Thinker, I like this plan the best. She and I can be discussing splitting up property over the holidays pre-mediator.
Or just stop the discussions for the holidays completly. Schedule the mediation session for January, AND THEN LET IT SIT THERE.
Do your own homework to prepare for the mediation session. The first mediation session will most likely be based around the split of income and financial assets, so gather information on your income, assets, debts, etc., but you don't need to discuss it with her.
There's no need for you to be the bad guy here or to discuss anything regarding this with her outside of mediation. This can only go against you. Let the mediator play this role by asking questions with you providing the answer.
Also, use the time to line up a L for yourself.
If you want to put some additional "real world consequences" pressure on her, schedule an introductory meeting with a mediator - see if a mediator will do one for free. Goals would be to discuss the mediation process, what information is collected, what analysis would be done, what decisions are made, etc. This can give a cold, unemotional look at the process that is to follow without you having to play the role of hard voice of reason. You can just sit back and empathize with her about how painful this will be.
Last edited by Thinker; 12/08/0906:16 PM.
Me 42, W 39, S8, S6, S2 M 11y, A & ILYBNILWY 11/08 Walking away from a bad situation.
