the glossary at the back of the book; there's a lot of jargon in mediation." The book organizes preparation into logical and efficient steps. Tools, in the form of Checklists and Tips, are provided for each step. (The Checklists are free with purchase of the book through the book's website, www.preparingformediation.com.)

Chapter one will help you choose the resolution process that makes sense for your dispute. Chapters 2 through 10 focus on preparation for mediation by disputants and their attorneys. Deb also introduces two new concepts in this new edition: Goals and Interests. Interests involves acknowledging your fears and concerns and turning them into your hopes and needs, while Goals provide "jet fuel" at the beginning of mediation, infusing hope and giving you a compelling reason to work through the process. However you choose to use the book, Preparing for Mediation will provide useful, objective information and tips to help you prepare for a successful mediation and thereby reducing the level of anxiety associated with the mediation of marital disputes.

Isn't it time to get on with your life? Begin today, by Preparing for Mediation.

To order your copy of the book, visit www.preparingformediation.com or call (604) 913-4399. Preparing for Mediation is also available through special order at bookstores everywhere.

For more information, please contact:

Phone: (604) 913-4399
Fax: (604) 662-7466
deb@debzutter.com
www.debzutter.com

 Deborah Lynn Zutter has written the following articles:

• Tips for people considering divorce mediation
• Selecting the right divorce resolution process
• Guideposts: Goals, Guidelines, Objectives & Interests
• FAQs: "What is involved in gathering data for mediation?"
• FAQs: "Can I be forced to go to family mediation?"