Typically, when couples decide to divorce, at least one of the two involved decides to get "educated". In many cases, learning about mediation comes by accident from endless searching for other divorce information on the internet. Many people quickly endorse the concept as they realize they will save a lot of money, have control over what is decided and minimize negative feelings, all in favor of moving forward. When people understand that mediation is an exciting alternative to going to court, they want to "sell" the process to their spouse. Unfortunately, it is not always met with open arms.

It is also not uncommon for one spouse to immediately head to the lawyer's office when the decision is made to separate or divorce. Protecting assets and "wanting the children" are some of the more typical motivators. There the attorney advises his new client to not discuss anything with the other spouse and that he will do all the talking. He might also describe potential favorable outcomes of a court hearing that essentially sell the new client on the need for continuing legal services. It is also important to add here that attorneys are needed in the divorce process; they just might not be needed to help you work out your parenting plan or how you plan to financially manage your future. Any good mediator will encourage you to have an attorney available on an advisory basis to answer any legal questions or help you understand the legal implications of any decisions you may be considering.

Now you have one spouse who wants to mediate and one spouse who may or may not have retained an attorney. One of the biggest obstacles in convincing your spouse to mediate is the feeling of superiority. If your spouse believes you are very knowledgeable about mediation, then a feeling that you have the "upper hand" may be perceived. On the other hand, if your spouse has an attorney who has made assertions of success, then your spouse may already have feelings of superiority over you. Your opportunity to propose mediation should be during a time when immediate conflict is at a minimum. In other words, it probably will be met with a brick wall right after a fight. If you have children, ask them to go do something outside of hearing distance. The most important thing is to speak calmly, allowing your spouse to speak and ask questions. When answering questions, reply that "The mediator's web site said that...." as opposed to sounding like it is you who has all the answers.

Don't appear to have too much information or sound like an expert. If you have learned about mediation by internet research, bookmark a few sites that your spouse may visit so that personal research may be done without the perception of pressure from you. If you have printed information, share a copy of each brochure. Be sure to know how it works and what it costs. Suggest that mediation has helped many divorcing couples work out their differences without spending thousands of dollars and that neither one of you can have a decision forced upon you or be bound to agree to anything that you do not wish. And if your spouse has an attorney, that attorney may also be present at any mediation. Lastly, state that you never, ever forfeit your right to resort to going to court. In other words, there's nothing to lose.