Guide
Mediation preparation checklist for mediators
Session day fails quietly when preparation lives in email. This checklist covers the admin work between booking and the room — the same steps Neutly automates — so all parties arrive prepared and your matter file is complete.
General information only — not legal advice, mediation advice, or a substitute for professional judgment. Neutly is administrative software for mediator practices; it does not host live video or select court neutrals. Mediators and lawyers remain responsible for their work.
Updated
Parties and process fairness
Confirm every principal disputant has agreed to mediate with you and verified their contact details. All sides should receive the same information about process, fees, and next steps.
- All non-booking parties confirmed participation
- Contact details verified for every party
- Lawyer representatives identified (if any)
- Interpreter or accessibility needs noted
Documents and intake
Collect intake forms and position papers before session day. Track what is outstanding rather than relying on memory or inbox searches.
- Intake forms complete for each party
- Position papers or summaries uploaded securely
- Outstanding document reminders sent
- Sensitive material stored on the matter record — not personal email
Fees and payment status
Fee arrangements should be clear before session day. Record split fees, deposits, or manual payments on the matter file.
- Fee agreement communicated to both parties
- Payment requests sent (split if required)
- Outstanding balances followed up with reminders
- GST context documented where applicable
Session logistics
Send location, video links, and calendar details to all participants — parties and lawyers — with enough lead time.
- Session date and time confirmed
- In-person address or video links distributed
- Waiting room / caucus links prepared for virtual or hybrid sessions
- Final reminder sent before session day
After the session
Record the outcome, send any final correspondence, and keep confidential notes on the matter file for your records.
- Outcome recorded on matter file
- Final letters or confirmations sent
- Confidential practitioner notes stored securely
- Matter marked complete or follow-up scheduled