Prepare for Mediation
How to prepare
A little preparation goes a long way. Use these checklists and resources to get ready for your session.
Before your session
Preparation checklist
- Sign and return the agreement to mediate.
- Complete payment or deposit through the payment portal.
- Send your confidential summary at least a few business days before the session.
- Confirm who will attend, including anyone whose approval is needed to settle (for example, a carrier representative with settlement authority).
- Gather your key documents (see below) and have them handy.
- Think about your goals, your priorities, and what a workable outcome looks like.
- Block off the full scheduled time, and a little extra.
Your confidential summary
A one- to three-page summary helps the mediator prepare. Consider including:
- Who the parties are and how the dispute arose
- The key facts and documents
- Any settlement discussions so far
- What you hope to achieve and what's standing in the way
Tell us if any part of your summary may be shared with the other side. Otherwise it stays with the mediator.
What to bring
Helpful documents by case type
Property & Homeowners Claims
- The policy, declarations page, and endorsements
- Claim correspondence, denial or payment letters
- Estimates, photos, and inspection or engineering reports
Auto & PIP Claims
- Policy and declarations page
- Medical bills, ledgers, and explanation-of-benefits forms
- Repair estimates, valuations, and claim correspondence
Contract & Business
- The contract and any amendments
- Invoices, statements, and payment records
- Key emails, texts, and letters
Landlord & Tenant
- The lease and any addenda
- Rent ledger and deposit records
- Notices, photos, and repair records
HOA & Condo
- Relevant governing documents and rules
- Violation notices and account ledger
- Board and owner correspondence
Real Estate, Consumer & Debt
- Contracts, statements, and account agreements
- Payment history and closing or escrow documents
- Notices, collection letters, and key correspondence
Zoom sessions
Tips for remote mediation
- Test your camera, microphone, and connection the day before.
- Use a laptop or tablet if possible, plugged in or fully charged.
- Join from a quiet, private room where others can't overhear.
- Keep your camera on and your documents within reach.
- Expect to move between the main room and private breakout rooms.
- Please don't record the session. Recording is not permitted.
Mindset
Getting the most from the day
- Come ready to listen as well as to be heard.
- Focus on interests (what you actually need), not just positions.
- Weigh the cost, time, and uncertainty of continuing the dispute.
- Consult your attorney, if you have one, about any proposal.
- Remember that any agreement is your decision.
Forms & resources
Documents and helpful links
Agreement to Mediate
Sets out the ground rules, confidentiality, and fee terms for your session.
Download agreementProvided when your session is confirmed.
Case Intake Form
Basic information about the parties, counsel, and the dispute.
Open intake formProvided when your session is confirmed.
Official resources
- Florida Courts: Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Florida
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 44: Mediation Alternatives to Judicial Action
These links are for general information. Iron City ADR is not affiliated with these organizations.
Ready when you are
Schedule your mediation
Pick a date on the live calendar, or reach out with questions about your case, timing, or format.