1. Don’t make decisions based on emotions.
  2. Don’t let friends/family influence decisions and/or criticize decisions made in mediation.
  3. Don’t let friends/family criticize mediator and/or mediation process.
  4. Don’t listen to friends/family who want you to drop mediation and hire “shark” or “aggressive” lawyer to “win” the case.
  5. Don’t allow other party or mediator pressure you into settling for something you’re not comfortable with.
  6. Don’t breach confidentiality of mediation by discussing specifics with family/friends/kids.
  7. Don’t try to convince everyone that you are right.
  8. Don’t ignore communications from mediator.
  9. Don’t procrastinate

Stay calm- Don’t yell, speak in a raised voice or try to interrupt others when they are talking.