What Is a Pre-Mediation Call—and Why Does It Matter to You?
- Jana de Waal
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
If you’ve been asked to participate in a pre-mediation call, you might be wondering: What is this about? Is it necessary? Will it make a difference?
The answer is yes—and here’s why.
A pre-mediation call is a short, private conversation that happens before the actual mediation session. It’s between each individual party (or their lawyer, if they have one) and the mediator. It usually takes about 15 minutes, and it plays a very important role in setting the stage for a smoother, more productive mediation.
Let’s walk through what happens during this call and why it matters for you.
1. It Helps Everyone Get on the Same Page
During the call, the mediator will ask about the issues you hope to resolve—for example: parenting time, child or spousal support, property division, etc. This helps the mediator understand what the session will focus on and how to prepare.
In family law mediations, written summaries or “briefs” aren’t always provided in advance, so the call may be the only opportunity for the mediator to get a full picture of what needs to be discussed.
2. It Gives You a Chance to Be Heard—Before the Session Even Starts
This call is just between you and the mediator. It’s a chance to share:
Any concerns you have
Any important background information you think the mediator should know
Being heard early on often makes the mediation day feel more comfortable.
3. It Helps Us Understand What You Need to Feel Safe and Prepared
Family law cases can be emotional—especially if there’s a history of conflict, mistrust, or abuse. During this call, the mediator may ask you about:
Your comfort level with the other party
Whether you feel safe and respected
Whether you have any logistical needs (for example, a private room, or a virtual session instead of in-person)
The goal is to design the session in a way that helps you feel as calm and supported as possible.
4. It’s When We Talk About Family Violence Screening
One of the most important parts of the pre-mediation call is family violence screening. The mediator will ask a few confidential questions to understand whether there has ever been physical, emotional, financial, or verbal abuse in the relationship. This includes behaviors like control, intimidation, fear, or past police involvement.
Why? Because mediation only works if both parties can participate freely and safely. If the mediator identifies any risk or imbalance, they can adapt the process to make sure no one feels threatened or retraumatized.
5. It Covers the Practical Stuff, Too
The call also covers basic logistics—things like:
Where and when mediation will take place
Whether it will be in person or online
What documents you may need to bring
What to expect on the day
In Short: This Call Sets You Up for Success
Pre-mediation calls aren’t about deciding who’s right or wrong. They’re about making sure that you’re heard, that you’re safe, and that the mediation process is set up in the best possible way to help you move forward.
If you have questions during the call, don’t hesitate to ask. This is your process, too—and you deserve to feel confident walking into it.
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