Online Mediation
Our online mediation service allows you to stay in the comfort of your own environment while connecting with others. We know that transportation is hard for some clients and that other medically compromised individuals may not want to venture out.
Online Mediation Available for Multiple Situations
Whether you are involved in a civil law, family law, or cross border mediation, you can still meet. Mediations are scheduled at a time convenient for everyone involved, no matter the type of situation you have. This helps those clients who live farther away or are traveling for work as well.
Meeting Online Is Convenient
Before the recent COVID-19 pandemic, virtual meetings were an easy way for busy professionals to meet without having to travel to a specific location. Now, virtual meetings have become even more critical as the world tries to create distance between social circles. Not only do online mediations allow a safe distance for health concerns at an in-person meeting, but they also provide an alternative for those clients who can’t meet for other reasons. Online mediations are also convenient for those clients who have mobility issues or can’t find childcare.
Online Mediation Cuts Down on Delays
Many courtrooms are still backed up or only seeing a certain number of cases. Choosing online mediation allows you to talk about your situation and reach a mutual agreement without the need for a court date. There are fewer delays and time commitment issues when meeting virtually, as most everyone has access to a computer. Finding a time to meet is often easier when you don’t need to factor in travel time as well. Choosing online mediation helps the process move along and is only defined by everyone’s schedules and availability involved.
Meeting Online Is Less Confrontational
It can be hard to meet face to face with someone that you disagree with. Another benefit of online mediation is the distance that it puts between the two opposing parties. Virtual mediation allows you to communicate through a computer that offers a buffer between you and the opposing party. Successful mediations only occur when both parties are willing to work together to find a mutual agreement. Online mediation can work in favor of a client who feels less comfortable or intimidated when in the room with the other party.
Online Mediation FAQ
Do you still have questions about how online mediation can work in your case? Check out the following frequently asked questions to learn more about this new virtual service.
What Kind of Equipment Do I Need for Online Mediation?
Most online mediations occur over a video conferencing site such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. All you need is a device that can connect to the internet along with a microphone and camera. Most clients use a laptop or desktop computer for their online mediation, while others can use a tablet or smartphone. Both video and audio equipment are required for virtual mediations.
Who Is Involved in Online Mediation?
Any type of mediation includes at least two opposing parties willing to work together to find a mutual agreement. The mediator is also present to help guide along the conversation and make sure that everyone is getting a turn to speak. Sometimes a mediation includes attorneys for each individual, but it isn’t required.
How Long Do Online Mediation Sessions Last?
Online mediations last about the same amount of time of an in-person session, which is 2-4 hours on average. Sometimes online mediations last a little longer to address any technical issues or lost signals during the process. Working from a computer is usually best for online mediations due to the long time commitment needed.
Make sure that your device is fully charged or plugged in so that you don’t lose connection due to low battery issues. It is also a good idea to sit in a quiet room without a lot of distractions or other noise that could delay the process. Headphones are particularly helpful in blocking out unwanted noise and for privacy, but not required.
Can Everyone Involved Meet Online?
Yes. While in-person meetings help benefit the process and cut down on technical issues, all involved parties can meet virtually for online mediation. This would require that everyone have the right technology in place and can take some extra time as signals sometimes are slowed due to more participants in the online group.
Are Online Mediations Confidential?
Yes. Any specific information shared during a mediation session is kept confidential. When a mediator does have to report to the court, it often only involves the outcome of the mediation session and whether an agreement was reached. Online security is a factor when meeting virtually and all of our online meditations take place on a secure server with privacy protections.
Does the Other Party Need to Approve My Desire to Meet Online?
Yes. When wanting to meet online instead of in-person, please tell your mediator your desire to do so. They will make sure that this arrangement is okay with the opposing party before the session is scheduled.
Will I Be Treated Differently by Not Being Physically Present?
No. The mediator’s job is to make sure that you get your voice heard and understood by the other party. This means that the mediator will take extra special care to communicate with you in the same way they would if you were sitting at the table. Remember that the mediator’s job is to help you and the opposing party find a mutual agreement together. If they can’t hear you or get your opinion, the mediation stops.
If you ever feel like your voice is not being heard, or are having technical difficulties, make sure to tell the mediator. You can often call the mediator directly if your device has technical issues. If a mediation session cannot continue, the mediator may try to help you fix the problem or reschedule for a later date.
